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Slate-red Ornamental Tree Spider (Poecilotheria rufilata)

The slate-red ornamental tree spider, part of the tarantula family, calls the Western Ghats in India its home. Get ready to discover intriguing facts about this fascinating spider as you read on!

Table Of Content hide

Physical Description and Identification

Are Slate-red Ornamental Tree Tarantulas Venomous?

Can Slate-red Ornamental Tree Tarantulas Bite?

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Slate-red Ornamental Tree Tarantula

Quick Facts

Did You Know

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: Male: 3.5 cm (1.37 in) Female: 8 cm (3.14 in)
Color: They are greenish-brown with yellow markings on their legs.
Other Characteristic Features: The males tend to be more slender than the females.

Photo Credit: Michael Pankratz

Photo Credit: Michael Pankratz

Eggs

The orange-to-brown eggs are laid inside a sac made of webbing.

Spiderlings

They are very fast, becoming quite strong as they mature.

The Web

Similar to other tarantulas, they are ambush predators who do not generate a lot of webbing.

Are Slate-red Ornamental Tree Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Slate-red Ornamental Tree Tarantulas are venomous, like most tarantulas. Their venom helps them subdue prey.

Can Slate-red Ornamental Tree Tarantulas Bite?

Compared to other tarantulas, these spiders are flighty, skittish, and quick to bite if agitated. Their venom is quite potent, with some bites even leading to hospitalization, though there are no recorded deaths.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Slate-red Ornamental Tree Tarantula

The slate-red ornamental tree spider plays a crucial role in its habitat as a predator, keeping the insect population in check and thereby supporting the health of the local ecosystem.

Natural Predators: In the wild, they are prey to birds, larger mammals, and even other spiders, which helps to maintain the natural balance of species within the Ghats.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: Their predation not only controls the populations of their prey but also influences the spatial distribution and behavior of smaller creatures in their ecosystem.

Relationship with Humans: Humans impact these spiders significantly through habitat disruption and illegal pet trade, yet the spiders themselves pose little threat to humans when left undisturbed in their natural environment.

Quick Facts

Other names	Red slate ornamental tarantula, reddish parachute spider, Travancore slate-red tarantula, or Rufus parachute spider
Lifespan	Males: 2-3 years Females: 11-12 years
Distribution	The south Western Ghats of India
Habitat	Rock crevices as well as in tree bark and hollows
Diet	Cockroaches, crickets, and locusts. Some have been noted to trap and eat bats.

Did You Know

This tarantula is classified as “Endangered” or “EN” by the IUCN due to habitat loss and smuggling for illegal trading.

In conclusion, the slate-red ornamental tree spider is not only a species of great beauty but also of ecological importance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Poecilotheria rufilata look like?

The Poecilotheria rufilata is a greenish-brown tarantula with distinctive yellow markings on its legs. As an arboreal species, it has a slender build adapted for climbing. Males are typically smaller and more slender than the larger, more robust females, a common trait known as sexual dimorphism.

How big does a female slate-red ornamental tarantula get?

A mature female slate-red ornamental tarantula can reach a body length of approximately 8 cm (3.14 inches). They are significantly larger than their male counterparts, which typically only grow to about 3.5 cm. This size difference is a key identifying feature between the sexes in adults.

Are slate-red ornamental tree spiders aggressive?

Slate-red ornamental tree spiders are not considered aggressive but are highly defensive, flighty, and skittish. They are known to be quick to bite if they feel agitated or threatened. Their first instinct is often to flee, but they will defend themselves if they feel cornered.

Is the Poecilotheria rufilata venom dangerous to humans?

Yes, the venom of a Poecilotheria rufilata is considered medically significant and potent for humans. While no deaths have been recorded, a bite can cause extreme pain, muscle cramping, and other severe symptoms that may require hospitalization. Always seek professional medical attention following a bite.

Where do Poecilotheria rufilata live in the wild?

The Poecilotheria rufilata is native to the rainforests of the Western Ghats in southern India. This specific arboreal habitat provides the high trees, humidity, and climate this species requires to thrive. They are an important part of this unique and biodiverse ecosystem as ambush predators.

What is the ecological role of the slate-red ornamental tree spider?

The primary ecological role of the slate-red ornamental tree spider is that of a predator. By preying on various insects and other small animals, it helps to control their populations. This predation supports the overall health and balance of its native forest ecosystem in the Western Ghats.

Do slate-red ornamental tree spiders make large webs?

No, slate-red ornamental tree spiders do not create large, intricate webs to catch prey. Like other tarantulas, they are ambush predators and use webbing primarily to line their retreats in tree hollows or for constructing egg sacs. Their hunting relies on speed and venom, not web entrapment.

Slate-red Ornamental Tree Spider (Poecilotheria rufilata)