Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria fasciata)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria fasciata) (origin: Sri Lanka). Adult size around 16–18 cm leg span (body ~6–7 cm). Life expectancy females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×30×45 cm (height over floor area, a vertical cork tube).
Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, at night 20–22 °C.
Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).
Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years.
Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 70–80 %
- UVB
- No UVB needed (nocturnal)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×30×45 cm (height over floor area, a vertical cork tube)
- Substrate
- Coco humus, about 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 (house crickets, roaches, crickets, locusts)
- Feeding interval
- adults approx. 1×/week or every 10–14 days, juveniles 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 16–18 cm leg span (body ~6–7 cm)
- Life expectancy
- females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years
- Origin
- Sri Lanka
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B (the whole genus Poecilotheria) — proof of origin is mandatory, sale only with paperwork
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Single housing. Solitary and cannibalistic; no pair/group housing. The reason is not conflict but predation: these animals take anything that fits in their mouths, and a second animal in the enclosure is included.
Notes
The type species of the genus. Very fast; it hides in its cork tube and is rarely seen. Medically significant venom — purely an animal to watch, and never to be touched. Only for experienced keepers with a secure enclosure.
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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
- Red slate ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria rufilata) – Expert
- Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria fasciata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×45 cm (height over floor area, a vertical cork tube)), substrate (Coco humus, about 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://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poecilotheria_fasciata, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poecilotheria
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).