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Indian Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria regalis)

Poecilotheria regalis

The Poecilotheria regalis, renowned as 'Indian Ornamental Tarantula'. It is the most iconic, widespread and colossal species (7.1-8.7 inches legspan) of the lethal arboreal 'Pokie' genus. Completely lacking urticating hairs, it compensates with a hyper-defensive nature, instantaneous speeds and a neurotoxic venom capable of causing severe prolonged muscle spasms in humans. It sports a labyrinthine and perfect aposematic camouflage pattern of white, black and gray, with a flashy yellow warning band under the first pair of legs and a wide ventral light band. Ruthless predator reserved exclusively for veterans.

Taxonomy
Class:Arachnida
Order:Araneae
Family:Theraphosidae
Subfamily:Poecilotheriinae
Genus:Poecilotheria
Species:Poecilotheria regalis

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Environment

Terrestrial

Humidity

70 - 80 %

Day temperature

24 - 28 °C

Night temperature

22 - 25 °C

UVB

None

Species description

Geographic Origin and Habitat: The World Spider Catalog gives India as the distribution for Poecilotheria regalis. This recovery does not add a habitat assertion beyond that source-backed distribution.
Taxonomy and Genetics: The World Spider Catalog lists Poecilotheria regalis Pocock, 1899 as an accepted species in the genus Poecilotheria, family Theraphosidae. This recovery does not add genetic information.
Behaviour and Habits: This recovery does not add behavioural or natural-history assertions beyond the source-backed taxonomy and distribution stated above.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: This recovery does not add morphology or sexual-dimorphism assertions beyond the source-backed taxonomy and distribution stated above.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Terrarium Setup: This proposal does not establish a terrarium setup.
Lighting and Heating: This proposal does not establish lighting or heating parameters.
Humidity and Hydration: This proposal does not establish humidity or hydration parameters.
Feeding and Supplementation: This proposal does not establish feeding or supplementation guidance.
Compatibility and Coexistence: This proposal does not establish compatibility or cohabitation guidance.
Health and Common Diseases: A study of Poecilotheria regalis venom evaluated cultured myoblasts and the tibialis anterior muscle of mice. It found no effect on undifferentiated myoblasts, while differentiated multinucleated myotubes showed reduced fusion and atrophy. In the mouse experiment, intramuscular administration caused extensive muscle damage on day 5; regeneration was evident by day 10 and continued to day 20, although some tissue abnormalities remained. These are cell-culture and mouse experimental findings, not a diagnosis, treatment, emergency, or veterinary instruction.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

This species originates from: India (Foreste umide occidentali e orientali, stati del Kerala, Karnataka e Tamil Nadu).

Origin

South and Southeast Asia

Terrestrial invertebrate profile

Diet
No verified data available
Life expectancy
No verified data available
Adult size
18 cm
The catalog's scalar value is 18 cm. The Herpeton Academy — Poecilotheria regalis source reports a maximum adult measurement of 18 cm for this species, recorded as diagonal leg span (DLS). The taxonomic record consulted is Poecilotheria regalis. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
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.

Related species

Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.

Variants and close relatives

Same atlas type, nearby scientific identity, genus, or family.

Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tree Spider

Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tree Spider

Poecilotheria metallica

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Guyana Pinktoe Tarantula (Avicularia avicularia)

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Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula

Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula

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Similar care

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Last updated: 08/10/2026
Indian Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria regalis) Care Guide & Terrarium Setup | Atlarium