Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli
Tiger Ornamental, Wessel's Tiger Ornamental
Quick Facts
Adult Size
6-7 inches
Growth Rate
fast
Temperament
fast and defensive; will bite if provoked
Taxonomy
Community
Experience Required
Advanced
Experienced keepers only
🌡️ Climate Requirements
Temperature Range
78°F - 82°F
(26°C - 28°C)
Humidity Range
65% - 75%
🏠 Enclosure Sizes
Adult
12x12x18 inches (vertical)
🪨 Substrate
Type
vertical cork tube on 2-3 in of substrate; kept dry, mist weekly; water dish
Depth
2-3 inches
🍽️ Feeding Schedule
Adult
1 prey per week
💧 Additional Care Notes
Water Dish
Required
Webbing
moderate
Burrowing
No
🕷️ Behavior & Temperament
General Temperament
fast and defensive; will bite if provoked
Care Guide
A large Indian ornamental (pokie) with the classic Poecilotheria speed and geometric patterning. Old World: no urticating hairs and medically significant venom, so this is an advanced, no-handling species. Give it a tall enclosure with a vertical cork tube retreat, keep the substrate mostly dry with a weekly misting and a water dish, and always work it with long tongs. Fast and defensive when cornered, though it prefers to bolt into its retreat rather than stand and fight.
⚠️ Safety Information
Urticating Hairs
This species does not have urticating hairs (Old World species).
Venom Potency
⚠️ WARNING: This species has medically significant venom. Bites can cause severe pain and systemic effects. Only for experienced keepers. Seek immediate medical attention if bitten.
Species Statistics
0
Total Keepers
N/A
Community Rating
Advanced
Care Level
🕷️
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