The Gooty Sapphire tarantula is a species of spider found in the southern parts of India. Its geometric pattern and blue coloration makes it unique in appearance.
Size: They are big in size, an adult spider growing upto a length of 6 inches (152.4 mm).
Color: Blue body (the only species in its genus to be have such a coloration) which is more prominent in adult males than females. Patches of yellow colorations are seen on its legs.
Other characteristics: The males are seen with more slender bodies and longer legs in comparison to their female counterparts. Some of the blue-haired tarantulas could possess a flower like structure on their hairs that help in minimizing iridescence.
The eggs are round, with thousands of purple slings contained in a single sac.
The spiderlings are mostly lavender in color that 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.
These spiders are mostly submissive and try to escape on sensing a threat and could only bite if provoked.
In most cases they give dry bites where the venom does not enter into the body of the victim. No fatalities in humans have been recorded till date, though the bite could be painful since their fangs grow to about 3/4th inch. The symptoms could be mild pertaining to swelling or lump lasting for a week or a little severe depending on the nature of the bite.
| 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 |
Image Credit: Wafflesatnoon.com, 3.bp.blogspot.com, Animal-world.com, C1.staticflickr.com, Backwaterreptilesblog.com
The Gooty Sapphire tarantula is a species of spider found in the southern parts of India. Its geometric pattern and blue coloration makes it unique in appearance.
Size: They are big in size, an adult spider growing upto a length of 6 inches (152.4 mm).
Color: Blue body (the only species in its genus to be have such a coloration) which is more prominent in adult males than females. Patches of yellow colorations are seen on its legs.
Other characteristics: The males are seen with more slender bodies and longer legs in comparison to their female counterparts. Some of the blue-haired tarantulas could possess a flower like structure on their hairs that help in minimizing iridescence.
The eggs are round, with thousands of purple slings contained in a single sac.
The spiderlings are mostly lavender in color that 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.
These spiders are mostly submissive and try to escape on sensing a threat and could only bite if provoked.
In most cases they give dry bites where the venom does not enter into the body of the victim. No fatalities in humans have been recorded till date, though the bite could be painful since their fangs grow to about 3/4th inch. The symptoms could be mild pertaining to swelling or lump lasting for a week or a little severe depending on the nature of the bite.
| 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 |
Image Credit: Wafflesatnoon.com, 3.bp.blogspot.com, Animal-world.com, C1.staticflickr.com, Backwaterreptilesblog.com
James Lambrou on February 4, 2019.
Dr. Watuwa James
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