Poecilotheria regalis
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| Poecilotheria regalis | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Poecilotheria regalis (Pocock, 1899) |
Poecilotheria regalis is one of the largest aboreal tarantulas, with a legspan sometimes exceeding 9 inches (23 cm)
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[edit] Name
The name Poecilotheria is derived from Greek "poikilos" - spotted and "therion" - wild beast. Regalis refers to "royal". This whole genus of arboreal tarantulas exhibits an intricate fractal-like pattern on the abdomen. The spider's natural habitat is primarily Southeastern India. The common name for this spider is Indian Ornamental Tree Spider, or simply Indian Ornamental.
[edit] Behavior
The P. regalis' behavior parallels that of many arboreal spiders. In the wild the P. regalis live in holes of tall trees where they make asymmetric funnel webs. Their primary prey consists of various flying insects, which they catch manually (not in a web) and paralyze. It is not unknown for the spiders of this genus to live communally when territory, i.e. number of holes per tree, is limited.
[edit] Bites
Although there has never been a recorded death from any tarantula bite this species is considered to be a relatively dangerous spider, with venom that may cause intense pain, judging from the experience of keepers bitten by other spiders from this genus[1][2][3][4]. They can move rapidly and may attack when cornered, although they generally prefer flight to fight.
[edit] References
- ^ Gabriel,, R. (2002). "Notes and Observations Regarding the Bite of Poecilotheria pederseni". British Tarantula Society Journal 17 (2): 61-64.
- ^ Poecilotheria regalis - Arachnoboards
- ^ Phong's Tarantulas! - Tarantula bites
- ^ Schmidt, G. (1988): Wie gefährlich sind Vogelspinnenbisse ? Deutsches Ärzteblatt 85 Heft 28/29(2): 1424-1425. (u. a. Infos about Poecilotheria fasciata)
