Indian Ornamental Tarantula
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.
Environnement
Terrestre
Humidité
70 - 80 %
Température diurne
24 - 28 °C
Température nocturne
22 - 25 °C
Description de l'espèce
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.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
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.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Cette espèce provient de : India (Foreste umide occidentali e orientali, stati del Kerala, Karnataka e Tamil Nadu).
Origine
Asie du Sud et du Sud-Est
Profil d'invertébré terrestre
- Régime alimentaire
- Carnivore
- Poecilotheria regalis is an opportunistic ambush predator that thrives on a diet of appropriately sized live insects. Crickets, roaches, and mealworms make excellent staple feeders for this species. Prey should be gut-loaded and occasionally dusted with supplements to ensure optimal nutrition. It is important not to overfeed, as a highly distended abdomen can increase the risk of fatal injuries from falls. Remove any uneaten live prey after 24 hours to prevent them from stressing or injuring the spider.
- Taille adulte
- 18 cm
- Mode de vie/microhabitat
- Arboreal
- Poecilotheria regalis is perfectly adapted to its specific ecological niche, requiring a setup that closely mimics its natural environment. Terrestrial species need deep, specialized substrate for burrowing, while arboreal species require vertical cork bark tubes and elevated hides. They are generally solitary creatures that should be housed individually to prevent predation. A proper water dish and an appropriate microclimate are essential components of their enclosure. They lead a sedentary lifestyle, meaning they do not require excessively large enclosures compared to active reptiles.
- Cycle d'activité
- Nocturnal
- Like most tarantulas, Poecilotheria regalis is primarily nocturnal, showing the highest levels of activity during the night. They generally remain hidden in their burrows or web tubes during daylight hours to avoid heat and predators. Once the lights go out, they often emerge to sit at the entrance of their hide, waiting to ambush passing prey. Despite being mostly inactive during the day, they may occasionally venture out for water or to adjust their webbing. Maintaining a natural photoperiod is recommended to support this internal circadian rhythm.
- Sociabilité
- Gregarious
- While some experienced keepers report success with communal setups under highly specific conditions, it is inherently a risky practice as they are cannibalistic. To ensure the safety of the animals, strict solitary housing is strongly recommended. Cohabitation often eventually leads to the strongest specimen consuming the others.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Poecilotheria regalis requires careful introduction of the mature male to the female's enclosure to minimize the risk of cannibalism. The male will drum on the substrate to announce his presence and gauge the female's receptivity. After a successful mating, the female will construct an egg sac containing hundreds of eggs. She will guard this sac fiercely for several weeks until the spiderlings emerge. Providing optimal temperature and humidity during this incubation period is critical for the success of the clutch.
- Venimeux
- Yes
- Tolérance aux manipulations
- Display only
- Handling Poecilotheria regalis is generally discouraged by experienced keepers, as it provides no benefit to the spider and introduces significant risks. A fall from even a minor height can rupture their delicate abdomen, resulting in fatal injury. Additionally, they can deliver a painful bite or release irritating urticating hairs if they become stressed or defensive. If they must be moved for enclosure maintenance, the "catch cup" method is the safest and most stress-free approach. Always prioritize the safety and well-being of the animal over the desire to interact physically.
- Brumation
- Non requise
- Tarantulas like Poecilotheria regalis do not undergo true brumation, but their metabolism may slow down considerably if exposed to cooler winter temperatures. In captivity, it is best to maintain a stable, warm temperature year-round to ensure healthy growth and digestion. If temperatures do drop slightly, you may notice a decrease in appetite and activity levels. Never allow the enclosure to reach freezing temperatures, as this will quickly prove fatal. Heating should always be provided via a thermostat-controlled heat mat applied to the side, never the bottom, of the tank.
- Mue
- Periodic
- Molting is a critical and vulnerable process for Poecilotheria regalis, allowing it to grow and regenerate lost appendages. Before molting, they often refuse food for weeks, become sluggish, and may spin a molting mat of webbing. They will typically flip onto their back to shed their old exoskeleton—never mistake a spider in this position for a dead one. It is crucial to maintain adequate humidity during this time and strictly avoid feeding them until their fangs have fully hardened. Disturbing a tarantula mid-molt can be fatal, so they must be left completely alone.
Espèces associées
Recommandations regroupées par proches parents, compagnons et soins similaires.
