Poecilotheria smithi — the Smith's Ornamental Tarantula — is one of the rarest and most sought-after arboreal theraphosids in the hobby. Endemic to Sri Lanka, this fast, highly defensive, and medically significant species is considered by experienced keepers to be among the most challenging of the Poecilotheria genus. This guide covers everything advanced keepers need to house, feed, and understand P. smithi correctly.
QUICK ANSWER — WHAT DOES POECILOTHERIA SMITHI NEED?
P. smithi requires a tall arboreal enclosure (minimum 18"H × 12"W × 12"D), temperatures of 76–84°F, humidity of 65–80%, vertical cork bark hides positioned near the top, a shallow water dish, and prey every 10–14 days. It is suited to advanced keepers only.
- Enclosure: Tall arboreal, front-opening essential, 18" minimum height
- Temperature: 76–84°F (24–29°C) daytime
- Humidity: 65–80% RH — higher than most Poecilotheria species
- Feeding: Every 10–14 days (adults); 5–7 days (juveniles)
- Experience level: Advanced keepers only
- Venom: Medically significant — one of the most defensive Poecilotheria species
Species Overview & Natural Habitat
Poecilotheria smithi is a large arboreal tarantula endemic to Sri Lanka, where it inhabits the hollow sections and bark crevices of tall trees in tropical forest habitats. Its striking cream and yellow dorsal pattern with bold black markings and vivid yellow underside colouration distinguishes it from other members of the genus and makes it one of the most visually distinctive Poecilotheria in the hobby.
Due to its restricted Sri Lankan range and habitat loss, P. smithi is considered rarer in collections than its Indian counterparts. Captive-bred specimens are in high demand, and responsible sourcing from reputable breeders is essential. The species is listed on CITES Appendix II, meaning international trade is monitored.
Among experienced keepers, P. smithi has a reputation as one of the faster and more defensively reactive members of the genus — a factor that elevates it firmly into advanced territory even for those already familiar with other Poecilotheria species.
Is Poecilotheria smithi Right for You?
SUITABILITY WARNING — ADVANCED SPECIES
This is an advanced-only species. P. smithi is widely regarded as one of the most defensive and reactive Poecilotheria in the genus. Combined with medically significant venom and exceptional speed, it demands a keeper with established Old World arboreal experience — ideally including prior time with P. regalis or similar species. If you are new to Old World tarantulas, start elsewhere.
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Like all Poecilotheria, P. smithi is a strict obligate arboreal requiring height over floor space. Front-opening enclosures are not just preferred — they are essential for this species. Given its exceptional speed and defensive reactivity, reaching over the top of the enclosure is an unnecessary and serious risk.
| Stage | Minimum enclosure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sling (under 1") | 6–8 oz deli cup | Cross-ventilated, slightly moist |
| Juvenile (1–3") | 6"H × 4"W × 4"D | Small cork tube hide; scale every 2 molts |
| Sub-adult (3–5") | 12"H × 8"W × 8"D | Begin adult husbandry protocols |
| Adult (5"+) | 18"H × 12"W × 12"D | Front-opening essential |
How to Set Up a Poecilotheria smithi Enclosure (Step by Step)
- Add 4–6 inches of substrate — coconut fibre, organic topsoil, or peat/coco mix. Slightly more moisture retention than for P. regalis given higher humidity requirements.
- Position a cork bark tube vertically in an upper corner, base buried 1–2 inches in substrate. Expect silk anchor lines within 24–48 hours of introduction.
- Add a cork flat or driftwood piece as a secondary elevated resting surface.
- Place a shallow water dish in the lower third. Change weekly. P. smithi drinks regularly given higher ambient humidity requirements.
- Ensure cross-ventilation — two opposing mesh panels. Avoid fully screened enclosures in dry climates; humidity drops too fast.
- Allow 24–48 hours to settle before introducing the spider. Keep the room dim during introduction.
Temperature & Humidity Requirements for Poecilotheria smithi
P. smithi originates from Sri Lanka's tropical forests and runs warmer and more humid than its Indian counterparts. This is one of the most important distinctions for keepers transitioning from P. regalis husbandry.
| Parameter | Ideal | Acceptable | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime temperature | 76–84°F (24–29°C) | 72–86°F | Below 68°F / above 90°F |
| Night temperature | 70–76°F (21–24°C) | 68–78°F | Sustained drops below 65°F |
| Ambient humidity | 65–80% RH | 60–85% RH | Consistently below 55% |
| Substrate (base) | Slightly moist | Lightly damp | Bone dry or waterlogged |
| Misting frequency | Every 7–10 days | Every 5–14 days | Daily misting (breeds mites) |
How to Feed Poecilotheria smithi
P. smithi is typically a strong feeder when properly housed at correct temperatures. A spider refusing prey at appropriate temperatures outside of pre-molt is usually signalling a husbandry issue — check temperature and humidity first.
| Stage | Prey item | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Sling | Fruit flies, pinhead crickets (pre-killed) | Every 4–5 days |
| Juvenile | Small crickets, small dubia roaches | Every 5–7 days |
| Sub-adult | Medium crickets, medium dubia | Every 7–10 days |
| Adult | Adult dubia roaches, adult crickets | Every 10–14 days |
| Pre-molt / Post-molt | None — remove all prey | Resume 14+ days post-molt |
CRITICAL — NEVER LEAVE LIVE PREY UNATTENDED
Remove all uneaten prey within 24 hours. Crickets and roaches will bite and injure a molting or recently-molted tarantula. Wait a minimum of 14 days after molt completion before resuming feeding.
Sling and Juvenile Poecilotheria smithi Care
Slings require slightly more consistent moisture than adults — reflecting the higher humidity needs of the species. Keep slings in cross-ventilated deli cups with 2–3 inches of substrate that stays slightly more damp than you would keep adult substrate. Offer micro-prey every 4–5 days and transition to a small vertical arboreal setup at the 1–1.5" mark.
Growth rate with consistent feeding at correct temperatures is moderate to fast — slings can reach 3–4 inches within 12–18 months. Avoid cold conditions; P. smithi slings are sensitive to sustained temperature drops below 70°F.
Molting — What to Expect
Pre-molt signs: prey refusal lasting 3+ weeks, abdomen visibly darkening, retreat entrance sealed with dense silk, reduced activity or unusual substrate-level positioning.
During molt: Do not disturb under any circumstances. Process lasts 30 minutes to several hours. Do not mist, do not introduce prey, do not open the enclosure.
Post-molt: Wait a minimum of 14 days before offering food. P. smithi is particularly vulnerable in the post-molt window — fangs must fully darken before feeding resumes. The exuvia can be sexed under magnification for females via the spermatheca.
Handling & Venom — The Honest Guide
Poecilotheria smithi should not be handled under any circumstances. It is considered one of the most defensively reactive members of the Poecilotheria genus — faster and more likely to bite than many of its relatives. Venom from this genus has caused severe muscle cramping, profuse sweating, heart palpitations, and systemic pain lasting 12–36 hours in documented bite cases. All maintenance must be performed with 12-inch tongs, with the spider visually located before the enclosure is opened.
Common Health Problems
| Issue | Signs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dehydration | Shrunken, wrinkled abdomen | Check water dish; mist substrate corner |
| Dysecdysis | Incomplete shed, limbs stuck | Raise humidity; humid hide near retreat |
| Feeding refusal (non-molt) | Consistent prey refusal | Check temp is above 76°F; verify humidity |
| Prey injury | Wounds on abdomen or legs | Remove prey within 24 hrs always |
| Substrate mites | Tiny specks in substrate | Full enclosure clean; reduce misting |
Frequently Asked Questions About Poecilotheria smithi
How big does Poecilotheria smithi get?
Adult females reach a diagonal leg span (DLS) of 6–7 inches (15–18 cm). Males are significantly smaller at 4–5 inches and mature earlier, typically within 2–3 years.
How does Poecilotheria smithi differ from Poecilotheria regalis?
P. smithi is endemic to Sri Lanka vs. India for P. regalis. It runs warmer and more humid, is considered faster and more defensively reactive, and is significantly rarer in collections. Its colouration — cream and yellow dorsal with bold black markings — also distinguishes it visually from the silver-grey regalis.
Is Poecilotheria smithi suitable for beginners?
No — and it is not suitable for intermediate keepers either. P. smithi is an advanced-only species. Experience with at least one other Poecilotheria species is strongly recommended before acquiring one.
How often do I feed Poecilotheria smithi?
Adults every 10–14 days. Juveniles every 5–7 days. Stop feeding at any sign of pre-molt and resume 14+ days after molt completion.
Can I buy Poecilotheria smithi online and have it shipped?
No — our P. smithi is available for Las Vegas / Nevada local pickup only and cannot be shipped out of state. If you're local to Las Vegas, DM us to arrange a pickup and meet the collection in person.
Why is Poecilotheria smithi so rare?
Its restricted endemic range in Sri Lanka, combined with ongoing habitat loss, limits wild populations. Captive breeding programs are the primary source of specimens in the hobby, keeping availability low and demand high.
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Every P. smithi we offer is captive bred, established on feeders, and one of the rarest Poecilotheria you can own. Las Vegas / Nevada local pickup only — DM us to reserve your spot. Stock is extremely limited.
Reserve Your Poecilotheria smithi →Written by FLPD · Updated May 2026. For informational use only. Verify local legality before acquiring any Poecilotheria species. CITES Appendix II.