Gooty Sapphire (Poecilotheria metallica)

The Gooty Sapphire, scientifically known as Poecilotheria metallica, is an extraordinary tarantula species native to the deciduous forests of India. Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, this arachnid earns its common name due to the dazzling metallic blue hue that shimmers across its exoskeleton.

The Gooty Sapphire tarantula is a sight to behold. Its entire body, including the carapace, abdomen, and legs, is adorned with a deep and vibrant blue coloration that seems to glow under the light. The iridescent quality of its exoskeleton enhances its captivating appearance, making it one of the most visually striking tarantulas in the world.

Although visually stunning, the Gooty Sapphire is not just about looks. It possesses potent venom, enabling it to effectively capture and immobilize its prey. This species primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates, using its sharp fangs to deliver a venomous bite.

In its natural habitat, the Gooty Sapphire constructs silk-lined burrows within tree hollows or crevices, providing it with a safe retreat. It is primarily active during the night, utilizing its exceptional agility and sensory organs to hunt and navigate its surroundings.

TYPE
Old World - Arboreal

SCIENTIFIC NAME
Poecilotheria metallica

ORIGIN
Southeast India

HABITAT
Sling- Sling box or 16oz deli cup
Juvenile - 4x4x7 enclosure
Sub-Adult - 6x6x9 enclosure, 2 ½ or 5 gallon tank
Adult - 8x8x12 enclosure or 10 gallon tank
Provide them with a cork bark hide, water dish, a little sphagnum moss (optional) and straight coco fiber. However a substrate like jungle mix or creature soil which is mainly peat moss, a little soil and a small amount of sand. Coco fiber works very well and is the least expensive.

DIET
Roaches, crickets and mealworms is our recommended foods. However, superworms are also acceptable when they reach adulthood.

TEMPERATURE
78-82F, heating generally isn’t a concern with this species, and they do well at room temperature.

HUMIDITY
65%-75%, slings should stay on lightly moist substrate, adults should have a water dish and a corner of their enclosure that goes through a wet/dry cycle, moistening the substrate and then leaving it alone until it dries out.

ADULT SIZE
Adults can reach up to 6"+ diagonal leg span.

LIFESPAN
4-12 years (Males 4-5 years, with females drastically outliving them at 12+ years)

SOCIAL BEHAVIOR
We do not recommend keeping tarantulas as they will cannibalize each other. Its best to keep tarantulas in individual enclosures.