Old World Arboreal Tarantula Setup Guide

Safe & Secure Enclosures for Fast, Venomous Tree-Dwellers

Introduction

Old World arboreal tarantulas are some of the most striking and fascinating species in the hobby. With their vibrant colors, lightning-fast speed, and defensive nature, they demand both respect and preparation.

Unlike their New World cousins, these spiders lack urticating hairs and rely instead on biting as a primary defense — which makes a proper enclosure setup crucial for both safety and the tarantula’s health.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the ideal setup for Old World arboreal tarantulas.

🕷️ Common Old World Arboreal Species

Some of the most popular Old World arboreal tarantulas include:

  • Poecilotheria metallica (Gooty Sapphire Ornamental)
  • Poecilotheria regalis (Indian Ornamental)
  • Stromatopelma calceatum (Featherleg Baboon)
  • Heteroscodra maculata (Togo Starburst Baboon)
  • Lampropelma nigerrimum (Sumatran Tiger)

All of these are known for their speed, beautiful markings, and web-heavy behaviors. Some, like Poecilotheria, also grow to impressive sizes.

Key Setup Goals

When creating an Old World arboreal enclosure, your priorities should be:

✅ Vertical space for climbing
✅ Secure lid and locking mechanisms
✅ Excellent cross-ventilation
✅ Multiple anchor points for webbing
✅ Hides elevated off the ground
✅ Stable humidity with proper drainage
✅ Ease of maintenance without direct contact

1. Enclosure Size & Style

📏 Minimum Dimensions (Adult):

  • Height: 12–16 inches
  • Width/Depth: 8–10 inches
  • Example: 12x8x8″ or larger for adult Poecilotheria

📦 Best Materials:

  • Acrylic or glass enclosures with front or side access
  • Magnetic or locking doors highly recommended

🔐 Important:
Old World arboreals are incredibly fast. Enclosures must have tight-fitting lids and secure latches to prevent escapes.

2. Ventilation & Airflow

These species are sensitive to stagnant air, especially in tropical or humid environments.

💨 Provide:

  • Cross ventilation (holes on both sides of the enclosure)
  • Mesh vents at the top or sides
  • Avoid foggy or overly moist setups — mold is a risk

3. Substrate

While arboreals don’t burrow, substrate helps retain humidity and allows waste to decompose naturally.

🪵 Use:

  • 2–3 inches of coco fiber, topsoil, or a mix with vermiculite
  • Add springtails or isopods for bioactive setups (optional)
  • Keep one side slightly moist for humidity control

4. Hides & Anchor Points

Old World arboreals want vertical hides where they can rest and web securely.

🌿 Include:

  • A cork bark tube or standing slab (angled vertically)
  • Branches, bamboo, or fake plants for climbing
  • Position the hide near the top of the enclosure

🕸️ The more web anchor points, the better — especially for Stromatopelma and Heteroscodra, which create dense silk tunnels.

5. Water & Humidity

💧 Provide:

  • A shallow water dish at the base of the enclosure
  • Keep humidity between 65–80%, depending on the species
  • Mist lightly once a week (not directly on the tarantula)
  • Ensure water can’t flood the enclosure

Tip: Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity if your room is very dry.

6. Temperature

🌡️ Ideal Range: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

Use a room heater or heat mat on a thermostat outside the enclosure if necessary. Avoid direct heat sources.

7. Feeding & Maintenance

🪳 Feed:

  • Dubia roaches, crickets, locusts — sized appropriately
  • Juveniles: feed every 5–7 days
  • Adults: feed every 10–14 days
  • Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours to avoid stress

🧽 Maintenance:

  • Spot clean feces or old boluses with tongs
  • Refill water dish regularly
  • Avoid deep cleaning unless absolutely necessary

⚠️ Never reach in with bare hands — use long tongs or tools.

8. Safety Tips

  • Always plan your moves before opening the enclosure
  • Use catch cups and long tongs during maintenance
  • Avoid rehousing in open or cluttered spaces
  • Never attempt to handle an Old World arboreal
  • Have a spare container or catch cup nearby — just in case

Example Setup Checklist ✅

  • Secure vertical enclosure
  • Cross ventilation
  • 2–3 inches of substrate
  • Cork bark tube/hide
  • Climbing decor
  • Water dish
  • Temp/humidity monitored
  • Locking doors/lid

Final Thoughts

Old World arboreal tarantulas offer incredible display potential, webbing behavior, and exotic beauty — but they require careful planning and respectful distance. With a safe, secure setup, these species can thrive and impress for years.

Whether you’re housing a jewel-toned Poecilotheria or a cryptic Stromatopelma, a properly prepared enclosure is your first and best defense against risk — and your tarantula’s best chance at a healthy, low-stress life.

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