It is the only blue species of the genus Poecilotheria. Spiderlings and juveniles in my collection are fed every 5 days or so, with adults receiving food once a week or so.Poecilotheria metallica, also known as the peacock tarantula, is an Old World species of tarantula. Hati Hati are healthy feeders, and as a result grow reasonably quickly. This avoids an overly “wet” environment that can encourage mould/fungus and damage the health of tarantulas. Hati Hati that are too small for a water dish are sprayed occasionally with a houseplant mister, then their cage is allowed to dry out fully before re-application. Hati Hati specimens are kept in a dry environment, with fresh water available at all times in an open water bowl. I don’t stress about humidity levels for any of my tarantulas. Hati Hati seems to thrive in these conditions. My spider room is maintained at around 22-25’C / 72-77’F throughout the year and Cyriopagopus sp. Hati Hati seems quite a sturdy tarantula in captivity, with temperatures north of 20’C /68‘F suiting them fine.

Customer arboreal tarantula cages as available from specialist suppliersĬyriopagopus sp.

Tall plastic storage boxes (such as those sold to house breakfast cereal).

Alternatively a variety of alternative options may be used including: I use glass Exo Terras for most of my larger tarantulas and these work well. Due to the speed of these spiders you may want to consider a slightly larger cage, giving you advanced warning if your spider makes a break for freedom when you’re carrying out maintenance. I would suggest a minimum of 20cm wide x 20cm deep x 30cm tall for an adult specimen. I rear my juveniles in 32oz deli cups with ventilation holes added, a thick layer of coconut fibre and a vertical piece of cork bark.Īdult specimens are given a similar setup, though of course the spacing should be sized up. Hati Hati is not the most active of tarantulas, the caging requirements are reasonably modest. Related: Do Tarantulas Lay Eggs? Housing & CagingĪs Cyriopagopus sp.

In my opinion they therefore don’t make a great display specimen.īroadly speaking, therefore, this is probably a species best-suited to more experienced keepers who have gained some experience with faster-moving or defensive tarantulas, and who don’t expect to see their spider for weeks at a time. Fiercely photophobic, they spend most of their time hiding away from view in a cork bark hide, so aren’t often seen. Lastly, having reared a number of specimens to maturity in recent years I’ve found that Cyriopagopus sp. So while it is a beautiful and easy species to keep, it’s definitely one to enjoy from a distance rather than one that can be safely handled.

The name translates broadly as “caution” or “warning”.

This general attitude is borne out by the name “Hati Hati” given to this spider in it’s natural domain of Sumatra. While no accurate records exist, it is assumed that the venom is also likely to be rather “spicy” so you’ll want to avoid a bite. It is not, however, suitable for the rank beginner as it can be reasonably fast-moving and defensive. Hati Hati is an easy species of tarantula to care for in captivity in my experience. If you’re considering investing in your first specimen then read on for my detailed Cyriopagopus sp. It has quickly become a “staple” of the tarantula hobby – however it isn’t the right choice for everybody. This species is easily bred and fast-growing, and is subsequently quite reasonably-priced. Maximum size is around 5-6” in diagonal leg span, making it an average-sized theraphosid. It displays rich blue/purple legs and abdomen in natural light, coupled with rich abdominal patterning, making it a very attractive species to keep. Hati Hati is a popular and beautiful arboreal tarantula.

Purple tree tarantula