Poecilotheria rufilata (Red-slate Ornamental) FEMALE 5 -7"

Poecilotheria rufilata, commonly known as the Red Slate Ornamental Tarantula, is one of the largest and most beautifully patterned members of the genus. Native to the montane forests of southern India, this species is instantly recognizable by its olive-gray base color, subtle purplish sheen, and the rich red-brown suffusion along the femurs and carapace margins that give it its name. It inhabits higher-elevation evergreen forests, where temperatures are cooler and humidity remains high year-round. In nature, P. rufilata occupies tree hollows and fissures, lining them with dense silk for security and to buffer against moisture fluctuations. Known for its incredible speed and alertness, this species is best suited for experienced keepers who can provide spacious, vertically oriented enclosures with strong ventilation and natural climbing surfaces. Its combination of graceful movement, massive size, and complex coloration make it a centerpiece specimen in any arboreal collection.

• Scientific Name: Poecilotheria rufilata

• Adult Leg Span: 8–9 inches

• Country of Origin: India (Kerala, Western Ghats region)

• Habitat: Montane Evergreen and Moist Deciduous Forest (900–1,600 m elevation); cooler canopy zones with consistent cloud cover and heavy seasonal rainfall, temperatures 72–82°F, relative humidity 75–90%, and strong vertical tree structure dominated by teak, rosewood, and jackfruit trees

• Habits: Arboreal

• Growth Rate: Fast