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Indian Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria regalis)
The Indian ornamental tarantula is a special kind of tarantula with a fancy name that comes from Greek and Latin words. These words mean “spotted wild beast” and “royal”. Curious about this regal spider? We’ve got some cool facts to share with you about it.
Size: They are fairly large, with a leg span of 7-8 cm (2.75-3.15 inches).
Color: Their bodies are grey, with their hind limbs maintaining a black and white alternating pattern. However, the forelimbs of this tarantula have a unique yellow coloration as well.
Other Characteristic Features: Males have an inner darker pattern absent in females.
Eggs
They are orange, and placed inside a sac made of webbing.
Spiderlings
The tiny spiderlings are orange and mature very quickly into adults.
The Web
These spiders make asymmetrical funnel webs.
Are Indian Ornamental Tarantulas Venomous?
Yes, Indian Ornamental Tarantulas have venom. They use it mostly to grab their meals. This spider is believed to have a medically significant bite that causes intense pain, though there haven’t been any instances of reported deaths or anaphylactic shock.
Can Indian Ornamental Tarantulas Bite?
They can bite, but they’re often calm creatures. If they feel threatened or scared, they might bite to defend themselves. However, they usually like to keep to themselves and enjoy their spider world.
Ecological Importance and Behavior of Indian Ornamental Tarantula
This species is an important predator within its environment, feeding on various insects such as crickets and grasshoppers, thus maintaining the ecological balance by controlling pest populations.
Natural Predators: While the Indian Ornamental Tarantula is a formidable predator in its own right, it falls prey to larger animals such as birds, reptiles, and mammals that inhabit the same forested regions.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: The tarantula’s venom is a critical aspect of its hunting strategy, enabling it to immobilize prey swiftly. Its hunting style contributes to its role in the local food web as an efficient predator.
Relationship with Humans: Humans are both admirers and stewards of the Indian Ornamental Tarantula. While they are sought after as exotic pets by arachnid enthusiasts, their interaction with humans in the wild is minimal and typically non-aggressive. Bites to humans are rare and occur only when the spider feels directly threatened.
Quick Facts
Other names
Indian ornamental tree spider
Lifespan
Males: 3-5 years
Females: 11-12 years
Distribution
Southeastern India
Habitat
Tall trees
Diet
Crickets and grasshoppers
Did You Know
British zoologist Reginald Innes Pocock F.R.S. first described this spider in 1899.
These tarantulas are popular pets among collectors and enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Indian Ornamental Tarantula is an intricate part of its native ecosystem, contributing to insect population control and showcasing the diversity of India’s wildlife.
An Indian Ornamental Tarantula is identified by its grey body, a leg span of 7-8 cm, and distinct leg coloration. Its hind limbs feature a black and white alternating pattern, while the forelimbs have a unique yellow coloration. Males can also be distinguished by a darker inner pattern.
Yes, the bite of an Indian Ornamental Tarantula is considered medically significant and can cause intense pain. While its venom is potent, there have been no reported human deaths or cases of anaphylactic shock. Always seek professional medical advice if you are bitten by this species.
Indian Ornamental Tarantulas are not typically aggressive but are defensive creatures that may bite if they feel threatened. They generally prefer to retreat and hide rather than confront a potential threat. Handling is not recommended due to their speed and potent venom, which they will use for self-protection.
The Indian Ornamental Tarantula builds an asymmetrical funnel web, which is characteristic of its arboreal nature. This web serves as both a retreat and an effective trap for capturing prey. The spider often waits near the entrance to ambush insects that come into contact with its silk.
In their natural habitat, Indian Ornamental Tarantulas are important predators that primarily eat various insects. Their diet commonly includes crickets, grasshoppers, and other small invertebrates. By preying on these animals, they play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling local pest populations.
The primary visual difference is that adult male Indian Ornamental Tarantulas have a distinct, darker inner pattern that is absent in females. This feature, a form of sexual dimorphism, becomes more apparent as the spiders reach maturity and is a key characteristic used for sexing this species.
The natural predators of the Indian Ornamental Tarantula include larger animals within its forested environment. Despite its venomous bite and formidable size, it can fall prey to various species of birds, reptiles, and some mammals. These predators are a natural part of the tarantula’s ecosystem.
Dr Richard J. Pearce (PhD) on May 25, 2022.
Spider Team
