Peacock Tarantula

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