Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli (Wessel's Tiger Spider) Tarantula

Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli, commonly known as the Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental Tarantula, is a striking and somewhat rare arboreal species native to the dry evergreen forests of eastern India. First described in 2001, this species features a mesmerizing combination of pale gray and cream coloration, dark tiger-like striping across the legs, and soft golden hues along the carapace and abdomen. Compared to many of its congeners, P. tigrinawesseli displays slightly more subdued coloration but exquisite symmetry and contrast, giving it a refined, ghostly beauty. In the wild, it inhabits vertical tree hollows and bark crevices in forest tracts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, where it experiences long dry seasons punctuated by brief monsoonal rains. The species is fast-moving, secretive, and highly alert—favoring deep retreats during the day and emerging at night to hunt. In captivity, it thrives in tall, well-ventilated arboreal setups with moderate humidity and seasonal variation to mimic its native monsoon ecology.

• Scientific Name: Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli

• Adult Leg Span: 6–7 inches

• Country of Origin: India (Andhra Pradesh, Odisha)

• Habitat: Dry Evergreen and Semi-Deciduous Forest (200–800 m elevation); vertical tree hollows and bark fissures in warm, monsoon-affected regions with seasonal humidity variation (60–85%) and average temperatures 78–90°F

• Habits: Arboreal

• Growth Rate: Fast