Red slate ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria rufilata)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Red slate ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria rufilata) (origin: Southern India (the Western Ghats)). Adult size around body 7–9 cm, leg span 20–24 cm. Life expectancy females 12–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Red slate ornamental tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
35×35×50 cm (height).
Red slate ornamental tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 23–28 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–23 °C.
Red slate ornamental tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Red slate ornamental tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 12–15 years.
Red slate ornamental tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 23–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 70–80 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 35×35×50 cm (height)
- Substrate
- Coco humus, a tall cork tube, planting
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- body 7–9 cm, leg span 20–24 cm
- Life expectancy
- females 12–15 years
- Origin
- Southern India (the Western Ghats)
- Protection status
- CITES II; may be classified as a dangerous animal
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Solitary housing is the safe default: solitary and cannibalistic, two animals in one enclosure regularly end up as one - even at equal size and with good feeding. For mating, the male is introduced under observation and separated again immediately.
Notes
The largest Poecilotheria, olive-green with a reddish sheen. Extremely fast and with medically significant venom – only for experienced keepers with a safe container concept.
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Related species
- Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) – Expert
- Fringed ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria ornata) – Expert
- Mysore ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria striata) – Expert
- Indian ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria regalis) – Expert
- Ivory ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria subfusca) – Expert
- Ghost ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria vittata) – Expert
- Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria fasciata) – Expert
- Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Red slate ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria rufilata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (35×35×50 cm (height)), substrate (Coco humus, a tall cork tube, planting), a heat source with a thermostat, 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_rufilata
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).