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Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tree Spider
Poecilotheria metallica
Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantola. A critically endangered arboreal species from India, famous for its striking metallic blue coloration, warning yellow patterns, lightning speed, and potent venom.
Class:Arachnida
Order:Araneae
Family:Theraphosidae
Subfamily:Poecilotheriinae
Genus:Poecilotheria
Species:Poecilotheria metallica
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
65 - 75 %
Day temperature
21 - 28 °C
Night temperature
21 - 24 °C
UVB
None
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Critically endangered species endemic to a highly restricted forest area (less than 100 square kilometers) in Andhra Pradesh, India. It lives high in the hollows and crevices of old-growth trees, emerging only at night to hunt.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Renowned for its spectacular metallic blue and cobalt coloration, accented by intricate white, yellow, and black geometric patterns. Adult females are robust, reaching a leg span of 15-20 cm, and live up to 12 years. Males are smaller, duller, and live around 3-4 years. Being an Old World species, it lacks urticating hairs.
Behavior and Habits: Extremely fast, nocturnal, and photosensitive. It seeks shelter immediately when exposed to light. When threatened, its primary defense is flight. If cornered, it assumes a prominent threat posture, raising its front legs to display bright yellow warning colors. If provoked, it will bite defensively.
Morphology: Mature females are larger and bulkier than males. Males have a much smaller body size, longer legs relative to body size, and lose the intense blue coloration after their mature molt.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Vertical enclosure is required (minimum 30x30x45 cm for an adult female). A tall cork bark tube or curved slab placed vertically is essential to provide a dark, secure hide where the tarantola will build its silken retreat. Ensure excellent cross-ventilation.
Lighting and Heating: Maintain daytime temperatures of 24-28°C with a nighttime drop to 20-22°C. Avoid direct light or heating lamps, as they stress this nocturnal species.
Humidity and Hydration: Keep relative humidity around 70-80%. The substrate (5 cm of coco fiber or peat) should be kept slightly damp by watering one corner. Provide a shallow water dish at the base of the enclosure.
Feeding and Supplementation: Active predator. Feed grills, roaches (Dubia or Red Runner), or locusts once or twice a week. Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours to prevent harm to the tarantola, especially during the molting process.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary. Do not house multiple specimens together, as this species is cannibalistic. Cohabitation with other species is not possible.
Health and Common Diseases: Vulnerable to dehydration, mold, and poor ventilation. Falls from height can rupture the abdomen, which is fatal. Its venom is medically significant, causing severe pain, cramping, and sweating; handling is strictly prohibited.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Critically endangered species endemic to a highly restricted forest area (less than 100 square kilometers) in Andhra Pradesh, India. It lives high in the hollows and crevices of old-growth trees, emerging only at night to hunt.
Origin
South and Southeast Asia
Terrestrial invertebrate profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- No verified data available
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Venom level
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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