How difficult is it to keep Salem ornamental?

Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.

What should I feed Salem ornamental?

Salem ornamental feeds on: Carnivorous (live insects such as crickets and roaches). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Salem ornamental?

The price of Salem ornamental varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Salem ornamental

Advanced

Poecilotheria formosa

An arboreal Poecilotheria found only in the southern Eastern Ghats of India. It is declining through habitat loss and collection, and every species in the genus is listed in CITES Appendix II.

Difficulty

Advanced

Lifespan

Little data

Size

Little data

Diet

Carnivorous (live insects such as crickets and roaches)

About

Poecilotheria formosa Pocock, 1899 is an arboreal tarantula of the family Theraphosidae, also called the Salem ornamental or beautiful parachute spider. It is found only in the southern Eastern Ghats of India between Salem and Tirupati, and its population is decreasing through habitat loss and collection for the pet trade. P. nallamalaiensis, described in 2006, is treated as a synonym. Poecilotheria is a genus of arboreal tarantulas from India and Sri Lanka known for vivid patterns, fast movement and venom that is more potent than that of most tarantulas, and since 2019 every species has been protected under CITES. Care information for the congener P. vittata describes the venom as medically significant, causing prolonged pain and muscle cramping, and strongly discourages handling. In Japan captive-bred young still circulate after the genus was listed in CITES Appendix II.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Salem ornamental

Primary sources giving the size or lifespan of this species are scarce.

Basic Info

Origin

Southern India (southern Eastern Ghats between Salem and Tirupati)

Lifespan

Little data

Size

Little data

Diet

Carnivorous (live insects such as crickets and roaches)

Care Guide

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

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Poecilotheria formosa Pocock, 1899

Synonyms: Poecilotheria nallamalaiensis Rao, Bastawade, Javed & Krishna, 2006

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

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 formosa (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.