Indian Ornamental Tarantula
Poecilotheria regalis (Araneae: Theraphosidae)
The Indian Ornamental Tarantula is native to India, as its name implies. This arboreal tarantula is native to monsoon forests, where the climate alternates between very wet and very dry (Breene 1998). In captivity, individuals may web profusely. Poecilotheria species should be regarded with caution, because their bites are considered to be more significant than those of other tarantulas. Several serious bite reports have been documented. Some sources suggest misting the cage to raise humidity, but considering the environment to which the species is native, a water dish should suffice.
Captive Requirements
| Housing: | Upright cage, taller than wide |
| Communal: | Possibly when young |
| Diet: | Crickets, cockroaches, or flying insects |
| Substrate: | Soil, peat moss, or vermiculite |
| Decor: | Cork bark upright against side of cage, water dish |
| Temperature: | 23.9 to 29.4° C (75 to 85° F) |
| Humidity: | Moderate |
| Temperament: | Skittish and extremely fast |
| Considerations: | Strong venom, not for beginners! |
***Pokey***
I got this beauty from Leaping Lizards (a pet store in Burnsville) on November 28, 2004. The pictures were taken on the date of purchase, and so far the spider has remained secluded in a web at the base of her cork bark.
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| Nov. 28, 2004 | |||
Copyright © 2004-2006 By Emily Tenczar
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