Poecilotheria striata (Mysore Ornamental) Tarantula

Poecilotheria striata, known as the Mysore Ornamental Tarantula, is a fast, elegant arboreal species endemic to the moist deciduous forests of southern India. Distinguished by its intricate gray and black banding and subtle golden tones, P. striata displays the refined camouflage typical of the genus—perfectly blending into the mottled bark of native teak and rosewood trees. This species is highly agile, spending much of its life within vertical tree cavities or beneath loose bark, where it constructs silken retreats to shelter from monsoon rains and predators. In the wild, it experiences pronounced wet and dry seasons, with high humidity followed by warm, breezy months of lower moisture. Calm yet extremely quick, P. striata is best suited for intermediate to advanced keepers seeking a stunning, high-energy display species that represents the archetypal behavior and beauty of the Poecilotheria genus.

• Scientific Name: Poecilotheria striata

• Adult Leg Span: 6.5–7.5 inches

• Country of Origin: India (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu)

• Habitat: Moist Deciduous and Semi-Evergreen Forest (500–1,000 m elevation); tall hardwood trees in monsoon-driven regions with ambient temperatures 78–88°F, relative humidity 70–85%, and moderate seasonal variation in rainfall

• Habits: Arboreal

• Growth Rate: Fast