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News: A conservation survey of the critically endangered Peacock Tarantula has been launched in the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
About Peacock Tarantula
- The Peacock Tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) is a rare arboreal spider famous for its metallic blue colour and ornamental patterns.
- Taxonomy: The species belongs to the Theraphosidae family and is classified as a tarantula species under the genus Poecilotheria.
- Alternate names: The species is also known as the Gooty Ornamental Sapphire Tarantula and Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula.
- Habitat: The species prefers dry deciduous forests with large mature trees and lives in tree holes, bark crevices and elevated surfaces.
- Distribution: The species is endemic to India.
- It is mainly found in the Nandyal and Giddalur forest divisions and parts of the Seshachalam hills in Andhra Pradesh.
Characteristics
- Appearance: The spider has a bright metallic blue body with yellow and white markings forming geometric patterns on its legs and abdomen.
- Nature: The species is purely arboreal and lives mainly on trees across hill slopes, valleys, and plains.
- Behaviour: It is a nocturnal and fast-moving predator that captures insects and small animals using speed and venom instead of webs.
- Size and Lifespan: It can grow up to 6–8 inches in size, while females can live up to 15 years.
- Threats
- Illegal pet trade
- Logging
- Deforestation
- Habitat loss
- Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
