Arachnid · Arboreal tarantula
Wessel's tiger ornamental tarantula care guide
Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli
The wessel's tiger ornamental tarantula is a advanced-level arboreal tarantula from E India (Andhra Pradesh, Odisha). Adults reach Leg span 15–18 cm and live Females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years in captivity. Fast and secretive; bites can cause severe cramps for days.
- Enclosure 30 × 30 × 45 cm
- Temp 24–28°C
- Humidity 65–75%
How much does a wessel's tiger ornamental tarantula cost in Canada?
Wessel's tiger ornamental tarantula quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- Leg span 15–18 cm
- Lifespan
- Females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- E India (Andhra Pradesh, Odisha)
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 24–28°C
- Humidity
- 65–75%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
- Bioactive style
- Arboreal tarantula
Wessel's tiger ornamental tarantula enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a arboreal tarantula bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Tarantula Mix8 cm
Cross-ventilation is essential – stuffy, stagnant air is the main killer of arboreal tarantulas.
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 65–75%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a wessel's tiger ornamental tarantula eat?
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 1–2 appropriately sized insects every 7–14 days; slings: small prey 2–3 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Fast, defensive Old World species with potent venom and no urticating hairs; never handle.
Health watch: Watch for dehydration and stuck molts; always provide a water dish and never feed a molting spider.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Visual check only.
Weekly
- Offer food; remove leftovers.
- Lightly mist one side of the enclosure or the web, and keep the water dish full.
Monthly
- Check ventilation holes are clear.
Yearly
- Rehouse as the spider grows.
Recommended for a wessel's tiger ornamental tarantula bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 45 cm).
Wessel's tiger ornamental tarantula FAQ
Is the wessel's tiger ornamental tarantula good for beginners?
The wessel's tiger ornamental tarantula is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Fast, defensive Old World species with potent venom and no urticating hairs; never handle.
What size enclosure does a wessel's tiger ornamental tarantula need?
At least 30 × 30 × 45 cm (about 12 × 12 × 18 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a wessel's tiger ornamental tarantula cost in Canada?
Typically $80–250 CAD to buy, about $160–300 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $40–90 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a wessel's tiger ornamental tarantula need?
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 65–75%.
What does a wessel's tiger ornamental tarantula eat?
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 1–2 appropriately sized insects every 7–14 days; slings: small prey 2–3 times a week.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.