Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ghost ornamental
AdvancedPoecilotheria vittata
An arboreal Poecilotheria in muted greys, browns and whites. White undersides to the legs and a dark triangular band beneath the fourth femur help to identify it.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
20〜24℃
Lifespan
Females up to 12 years / males about 4 years (care information)
Size
Diagonal leg span 18-20 cm (care information)
Humidity
65〜75%
Diet
Carnivorous (live insects such as crickets and roaches)
About
Poecilotheria vittata Pocock, 1895 is an arboreal tarantula of the family Theraphosidae, also called Pederson's ornamental or the magam tiger spider. The World Spider Catalog treats it as native to both India and Sri Lanka, and in Sri Lanka it occurs in the south-east and parts of the north. P. pederseni, described in 2001, is treated as a synonym, whereas the IUCN Red List treats P. vittata as a synonym of the Indian P. striata, so its taxonomic treatment differs between sources. It can be told from other ornamentals by the brushes on the femurs and a dark triangular band on the underside of the fourth femur, and the undersides of the legs are white. Males are greenish brown all over with inconspicuous markings. It lives in tree hollows, under bark and in rock crevices, and is uncommon around houses. It is relatively docile for the genus but will bite under strong disturbance. In Japan captive-bred young are available from specialist shops.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Ghost ornamental
The Ghost ornamental lives Females up to 12 years / males about 4 years (care information).
Care information gives a diagonal leg span of 18-20 cm and lifespans of up to 12 years for females and about 4 years for males, and describes the venom as medically significant, causing prolonged pain and muscle cramping.
Size of the Ghost ornamental
The Ghost ornamental grows to Diagonal leg span 18-20 cm (care information).
Temperature & humidity for the Ghost ornamental
The ideal temperature for the Ghost ornamental is 20〜24℃. Ideal humidity is 65〜75%.
Basic Info
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
- Wikipedia
- Species+: Poecilotheria vittata (CITES Appendix II)
- Ministry of the Environment: List of regulated alien species, including taxa needing an identification certificate (JA)
- The Tarantula Collective: Poecilotheria vittata care sheet
- Wikipedia: Poecilotheria
- GBIF: Poecilotheria vittata Pocock, 1895
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
CITES Appendix II
All Poecilotheria species have been listed in CITES Appendix II since 2019. International trade needs an export permit from the exporting country, but no registration or notification is required to keep or transfer animals within Japan. It is not regulated under the Invasive Alien Species Act (September 2026). Check import paperwork or captive-breeding origin when acquiring one, and never release captive animals.
Sources: Species+: Poecilotheria vittata (CITES Appendix II) / Ministry of the Environment: List of regulated alien species, including taxa needing an identification certificate (JA)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Ghost ornamental Listings
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