• A female Poecilotheria subfusca, a lowland ivory ornamental tarantula, poses on natural cork bark.
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Buddha Bugs

Poecilotheria subfusca 'lowland' (lowland ivory ornamental tarantula) 1" TX SALES ONLY

Poecilotheria subfusca 'lowland' (lowland ivory ornamental tarantula) 1" TX SALES ONLY

$100.00 USD
$100.00 USD
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Before ordering: Unless marked “exact animal pictured,” photos are representative; refer to the product title or selected option for the size or sex offered. Shipped live-animal orders require a $50 cart subtotal and are normally held for pickup at an authorized FedEx Ship Center. Please review our Shipping & Live Arrival and Refund & Cancellation policies before purchasing.

Texas sales only: This ESA-listed species cannot be sold or shipped commercially across state lines. Orders placed by customers outside Texas will be canceled and refunded, less the approximately 3% cancellation fee described in our Refund & Cancellation Policy.

Species Overview

Poecilotheria subfusca ‘lowland’, commonly known as the lowland ivory ornamental tarantula, is a large arboreal tarantula native to the hills surrounding Kandy in Sri Lanka’s Central Province at elevations of approximately 500–600 meters above sea level. This population was historically circulated in the hobby as Poecilotheria bara, although that name was synonymized with P. subfusca in 1996. Subsequent genetic analyses of the type specimens confirmed that P. bara and P. subfusca represent the same species. This population is generally characterized by its relatively pale gray-and-ivory coloration, robust build, and bold black-and-cream patterning. Compared to the highland population, this form generally exhibits a lighter overall appearance, a broader body, and proportionally longer leg span, particularly in mature males.

Like other members of the genus Poecilotheria, this species lacks urticating hairs and instead relies on speed, retreat use, and defensive displays when threatened. In captivity, it typically occupies cork bark tubes, hollow branches, and other elevated retreats, producing relatively little silk except when preparing to molt or when females are producing egg sacs. Although it spends much of the day concealed within its retreat, established specimens frequently emerge after dark and may remain visible for extended periods while hunting or resting outside their retreat.

  • Hobby Name: Lowland ivory ornamental tarantula
  • Derivative Range: Kandy, Sri Lanka
  • Life Habit: Arboreal
  • Adult Size: 6.5–8 inches in diagonal leg span
  • Lifespan: Males 3–4 years; females 10–15+ years under optimal conditions
  • Temperament: Fast and skittish
  • Care Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Poecilotheria subfusca ‘lowland’ Care

Like other arboreal tarantulas, Poecilotheria subfusca ‘lowland’ thrives in a vertically oriented enclosure with sufficient ventilation, secure climbing surfaces, and vertical retreats. Due to its speed, routine enclosure maintenance should be approached deliberately, particularly when working with larger specimens.

  • Enclosure: 25-dram vial or equivalent for spiderlings, upgraded as needed with growth; 10” × 10” × 15” or larger for adults
  • Substrate: Coconut fiber, peat moss, topsoil, or another moisture-retentive substrate. Provide vertically oriented cork bark or other climbing structures for retreat use.
  • Temperature: 72–82°F
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity with good ventilation; allow part of the substrate to dry slightly between water additions.
  • Diet: Crickets, cockroaches, and other appropriately sized feeder insects
  • Feeding: Spiderlings can be offered appropriately sized prey once or twice weekly. Juveniles and adults are typically fed every 7–14 days, with feeding frequency adjusted based on prey size, growth rate, and the condition of the individual animal.
  • Water: Lightly moisten part of the substrate as needed and provide water droplets on enclosure surfaces for spiderlings; larger specimens should have access to a water dish.
  • Routine Maintenance: Remove uneaten prey, monitor moisture levels, and spot-clean when necessary.

Natural History

The lowland population inhabits tropical forests surrounding Kandy, where it occupies tree hollows, loose bark, and other elevated natural cavities. These forests experience warm temperatures year-round, and like other members of the genus, this species is a nocturnal ambush predator that spends daylight hours concealed before emerging after dark to capture passing prey.

Although both populations are currently classified as Poecilotheria subfusca, substantial morphological, ecological, geographic, and genetic evidence suggests they represent separate species. Genetic analyses have shown that the type specimens of Poecilotheria subfusca, P. bara, and P. uniformis—the latter two now regarded as junior synonyms of P. subfusca—are genetically identical and correspond to the lowland population surrounding Kandy. Consequently, if the two populations are formally separated in the future, the lowland population will retain the name Poecilotheria subfusca, while the highland population will require formal description as a distinct species under a new scientific name.

Unfortunately, much of the captive populations of both the lowland and highland forms worldwide—and likely nearly all animals currently maintained in the United States—appear to have varying degrees of mixed ancestry resulting from historical breeding between the lowland and highland populations. A genetic comparison of captive hobby animals with wild specimens from both populations found that the captive specimens examined did not match either wild population, instead showing evidence of mixed ancestry. Because the study was conducted more than a decade ago and the popularity and breeding of both forms have only increased since then, the extent of hybridization within the captive populations today is likely even greater.

As tarantulas have grown in popularity, increasing numbers of captive-bred animals have been produced by breeders with varying levels of experience identifying Poecilotheria. Misidentifications remain relatively common within the hobby, and hybridization involving multiple described Poecilotheria species has also been documented in captivity. Because relatively few pure bloodlines are believed to remain in captivity, responsible breeders generally avoid crossing the lowland and highland populations in an effort to preserve the remaining genetic and morphological distinctions between them.

One factor contributing to this problem is that adult females of the two populations can be difficult to identify confidently, particularly among captive animals that already exhibit varying degrees of mixed ancestry. Mature males, however, are generally much easier to distinguish, particularly by their size, proportions, and dorsal patterning. Because mature males are frequently paired with multiple females and often transferred between collections for breeding, a single incorrectly identified male can introduce mixed ancestry into numerous bloodlines. This has likely contributed significantly to the increasing prevalence of hybridization within the hobby.

Shipping

Shipping method for live animal orders:

Orders containing live animals must have a subtotal of at least $50 to qualify for shipping.

For orders containing live animals, we ship throughout the continental U.S. (48 states) via FedEx Priority Overnight. Orders containing both live and non-live products may be shipped together or separately, depending on the items in the order, their sizes, and whether everything can fit safely in one shipment. When non-live products must be shipped separately by USPS, additional shipping charges will apply.

Live-animal packages are normally dropped off on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for next-day arrival. By default, packages are held for pickup at the nearest reasonably accessible FedEx Ship Center authorized to accept the shipment and must be collected in person.

Home delivery is available upon request. When a reasonably accessible authorized FedEx Ship Center is available, customer-requested home delivery is not eligible for our live arrival guarantee and is sent at the customer’s risk.

FedEx Ship Center availability varies by destination, and not every FedEx location is authorized to accept live-animal shipments. If no reasonably accessible authorized FedEx Ship Center is available, we will contact the customer and arrange home delivery. In this circumstance, home delivery remains eligible for LAG, provided all other LAG requirements are met.

Checkout shipping rates and free-shipping offers are based on FedEx Ship Center pickup. Any additional amount charged for home delivery is the customer’s responsibility and must be paid before shipment. For qualifying orders, free shipping covers standard Ship Center service but not any additional home-delivery cost. If no reasonably accessible authorized Ship Center is available and the customer declines the additional charge, the affected portion of the order—or the entire order when necessary—may be canceled without the standard cancellation fee.

We also offer expo pickup and a DFW local-meetup option. Please see our Expo Schedule for additional information.

Shipping method for non-live orders:

For shipments containing no live animals, shipping is available to all 50 states via USPS Ground Advantage or USPS Priority Mail. We will ship non-live orders directly to the address listed on the order, typically the day the order is placed or the following day. 

What to expect after placing an order:

If your order contains live animals that will be shipped, we will contact you within 12 hours with a proposed delivery date and, when applicable, the FedEx Ship Center pickup location. If home delivery is requested or required, we will provide the delivery arrangements and any additional shipping charge. We will not ship the package until you confirm the arrangements and any outstanding shipping balance has been paid. Tracking information will be provided on the day of shipment.

Shipping may be delayed because of weather, carrier conditions, our schedule, or if an animal has recently molted or appears likely to molt. We will notify you if a delay is necessary and arrange another suitable date.

Carrier delays can occur. Customers remain responsible for meeting the applicable pickup or receipt requirements on the day the package actually arrives, even if it arrives later than originally scheduled.

Live Arrival Guarantee (LAG):

Buddha Bugs offers a live arrival guarantee only when all of the following conditions are met:

  • Freebies are not covered by LAG.
  • When a reasonably accessible FedEx Ship Center authorized to accept the shipment is available, the package must be held for pickup at that location.
  • If no such location is available, we will arrange home delivery. In this circumstance, home delivery remains eligible for LAG, provided all other requirements are met.
  • Packages held at a FedEx Ship Center must be picked up on the day they arrive. Pickup at any time during the location’s regular opening hours is acceptable. Please bring valid identification.
  • In the unlikely event of a DOA, the customer must contact us and provide clear photographic or video evidence within three hours of FedEx Ship Center pickup—or within three hours of delivery when an LAG-eligible home delivery applies.
  • Shipping costs are not refunded, and replacements may not always be available.

ANY DEVIATION FROM THESE REQUIREMENTS MAY VOID THE LAG.

Home delivery is available upon request. When a reasonably accessible FedEx Ship Center authorized to accept the shipment is available, customer-requested home delivery is not eligible for LAG and is sent at the customer’s risk. When no such location is available, home delivery arranged by Buddha Bugs is eligible for LAG, provided all other requirements are met.

For animal safety, we do not ship live animals for home delivery when temperatures are 90°F or higher or 35°F or lower, regardless of whether the shipment would otherwise qualify for LAG.

FedEx does not reimburse Buddha Bugs for lost packages or the loss of live animals. We take every reasonable precaution to give each shipment the best chance of arriving safely.

Returns & Refunds

Returns & Refunds:

We DO NOT accept returns on live animals.

You may return non-live animal products for a refund within 14 days of delivery. The product must be unused and in its original packaging. After we receive your return, we will process refunds within 5-10 business days. Refunds will not include shipping costs. We will reject used products and, when possible, ship them back to the customer. 

If an animal arrives deceased, contact us within the required three-hour period and provide clear photographic or video evidence. When all live arrival guarantee requirements are met, we will provide the applicable refund or arrange a replacement when available. Multi-count products are handled according to the number of live animals received. Shipping costs and freebies are not covered. Please review our Shipping & Live Arrival Policy for complete requirements.

For online purchases with local pickup, pickup at a show, or for purchases made at a show, the customer is responsible for inspecting the purchased items and verifying that they are to their satisfaction. If they are not, they must express any dissatisfaction before the sale is completed, as all sales are final. We are not liable for damages after the customer receives their items due to issues including but not limited to the customer mishandling transport and/or overheating animals. 

Cancellations:

Customer-requested cancellations are subject to an approximately 3% cancellation fee. For card payments, the fee is 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction; different payment methods may have slightly higher or lower fee amounts. This reflects the nonrecoverable payment-processing cost charged when the order is placed and not returned to us when a refund is issued. Canceling an order also creates additional labor and temporarily removes inventory from availability, so please make sure you are committed before placing an order.

If a product is unavailable because of an inventory error, we will contact the customer and offer to cancel the affected product or the complete order without a cancellation fee.

If we determine after an order is placed that no reasonably accessible FedEx Ship Center authorized to accept the shipment is available, we will contact the customer with any additional cost required for home delivery. If the customer declines that additional charge, the affected portion of the order—or the entire order when necessary—may be canceled without the standard cancellation fee.

Certain ESA-listed Poecilotheria species cannot be shipped across state lines and are clearly marked “TX SALES ONLY” in their product titles and descriptions. If a customer outside Texas purchases one of these animals, the restricted portion of the order—or the entire order when necessary—will be canceled. The approximately 3% cancellation fee will be deducted from the refund because the restriction was disclosed before purchase. Refunds will be issued to the original payment method, but the time required for the credit to appear depends on the payment provider.

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