Poecilotheria formosa - Salem Ornamental Tarantula
Poecilotheria formosa - Salem Ornamental Tarantula

Poecilotheria formosa - Salem Ornamental Tarantula

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Poecilotheria formosa – Salem Ornamental Tarantula

The Salem Ornamental (Poecilotheria formosa) is a rare and captivating Old World arboreal tarantula from southern India. With striking patterns of silver, lavender, and deep charcoal, it’s one of the most elegant Poecilotheria species in the hobby. Its graceful movements, fast growth, and stunning appearance make it a favorite among advanced keepers seeking a visually striking showpiece for their collection.

📣 Special Notices
Check out my YouTube channel for in-depth care videos, feeding demonstrations, and setup tips for Poecilotheria species like P. formosa. I show exactly how I maintain humidity and airflow for healthy, thriving ornamentals.
🌿 Care Details
🌡️ Temperature 75–85°F (24–29°C)
💧 Humidity 75–80%, with consistent ventilation
🏠 Housing
Babies Vial 5" tall × 2" diameter; provide web anchors and light misting every few days.
Juveniles 8–10" tall enclosure; vertical cork bark and ample webbing space.
Adults 14–18" tall arboreal setup; vertical climbing space, dry top substrate with occasional misting.
🍽️ General Diet
Crickets and roaches (Dubia, Red Runner, Lobster). Pre-killed feeders for slings. Adults feed weekly on roaches or large crickets. Always remove leftovers after feeding to prevent mold. We never use pinhead crickets—they’re too low in protein.
📘 In-depth Facts
🕷️ Latin name Poecilotheria formosa
📛 Common name(s) Salem Ornamental Tarantula
🌡️ Temperature 75–85°F (24–29°C)
💧 Humidity 75–80%
📍 Locale Southern India (Salem region forests)
🏷️ Category Arboreal; defensive; heavy webber
📏 Size Up to 8.5" (DLS)
🪶 Urticating hairs None – relies on speed and venom
⏳ Growth rate Fast
🧭 Life span Females 12–15 years; males 3–4 years
🍽️ Feeding Fast, bold feeder; prefers live prey such as roaches and crickets
🎯 Recommended levels Lovers of pokies
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⚠️ Safety Disclaimer
Safety Disclaimer: Experiencing a tarantula bite is an extremely rare occurrence, and it's important to note that there have been NO recorded fatalities due to a tarantula bite. The venom potency varies across species, with Old World tarantulas generally having stronger venom than their New World counterparts. Within the Old World category, the Poecilotheria genus is known for having particularly potent venom.

It's crucial to approach tarantulas with respect and understanding. If you happen to get bitten, which is unlikely, the key is to stay calm. In most cases, the discomfort is superficial and subsides within a few minutes to a few hours. However, bites from species with more potent venom may result in symptoms lasting up to a week. Remember, larger tarantulas tend to have more venom than smaller ones.

Please be aware that I cannot assume responsibility for bites. Tarantula handling should be done at your own risk. In my 13 years of experience with these creatures, I have only been bitten once, by a species with highly potent venom. While the experience was painful, the symptoms had completely disappeared after a week.

Handle tarantulas responsibly, and always prioritize your safety and the well-being of the tarantula.