Poecilotheria rufilata (Red Slate Ornamental Tarantula)

Poecilotheria rufilata (Red Slate Ornamental Tarantula)

One of the most gorgeous Poecilotheria, or "Pokies," in the hobby, the Red Slate Ornamental has wowed keepers for decades. Adults sport a gorgeous green and yellow coat with red hairs, and the underside can show purple, blue, red, yellow, and green coloration, making this one of the most colorful Pokies in the genus. There have been reports of specimens reaching up to 10 inches at full leg span, which would make it allegedly the largest arboreal tarantula in the world. While that goliath size is hard to confirm, keepers can definitely expect a max size around 9 inches. Grab this old world tarantula for sale today if you want a giant arboreal with coloration that genuinely competes with anything else in the hobby.

Why do hobbyists keep Poecilotheria rufilata?

• Stunning Coloration: A green and yellow coat with red hairs on top, and an underside that flashes purple, blue, red, yellow, and green.
• Large Size: Reaches around 9 inches at full leg span, with reports of specimens pushing toward 10 inches, one of the largest arboreal tarantulas in the world.
• Great Display Species: Sits out on bark in a tall enclosure once settled.

How should Poecilotheria rufilata be kept?

• Adult Size: Reaches around 9 inches at full leg span, with reports of specimens pushing toward 10 inches.
• Enclosure: Provide a tall arboreal setup at least 3 times the leg span in height and 2 times the leg span in width and depth, with vertical cork bark reaching near the top.
• Temperature: Keep between 75 to 82 degrees F, reflecting this species' warm Indian origin.
• Humidity: 70-80%, with good ventilation to prevent stagnant air.
• Water: Provide a shallow water dish placed in an elevated position if possible. This is more natural for arboreal species and helps prevent crickets from falling in and drowning.
• Diet: Crickets, roaches, or mealworms sized to about a quarter of the leg span, matching the width of the carapace (head). Feed at least once a week.
• Temperament: Defensive and fast, it carries a medically significant bite typical of old world species, so this is a display only animal. We do not encourage or recommend handling with any of our tarantulas, old world species especially.

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

• Communal Note: This species can only be kept communally if the group was never separated. Do not combine previously separated individuals, even briefly.
• Captive Bred: All Tarantulas are 100% captive bred.