Poecilotheria regalis
| Poecilotheria regalis | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Mygalomorphae |
| Family: | Theraphosidae |
| Genus: | Poecilotheria |
| Species: | P. regalis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Poecilotheria regalis | |
| Synonyms[3] | |
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Poecilotheria regalis is a species of arboreal tarantula and is found in parts of India.[1] The common name for this spider is Indian ornamental tree spider, or simply Indian ornamental. It is one of the most popular arboreal tarantulas for amateur collectors. Their leg span sometimes exceeds 7 inches (18 cm).
Name
The name Poecilotheria is derived from Greek "poikilos" - spotted and "therion" - wild beast. Regalis refers to "royal". This whole genus of arboreal tarantulas exhibits an intricate fractal-like pattern on the abdomen. The spider's natural habitat is primarily Southeastern India.
Behavior
The behavior of P. regalis parallels that of many arboreal spiders. In the wild individuals live in holes in tall trees where they make asymmetric funnel webs. Their primary prey consists of various flying insects, which they seize in flight and paralyze. It is not unknown for the spiders of this genus to live communally when territory, i.e. the number of holes per tree, is limited. They tend to be quite defensive spiders.[4]
Bites
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Although there has never been a recorded death from any
In captivity
Poecilotheria regalis is a popular pet among tarantula enthusiasts. Despite its speed and potent venom, this tarantula is often sought for its distinctive appearance. As with most other tarantulas in captivity, Poecilotheria regalis is fed crickets, grasshoppers, and the adult specimen can be occasionally fed small rodents. A female specimen can live upwards of 12 years, males usually have a shorter lifespan of 3–5 years.[9]
References
- ^ . Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
- ^ a b "Taxon details Poecilotheria regalis Pocock, 1899". World Spider Catalog. Natural History Museum Bern. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
- ^ Arent, Mariusz (2020-08-07). "Poecilotheria regalis". Arent.pl - Hodowla Ptaszników (in Polish). Retrieved 2022-09-13.
- ^ Gabriel, R. (2002). "Notes and Observations Regarding the Bite of Poecilotheria pederseni". British Tarantula Society Journal. 17 (2): 61–64.
- ^ Poecilotheria regalis – Arachnoboards
- ^ "Phong's Tarantulas! - Tarantula bites". Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2008-05-06.
- ^ Schmidt, G. (1988): Wie gefährlich sind Vogelspinnenbisse ? Deutsches Ärzteblatt 85 Heft 28/29(2): 1424-1425. (u. a. Infos about Poecilotheria fasciata)
- ^ "Indian Ornamental Tree Spider, Poecilotheria regalis, Indian Ornamental Tarantula". Animal-World. Retrieved 24 March 2019.
External links
