Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli (Tiger Ornamental Tarantula)

The Tiger Ornamental is one of the most striking arboreal pokies in the hobby, and a true standout for anyone looking to grab this Old World Tarantula for sale before it lands in more serious U.S. collections. Adults develop a stunning purple wash across the femurs and carapace, with bold yellow and black striping down the legs and long red setae that catch the light every time this spider moves. Mature females are heavy-bodied and impressive, reaching around a 7" leg span.

Why do hobbyists keep Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli?

• Striking Purple Coloration: vivid purple wash across the femurs and carapace on mature specimens, with amazing yellow and black striping and red setae along the legs!
• Impressive Adult Size: large arboreal pokie reaching around 7" leg span at maturity
• Apex Predator Behavior: known for taking down prey close to their own size, including lizards, geckos, and small birds in the wild
• Active Display Species: high canopy dwellers that spend plenty of time out in the open once settled
• Rare in U.S. Captivity: newer to U.S. collections and not commonly available

How should Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli be kept?

• Adult Size: large arboreal pokie reaching around 7" leg span at maturity
• Enclosure: tall arboreal setup with vertical cork bark or a tube-style hide, anchor points for extensive webbing. Good ventilation is critical. Cross ventilation works best — mesh panels on opposing sides keep fresh air moving through the enclosure without drying it out.
• Temperature: 65-75°F with stable conditions, cooler end preferred for this genus
• Humidity: moderate with good airflow, light misting on the webbing rather than soaking the substrate
• Water dish at base: shallow water dish at the bottom of the enclosure, refreshed regularly
• Diet: prey about the size of the carapace (head), crickets and roaches readily accepted, this species will overpower prey close to its own size even as a spiderling

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

• Spiderling Markings: juveniles show their own striped pattern that hints at adult coloration but reads differently from mature specimens
• Fast and Defensive: pokies are nutoriously fast, but are less aggressive than some groups of old world arboreals
• Medically Significant: All pokies are medically significant due to their tenacies 

Listing Notes

Unsexed spiderlings available.