Ghost Ornamental Tarantula

Poecilotheria vittata

Care Sheet

Poecilotheria vittata Care Guide

The Ghost Ornamental Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Poecilotheria vittata, also known as the Ghost Ornamental, Pederson's Ornamental, or Magam Tiger Spider, is an impressive arboreal tarantula originating from southeastern Sri Lanka. It is favored among advanced hobbyists for its attractive gray and black patterning, incredible agility, and potent venom.

Quick Species Snapshot

  • Scientific Name: Poecilotheria vittata

  • Common Names: Ghost Ornamental, Pederson's Ornamental, Magam Tiger Spider

  • Type: Arboreal

  • Native Range: Southeastern Sri Lanka

  • Size: Approximately 7–8 inches diagonal leg span (18–20 cm)

  • Growth Rate: Fast

  • Life Expectancy: Females up to 12 years; Males about 4 years

  • Experience Level: Advanced

Taxonomy & Research Update

Poecilotheria vittata, commonly known as the Sri Lankan Ornamental Tarantula, is a striking arboreal species native to the dense forests of Sri Lanka. First described by Pocock in 1895, this species is a member of the Poecilotheria genus, a group of fast-moving, visually stunning tarantulas known for their intricate patterns and potent venom. Like its relatives, P. vittata exhibits strong arboreal instincts, constructing webbed retreats in tree hollows where it ambushes prey with incredible speed.

While P. vittata shares similarities with other Poecilotheria species, its distinguishing features include a more muted coloration with shades of gray, brown, and white, along with the signature ventral leg banding characteristic of the genus. Due to its limited range and habitat restrictions, this species is not as widely available in the hobby as some of its more common relatives.

What Makes Poecilotheria vittata So Special?

Like all Poecilotheria species, P. vittata is a true display tarantula with stunning patterns and high-speed movements that make it both mesmerizing and challenging to keep. Its intricate cryptic coloration allows it to blend seamlessly into tree bark, making it a master of camouflage in its natural habitat. When viewed in proper lighting, its subtle gray and white hues shimmer, revealing a level of beauty that often goes underappreciated compared to its more colorful Poecilotheria relatives.

Another standout feature of P. vittata is its speed and agility. This species is lightning-fast and highly reactive, making it a poor candidate for handling but an exciting species to observe. It has a strong feeding response and will aggressively pursue prey, ambushing insects with impressive precision. However, it is also highly defensive and will not hesitate to bolt or adopt a threat posture if it feels threatened.

Natural Habitat & Enclosure Considerations

In the wild, Poecilotheria vittata inhabits the tropical forests of Sri Lanka, where it takes refuge in tree hollows, abandoned crevices, and dense foliage. These forests experience high humidity and warm temperatures year-round, conditions that should be replicated in captivity.

An ideal setup for this species includes a tall, well-ventilated enclosure with plenty of vertical climbing surfaces. Cork bark slabs, artificial plants, and wooden retreats will provide security while allowing the tarantula to establish a suitable webbed hiding spot. Humidity should be maintained at moderate levels, with occasional misting to ensure hydration, though the enclosure should always remain well-ventilated to prevent mold buildup. A small water dish should also be included.

This species thrives in a stable environment, and careful attention should be given to enclosure maintenance, as Poecilotheria species are known for their sensitivity to environmental changes. With proper care, P. vittata can grow into a truly impressive arboreal display tarantula.

A Species at Risk

Like many other members of the Poecilotheria genus, Poecilotheria vittata faces significant threats in the wild. Habitat destruction due to deforestation, human encroachment, and climate change has drastically reduced its natural range. As a result, this species is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and its populations continue to decline.

One of the biggest challenges facing P. vittata is habitat fragmentation. As Sri Lanka's forests are cleared for agriculture and urban development, the isolated pockets of remaining habitat make it difficult for populations to sustain themselves. Additionally, illegal collection for the pet trade has further contributed to their decline, as wild-caught specimens continue to be smuggled despite protective regulations.

To combat these threats, conservation efforts are underway to protect the remaining forested areas where P. vittata is found. Ethical captive breeding in the hobby also plays a crucial role in reducing the demand for wild-caught specimens. By supporting responsible breeders and avoiding illegally sourced tarantulas, keepers can help ensure that P. vittata and other endangered Poecilotheria species have a future in both the wild and captivity.

For hobbyists who are fortunate enough to keep this species, maintaining a stable captive population through ethical breeding and responsible care is essential. By spreading awareness and promoting conservation efforts, we can help protect this beautiful species from disappearing forever.

Housing & Substrate

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Spiderlings

Juveniles

Adults

Temperature & Humidity

  • Temperature: Maintain between 68–76°F (20–24°C)

  • Humidity: Moderate humidity (65–75%) with regular misting; good ventilation required

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

Poecilotheria vittata is incredibly fast, agile, and somewhat skittish. While not overly defensive, it will retreat quickly if disturbed and may bite defensively if cornered. Due to its medically significant venom, causing prolonged pain and muscle cramping, handling is strongly discouraged.

Breeding Poecilotheria vittata in Captivity

Breeding Poecilotheria vittata (Pedersen's Ornamental Tarantula) in captivity can be a rewarding endeavor for experienced enthusiasts. This species is known for its striking appearance and relatively cooperative breeding behavior.

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, promptly remove the male to prevent potential aggression from the female.

Egg Sac Production

  • If fertilized, the female may produce an egg sac approximately 4–8 weeks after mating.

  • Maintain temperatures around 75–80°F (24–27°C) with humidity levels between 70–80%, ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth.

  • An egg sac can contain a substantial number of eggs, with reports indicating clutches ranging from 100 to 300 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. vittata spiderlings exhibit a 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. vittata 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. vittata is among several Poecilotheria species facing habitat loss in their native regions. Captive breeding plays a vital role in reducing the demand for wild-caught specimens and aiding in conservation efforts.

Final Thoughts

Poecilotheria vittata, or the Ghost Ornamental, is a captivating species that really earns its name with its cryptic, subtle coloration—perfectly camouflaged in its natural habitat. Compared to its vibrant cousin P. metallica or the bold patterns of P. regalis, the vittata showcases a more subdued, almost ghost-like appearance that blends seamlessly into its surroundings. It’s smaller and generally less defensive than species like P. regalis, though just as quick and packing equally potent venom. While it might not have the striking blues of P. metallica or the distinctive highland-lowland diversity of P. subfusca, P. vittata holds its own charm through its cryptic patterns and elusive nature, making it a fascinating and highly rewarding species for experienced tarantula keepers.

Additional Recommendations:

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