Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula

Poecilotheria metallica Care Guide

The Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Poecilotheria metallica, known as the Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula, is one of the most stunning arboreal tarantulas in the hobby. With its electric blue coloration and intricate patterns, it is a favorite among advanced keepers. This Old World species hails from India and is known for its speed, potent venom, and elusive nature.

Quick Species Snapshot

Scientific Name: Poecilotheria metallica
Common Names: Gooty Sapphire Ornamental, Metallic Blue Ornamental, Peacock Parachute Spider
Type: Arboreal
Native Range: Southeast India
Size: Approximately 8” diagonal leg span (about 20 cm)
Growth Rate: Fast
Life Expectancy: Females 12 years / Males around 4 years
Experience Level: Advanced

Taxonomy & Research Update

Poecilotheria metallica, commonly known as the Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula, is one of the most visually striking species in the Poecilotheria genus. First described by Pocock in 1899, P. metallica was originally discovered near the town of Gooty in Andhra Pradesh, India, and was thought to be lost for decades before being rediscovered in the early 2000s.

This species is unique among Poecilotheria due to its vibrant metallic blue coloration, which sets it apart from the more muted tones of its relatives. Despite its popularity in the hobby, P. metallica remains one of the rarest Poecilotheria in the wild, with a highly restricted natural range. Its combination of stunning appearance, fast movements, and potent venom makes it a fascinating yet challenging species best suited for experienced keepers.

What Makes Poecilotheria metallica So Special?

There is no mistaking P. metallica for any other tarantula. Its electric blue body, accented by intricate yellow and white markings on the legs and abdomen, makes it one of the most visually impressive tarantulas in the world. Under the right lighting, the iridescent blue coloration almost seems to glow, making this species highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Beyond its striking appearance, P. metallica retains all the characteristics of its genus—lightning-fast movements, strong feeding response, and a tendency to bolt when disturbed. While not as naturally defensive as some Old World species, it will not hesitate to bite if threatened, and its venom is considered medically significant, capable of causing intense pain, muscle cramping, and prolonged discomfort. Its high activity level, speed, and venom potency make it a species best kept by those with experience managing fast arboreal tarantulas.

Natural Habitat & Enclosure Considerations

Poecilotheria metallica is native to a small, isolated area of dry deciduous forest in India. Unlike some of its relatives that thrive in humid rainforests, this species is adapted to a more seasonal climate, where it seeks refuge in tree hollows and bark crevices to escape the heat.

In captivity, this species requires a tall, well-ventilated enclosure with plenty of vertical climbing surfaces such as cork bark slabs, branches, and artificial plants. While it benefits from moderate humidity, excessive moisture should be avoided, as stagnant conditions can lead to health issues. Light misting can be done occasionally, but the enclosure should dry out between mistings, and a small water dish should always be available for hydration.

Due to its speed and tendency to flee when disturbed, a secure enclosure is a must. Enclosure maintenance should be done carefully, as P. metallica can be unpredictable and quick to escape if given the chance. With the right setup, this species will thrive and showcase its brilliant colors while exhibiting its natural webbing and climbing behaviors.

A Species at Risk

Poecilotheria metallica is one of the most endangered tarantulas in the world. Its wild population is severely threatened due to habitat destruction, as deforestation and human expansion continue to shrink its already limited range. Unlike some Poecilotheria species found across wider regions, P. metallica exists only in a small pocket of forest, making it highly vulnerable to extinction.

Currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces an extremely high risk of disappearing from the wild if conservation efforts are not prioritized. Illegal collection for the pet trade has also placed additional pressure on wild populations, as demand for this species remains high.

Despite these challenges, captive breeding has helped reduce the need for wild-caught specimens, with many keepers now acquiring captive-bred P. metallica rather than supporting illegal collection. Ethical breeding and conservation awareness play a critical role in ensuring this species survives, both in captivity and in its natural habitat.

For those fortunate enough to keep Poecilotheria metallica, responsible husbandry and support for conservation initiatives are essential. By raising awareness and promoting sustainable keeping practices, tarantula enthusiasts can help protect one of the most breathtaking and rare tarantulas in the world.

Housing & Substrate – Arboreal Setup

Spiderlings

• Enclosure Size: Tarantula Cribs Treehouse Mini, Coffin Crib Mini, Treehouse Extra Small, Sling Crib

• Substrate: Fill the bottom 1/3 of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Decor: Provide a vertical piece of cork bark (half-round preferred) secured with substrate, along with fake or live plants for additional cover.

• Water: A shallow water dish should be provided.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size: Tarantula Cribs Treehouse Switch Small, Small Treehouse, Coffin Crib Medium, Crib 360 - 8 inch Arboreal

• Substrate: Same as spiderlings—1/3 filled with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Decor: Vertical cork bark, fake/live plants, and a secure hiding spot.

• Water: A small water dish should always be available.

Adults

• Enclosure Size: Tarantula Cribs Treehouse Switch-XL2.0, Large Treehouse - Clear Back, Treehouse Switch - Large, Large Coffin Crib

• Substrate: 1/3 of the enclosure filled with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Decor: Provide multiple vertical cork hides, branches, and artificial foliage to encourage webbing.

• Water: A larger water dish at the bottom and an additional smaller dish higher in the enclosure can help ensure hydration.

Note: Use this affiliate link or enter the TTC10 code at checkout to save 10% on Tarantula Cribs enclosures.

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: Maintain between 70-78°F (21-25°C).

• Humidity: 65-75%. Mist occasionally but ensure proper ventilation to avoid excessive moisture buildup. Overflowing the water dish occasionally helps maintain humidity.

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings

• Frequency:
  Feed twice a week.

• Prey:
  Offer small prey such as flightless fruit flies, confused flour beetles, or pre-killed tiny crickets/roach nymphs. Remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours. increase the size of the prey as the spider grows. Prekill any prey that is over 2/3 the size of the sling. For more detailed information on feeding spiderlings, watch this video: How To Feed Spiderlings & Scorplings (Baby Tarantulas & Scorpions)

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 24–48 hours after a molt before feeding. Ensure that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is not soft or shiny.

Juveniles

• Frequency:
  Feed every 7–10 days.

• Prey:
  Provide 2–3 small to medium crickets or a medium Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the widest part of the carapace, feed more prey more often.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, feed less prey, less often.
    This strategy helps prevent obesity, which can lead to molting complications or increase the risk of an abdomen rupture from even a small fall.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 3–7 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Adults

• Frequency:
  Feed every 2–3 weeks (or as needed).

• Prey:
  Offer 4–5 large crickets or one large Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the carapace’s widest part, increase feeding frequency.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, reduce feeding frequency.
    This is crucial to avoid obesity, which can interfere with proper molting or cause dangerous issues such as an abdomen rupture.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 5–10 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Behavior & Temperament

P. metallica is an incredibly fast and agile species. While it is not known to be highly defensive, it will retreat quickly if disturbed and can bolt unpredictably. If cornered, it may deliver a defensive bite. Its venom is significantly stronger than New World tarantulas, causing prolonged pain, muscle cramps, nausea, and sweating. Due to these factors, it is not recommended for handling.

Breeding Poecilotheria metallica in Captivity

Breeding Poecilotheria metallica (Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula) in captivity can be both rewarding and challenging due to their specific environmental needs and behaviors. With careful preparation and attention to detail, successful propagation is achievable.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Male Maturity: Males typically reach maturity within 1.5–2 years, developing longer legs and bulbous pedipalps for sperm transfer.

• Female Maturity: Females generally mature around 2–3 years, achieving a robust size indicative of reproductive readiness.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: We should ensure the female is well-fed before introducing the male to minimize the risk of cannibalism. Slightly increasing humidity prior to pairing may encourage receptiveness.

Mating Process

• Introduce the male into the female’s enclosure during the evening or nighttime when tarantulas are more active.

• The male will typically perform courtship behaviors, such as tapping or drumming, to signal his presence.

• If receptive, the female may respond similarly or remain still, allowing the male to approach and attempt copulation.

• After successful mating, some breeders choose to leave the male with the female for an extended period, as P. metallica has shown tolerance for cohabitation during breeding. However, monitoring is essential to prevent potential aggression.

Egg Sac Production

• If fertilized, the female may produce an egg sac approximately 2–3 months after mating.

• Maintain temperatures around 75–80°F (24–27°C) with humidity levels between 75–85%, ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth.

• An egg sac can contain a substantial number of eggs, with reports indicating clutches ranging from 70 to 160 eggs.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

• Some breeders choose to remove the egg sac from the female after 30–40 days for artificial incubation.

• If left with the mother, spiderlings (slings) will typically emerge within 6–8 weeks and undergo their first molt to the second instar stage within 3–4 weeks thereafter.

Raising Spiderlings

• P. metallica spiderlings exhibit a moderate to fast growth rate and require stable humidity with proper ventilation.

• Provide enclosures with sufficient vertical space to accommodate their arboreal nature, including structures for climbing and web attachment.

• Feed them appropriately sized prey, such as pinhead crickets or flightless fruit flies, every 2–3 days to support healthy development.

Challenges & Considerations

• Temperament and Speed: P. metallica are known for their speed and can be skittish. Caution is advised during maintenance to prevent escapes or bites.

• Humidity and Ventilation: Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial, as spiderlings are particularly susceptible to desiccation. Ensure enclosures are well-ventilated to prevent mold growth.

• Conservation Status: P. metallica is classified as Critically Endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and collection pressures. Captive breeding plays a vital role in reducing the demand for wild-caught specimens.

Final Thoughts

There’s no mistaking Poecilotheria metallica—that electric blue coloration and intricate webbing make them one of the most visually striking tarantulas in the hobby. Their speed and arboreal nature can make them challenging to work with, but for experienced keepers, they’re an absolute showpiece. Captive breeding is essential to preserving this species in the hobby while helping protect wild populations, making every successful breeding project even more rewarding.

Additional Recommendations:

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