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Mysore ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria striata)

Mysore ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria striata), typical appearance of the species

Invertebrates · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Mysore ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria striata) (origin: India (the Western Ghats, Karnataka/Mysore)). Adult size around 15–18 cm leg span; grows quickly. Life expectancy females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Mysore ornamental tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?

30×30×40 cm (height over floor area, a vertical cork tube).

Mysore ornamental tarantula: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C (summer up to 30 °C), basking spot — (no basking spot; even room warmth), at night 20–22 °C.

Mysore ornamental tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).

Mysore ornamental tarantula: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years.

Mysore ornamental tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature
24–28 °C (summer up to 30 °C)
Night temperature
20–22 °C
Basking spot
— (no basking spot; even room warmth)
Humidity
65–75 %
UVB
No UVB needed (nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size
30×30×40 cm (height over floor area, a vertical cork tube)
Substrate
Coco humus, 5 cm; a vertical piece of cork bark or a cork tube as a hide; moderately damp, well ventilated, a water bowl

Feeding

Food
Insects: crickets, roaches, locusts. No vertebrates are needed
Feeding interval
adults 1×/week or every 1–2 weeks, juveniles 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size
15–18 cm leg span; grows quickly
Life expectancy
females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years
Origin
India (the Western Ghats, Karnataka/Mysore)
Protection status
CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B (since 2019, the whole genus Poecilotheria) – proof of origin or purchase (an unbroken chain of documentation) is required
Brumation
No real winter rest; a seasonal drop (20–24 °C, somewhat drier) in winter is close to nature
Cohabitation
Keeping them singly is the standard. An Old World arboreal species, territorial and cannibalistic. Communal keeping is attempted only by experienced keepers, is risky and is NOT recommended as standard

Notes

Old World, with NO urticating hairs, but very fast and with strong, medically significant venom; considered somewhat calmer within the genus, but it remains an expert's species – never handling, and secure against escape. CITES-protected: buy or pass it on only with papers.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Mysore ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria striata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×40 cm (height over floor area, a vertical cork tube)), substrate (Coco humus, 5 cm; a vertical piece of cork bark or a cork tube as a hide; moderately damp, well ventilated, a water bowl), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.

Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poecilotheria, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poecilotheria_striata

All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).