Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula, Poecilotheria metallica

$92.00

Description

Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica)

Tarantulas for sale at The Defiant Forest - The Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) is one of the most spectacular tarantula species in the world. Famous for its intense electric blue coloration, this arboreal tarantula has become highly sought after among collectors and experienced hobbyists.

Native to a small region of southeastern India, the Gooty Sapphire Ornamental is a fast and agile tree-dwelling species that spends most of its life inside silk retreats constructed in tree cavities and bark crevices. Its striking colors and elegant body pattern make it one of the most recognizable tarantulas in the hobby.

Because of its speed and defensive tendencies, Poecilotheria metallica is generally recommended for keepers with some experience caring for arboreal tarantulas.

Species Overview

Scientific Name: Poecilotheria metallica
Common Name: Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula
Type: Arboreal (tree-dwelling)
Origin: Andhra Pradesh, India
Adult Leg Span: 6–8 inches
Temperament: Fast and defensive
Growth Rate: Moderate
Lifespan: Females 12–15+ years, males shorter

Natural History

In the wild, Poecilotheria metallica inhabits dry deciduous forests in southeastern India. These tarantulas live high in trees, where they create silk retreats within hollow trunks, bark crevices, and tree cavities.

Unlike many ground-dwelling tarantulas, the Gooty Sapphire Ornamental rarely burrows. Instead, it relies on speed and vertical movement to avoid predators. Its striking coloration may also serve as disruptive camouflage against lichen-covered tree bark.

Due to habitat loss, Poecilotheria metallica has become one of the most famous tarantulas in the hobby and is considered a conservation icon among tarantula enthusiasts.

Appearance

The Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful tarantulas on Earth.

Adults display:

brilliant metallic blue legs
intricate yellow and black abdominal patterning
vivid yellow markings on the underside of the legs
elegant arboreal body structure with long legs

The intensity of the blue coloration makes Poecilotheria metallica one of the most visually dramatic tarantulas kept in captivity.

Temperament

Like most members of the Poecilotheria genus, the Gooty Sapphire Ornamental is extremely fast and alert. When disturbed, it typically attempts to flee rapidly rather than confront threats directly.

However, Old World tarantulas such as Poecilotheria metallica lack urticating hairs and may resort to defensive biting if cornered. Because of this behavior and their incredible speed, they are generally recommended for experienced keepers rather than beginners.

Enclosure Setup

As an arboreal species, the Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula requires a tall enclosure that provides vertical climbing space.

A suitable enclosure should include:

vertical cork bark or hollow wood for retreat
adequate ventilation
moderate humidity
a shallow water dish
anchor points for webbing

Providing vertical structure allows the spider to construct silk retreats similar to those it would build inside tree cavities in nature.

Feeding

Poecilotheria metallica feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates. In captivity, appropriate prey items include crickets, roaches, and other feeder insects.

Juveniles may be fed once or twice per week, while adult tarantulas generally feed every 7–14 days depending on size and feeding response.

This species is known for its strong and fast feeding behavior, which makes feeding time exciting to observe.

Molting and Growth

Like all tarantulas, Poecilotheria metallica grows through a process known as molting, where the spider sheds its old exoskeleton and emerges with a new one.

Prior to molting, the tarantula may refuse food and become less active. After molting, its coloration often appears brighter and more vivid.

As the spider matures, the distinctive blue coloration becomes more pronounced.

Why Keep the Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula?

The Gooty Sapphire Ornamental (Poecilotheria metallica) is highly prized among tarantula enthusiasts for several reasons:

breathtaking metallic blue coloration
elegant arboreal body structure
fascinating behavior and speed
rarity and collector appeal

For experienced keepers seeking one of the most visually impressive tarantulas in the hobby, the Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula is truly exceptional.