Poecilotheria regalis

Poecilotheria regalis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Mygalomorphae
Family: Theraphosidae
Genus: Poecilotheria
Species: P. regalis
Binomial name
Poecilotheria regalis
Pocock, 1899[2]
Synonyms[2]
  • Ornithoctonus gadgili Tikader, 1977
Ventral view

Poecilotheria regalis is a species of arboreal tarantulas from the Western and Eastern Ghats, 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 legspan 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.

Bites

Although there has never been a recorded death from any tarantula bite, this species is considered to have a medically significant bite, with venom that may cause intense pain, judging from the experience of keepers bitten by other spiders from this genus.[3][4][5][6] They move rapidly and, although they generally prefer flight to fight, may attack when cornered.

References

  1. 1 2 Molur, S.; Daniel, B.A. & Siliwal, M. (2008). "Poecilotheria regalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
  2. 1 2 "Taxon details Poecilotheria regalis Pocock, 1899". World Spider Catalog. Natural History Museum Bern. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
  3. ↑ Gabriel, R. (2002). "Notes and Observations Regarding the Bite of Poecilotheria pederseni". British Tarantula Society Journal. 17 (2): 61–64.
  4. ↑ Poecilotheria regalis - Arachnoboards
  5. ↑ Phong's Tarantulas! - Tarantula bites
  6. ↑ Schmidt, G. (1988): Wie gefährlich sind Vogelspinnenbisse ? Deutsches Ärzteblatt 85 Heft 28/29(2): 1424-1425. (u. a. Infos about Poecilotheria fasciata)
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