Current size: 1.5”
Unsexed Slings
Poecilotheria are one of the most loved genera in the hobby, because of their beautiful patterning, and Poecilotheria metallica is probably the favorite and most well know species of the genus because of the intense blue coloration that is truly unique and absolutely stunning. This is an arboreal species of Asian tarantula, native to India. Adult females get about 6" or so in leg span and males mature a little smaller. As they get older, the females will eventually have some of the blue start darkening to black, but even then, you can be certain to have a very eye-catching specimen. These are very quick, and in our personal experience, seem to be the least prone to digging of the Poecilotheria species we've kept here at Shane's Spiders. They are a little shy and tend to avoid bright lighting more than the other species, but you will still get to see these beauties pretty often.
Note: While the temperament of most specimens of the species is skittish and non confrontational, please be aware that the venom of Poecilotheria species is reported to be one of the most severe for people, and while not lethal, there are likely to be very intense, and undesirable effects, so be respectful to the spider, and take the basic precautions to avoid being in that situation.
Here at Shane's Spiders, we keep our pokies with mostly moist substrate to keep the environment a bit more humid. Most species in the genus have a pretty strong feeding response and a very good appetite, which results in a pretty quick growth rate. P. metallica though (in general) does tend to be a little less hungry and definitely slower growing than most the others in the genus. We haven't had any issues ever with keeping them alive and healthy, but sometimes the lowered feeding response and growth rate can be a concern for those unfamiliar with the species, and we just want to make it known that it is normal that they will take food more sparingly and not always be as bold about large prey items as most the other species.
