Home / Tarantulas / Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental Spider (Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli)

Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental Spider (Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli)

The Wessel’s tiger ornamental spider is an interesting tarantula that calls the trees of India its home. With unique patterns and behaviors, this spider stands out in the tarantula family. We’ve gathered facts about this creature to help you learn more about it.

Scientific Classification

Poecilotheria Tigrinawesseli

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Male: 17.78 cm (7 in) Female: 20.32 cm (8 in)
  • Color: These spiders are tan and brown, while their legs vary. The first pair is yellow and black, while the fourth is bluish-gray and black.
  • Other Characteristic Features: They are shy creatures, preferring to run away and hide when confronted.

Eggs

Eggs are laid inside a sac made of webbing inside a silken retreat constructed by the mother.

Spiderlings

In around a year, the juveniles mature to about 7 cm.

The Web

As predators that rely primarily on ambush tactics and quick movement to hunt, they do not use webbing to catch prey.

Picture of Wessel's Tiger Ornamental Spider

Are Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental Tarantulas are venomous, like most tarantulas. Their venom helps them subdue their prey.

Can Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental Tarantulas Bite?

Yes, they can bite if they feel threatened or provoked. While the bite can be painful, it’s typically not harmful to humans. However, it’s best to handle them with care.

Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental Tarantula

The Wessel’s tiger ornamental spider plays a crucial ecological role in its habitat. By preying on various insects, it helps control pest populations, maintaining a balance in the ecosystem. Their predatory behavior is instrumental in the health of their natural environment.

Natural Predator: While the specific natural predators of this tarantula have not been extensively documented, they are likely preyed upon by larger animals and birds that can overcome their venomous defense.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The diet of these tarantulas, consisting of insects like beetles and crickets, reflects their role as natural pest controllers. This dynamic is beneficial, as it aids in the suppression of insect populations that could otherwise become problematic.

Relationship with Humans: Humans rarely interact closely with the Wessel’s tiger ornamental tarantula. While their venomous bite should be respected, they do not pose a significant threat. Their reclusive nature and preference for dry, less-populated habitats mean that encounters with humans are minimal.

Quick Facts

Other namesAnantagiri’s Parachute Spider
Lifespan10-12 years
DistributionIndia, notably the Eastern Ghats and parts of Andhra Pradesh
HabitatArid, dry regions
DietBeetles, cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers, mealworms, and moths

Did You Know

  • British arachnologist Andrew Martin Smith first described this species in 2006.

Wessel's Tiger Ornamental Spider Image

In conclusion, the Wessel’s tiger ornamental spider is a shy, venomous predator with a significant ecological role in India’s arid habitats.

The Wessel’s tiger ornamental spider is an interesting tarantula that calls the trees of India its home. With unique patterns and behaviors, this spider stands out in the tarantula family. We’ve gathered facts about this creature to help you learn more about it.

Poecilotheria Tigrinawesseli

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Male: 17.78 cm (7 in) Female: 20.32 cm (8 in)
  • Color: These spiders are tan and brown, while their legs vary. The first pair is yellow and black, while the fourth is bluish-gray and black.
  • Other Characteristic Features: They are shy creatures, preferring to run away and hide when confronted.

Eggs

Eggs are laid inside a sac made of webbing inside a silken retreat constructed by the mother.

Spiderlings

In around a year, the juveniles mature to about 7 cm.

The Web

As predators that rely primarily on ambush tactics and quick movement to hunt, they do not use webbing to catch prey.

Picture of Wessel's Tiger Ornamental Spider

Are Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental Tarantulas are venomous, like most tarantulas. Their venom helps them subdue their prey.

Can Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental Tarantulas Bite?

Yes, they can bite if they feel threatened or provoked. While the bite can be painful, it’s typically not harmful to humans. However, it’s best to handle them with care.

Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Wessel’s Tiger Ornamental Tarantula

The Wessel’s tiger ornamental spider plays a crucial ecological role in its habitat. By preying on various insects, it helps control pest populations, maintaining a balance in the ecosystem. Their predatory behavior is instrumental in the health of their natural environment.

Natural Predator: While the specific natural predators of this tarantula have not been extensively documented, they are likely preyed upon by larger animals and birds that can overcome their venomous defense.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The diet of these tarantulas, consisting of insects like beetles and crickets, reflects their role as natural pest controllers. This dynamic is beneficial, as it aids in the suppression of insect populations that could otherwise become problematic.

Relationship with Humans: Humans rarely interact closely with the Wessel’s tiger ornamental tarantula. While their venomous bite should be respected, they do not pose a significant threat. Their reclusive nature and preference for dry, less-populated habitats mean that encounters with humans are minimal.

Quick Facts

Other namesAnantagiri’s Parachute Spider
Lifespan10-12 years
DistributionIndia, notably the Eastern Ghats and parts of Andhra Pradesh
HabitatArid, dry regions
DietBeetles, cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers, mealworms, and moths

Did You Know

  • British arachnologist Andrew Martin Smith first described this species in 2006.

Wessel's Tiger Ornamental Spider Image

In conclusion, the Wessel’s tiger ornamental spider is a shy, venomous predator with a significant ecological role in India’s arid habitats.