Indian Ornamental, Poecilotheria regalis
From Exotic Pet Wiki Pedia
Common Names:
Indian Ornamental, Ornamental tree spider, Poecie (pronounce poe-see)
Scientific Name:
Poecilotheria regalis (Pocock, 1899)
Native to:
Central and Southern India
Habitat:
An arboreal species, preferring to occupy sizeable holes in trees, they are reletively adaptive and will occupy the underside of the roofing of the local villages and towns. They are most anocturnal predators. They are seen to leave the hollow but generally only move a small distance from its retreat, they wait motionless for hours on end until potntial prey move within range, or they are disturbed.
Captive Care:
A fast and flighty species as with all Poecilotheria sp. They can take an experienced keeper by suprise let alone unexperienced keepers.They are considered to carry one of the more potent venoms of tarantulas. Although medically significant, the venom of Poecilotheria sp. is non lethal in humans. It may require a precautionary visit to the hospital. Poecilotheria regalis have been kept quite recently in communal groups with good success. The geneeral concensus is to keep them reletively cramped to keep the social interaction. It seems to only be successful with specimens raised together from the same sac.
Protected Status:
Not currently listed although there is ongoing discussion on whether to include them on a future addition. This is because of the ever encroaching human activities. Forests are decimated by the huge numbers of locals collecting their own fire wood, as well as industrial deforestation. This is drastically effecting wild populus. India does not allow exports of its animals without official and genuine documents. This can be very hard, and time consuming to obtain.
Description and other information:
A large and impressive species, displaying a vast array of beautiful colours. Intricate patterns covering all of the body. Mainly white and black patterns on the dorsal side the cephalothorax and the thorax. Prominant yellow banding on the ventral sides of leg pairs I- II. Noteable beige ventral abdominal band. They do not possess any urticating hair.
