Ever seen a spider that’s blue and has cool patterns? Meet the Gooty Sapphire tarantula! This amazing spider lives in southern India and stands out because of its unique look. Stay with us, and we’ll share some fun facts about this colorful creature!
The eggs are round, with thousands of purple slings contained in a single sac.
The spiderlings are mostly lavender in color which fades away and are replaced with blue as they grow up.
They have asymmetrical and funnel-shaped webs that are made in the holes of trees where these spiders live.
Photo Credit: Michael Baun
Yes, Gooty Sapphire Tarantulas are venomous. They use their venom to capture their food, but it’s not very harmful to humans.
Gooty Sapphire Tarantulas can bite, but usually only if provoked. They often give “dry bites” without venom. While their bites can be painful due to their large fangs, there have been no recorded human fatalities. Symptoms might include mild swelling lasting about a week.
The Gooty Sapphire Tarantula is an important predator in its habitat, feeding on various insects, which helps to control the insect population. As arboreal spiders, they contribute to the health of the forest canopy by preying on pests that might otherwise damage the trees they inhabit.
Natural Predators: Natural predators of the Gooty Sapphire Tarantula include the Tarantula hawk wasp and larger wasps, which can overpower and paralyze these spiders for reproduction purposes.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: These tarantulas are a key part of the food web, serving as both predators of smaller insects and prey to larger, specialized hunters. This dynamic is crucial for maintaining ecological balance within their forest environments.
Relationship with Humans: While venomous, Gooty Sapphire Tarantulas are not lethal to humans, and their bites are rare unless they are provoked. Due to their stunning appearance, they have become highly prized in the exotic pet trade, fetching high prices, which unfortunately contributes to their status as critically endangered. Conservation efforts are needed to protect these tarantulas from overcollection and habitat destruction.
| Other names | Gooty sapphire ornamental tree spider, Gooty tarantula, Gooty sapphire, peacock parachute spider, metallic tarantula, peacock tarantula |
| Lifespan | Males: 3 to 4 years Females: 12 years |
| Distribution | India (Andhra Pradesh), Sri Lanka |
| Habitat | They are arboreal spiders, mostly living inside the holes of tall trees, in the dense deciduous forests. |
| Predators | Tarantula hawk, big wasps |
| Diet | Several insects like fruit flies, mantis, moths |
| IUCN | Critically Endangered |
In conclusion, the Gooty Sapphire Tarantula is a remarkable specimen of ecological importance and beauty, meriting efforts for its preservation.
Ever seen a spider that’s blue and has cool patterns? Meet the Gooty Sapphire tarantula! This amazing spider lives in southern India and stands out because of its unique look. Stay with us, and we’ll share some fun facts about this colorful creature!
The eggs are round, with thousands of purple slings contained in a single sac.
The spiderlings are mostly lavender in color which fades away and are replaced with blue as they grow up.
They have asymmetrical and funnel-shaped webs that are made in the holes of trees where these spiders live.
Photo Credit: Michael Baun
Yes, Gooty Sapphire Tarantulas are venomous. They use their venom to capture their food, but it’s not very harmful to humans.
Gooty Sapphire Tarantulas can bite, but usually only if provoked. They often give “dry bites” without venom. While their bites can be painful due to their large fangs, there have been no recorded human fatalities. Symptoms might include mild swelling lasting about a week.
The Gooty Sapphire Tarantula is an important predator in its habitat, feeding on various insects, which helps to control the insect population. As arboreal spiders, they contribute to the health of the forest canopy by preying on pests that might otherwise damage the trees they inhabit.
Natural Predators: Natural predators of the Gooty Sapphire Tarantula include the Tarantula hawk wasp and larger wasps, which can overpower and paralyze these spiders for reproduction purposes.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: These tarantulas are a key part of the food web, serving as both predators of smaller insects and prey to larger, specialized hunters. This dynamic is crucial for maintaining ecological balance within their forest environments.
Relationship with Humans: While venomous, Gooty Sapphire Tarantulas are not lethal to humans, and their bites are rare unless they are provoked. Due to their stunning appearance, they have become highly prized in the exotic pet trade, fetching high prices, which unfortunately contributes to their status as critically endangered. Conservation efforts are needed to protect these tarantulas from overcollection and habitat destruction.
| Other names | Gooty sapphire ornamental tree spider, Gooty tarantula, Gooty sapphire, peacock parachute spider, metallic tarantula, peacock tarantula |
| Lifespan | Males: 3 to 4 years Females: 12 years |
| Distribution | India (Andhra Pradesh), Sri Lanka |
| Habitat | They are arboreal spiders, mostly living inside the holes of tall trees, in the dense deciduous forests. |
| Predators | Tarantula hawk, big wasps |
| Diet | Several insects like fruit flies, mantis, moths |
| IUCN | Critically Endangered |
In conclusion, the Gooty Sapphire Tarantula is a remarkable specimen of ecological importance and beauty, meriting efforts for its preservation.
Dr. James Watuwa on February 4, 2019.
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