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

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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 approximately 3–4 years; females 10–15+ years
• 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.