Poecilotheria regalis
| Poecilotheria regalis | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Mygalomorphae |
| Family: | Theraphosidae |
| Genus: | Poecilotheria |
| Species: | P. regalis
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| Binomial name | |
| Poecilotheria regalis | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Poecilotheria regalis is a species of arboreal tarantula is found in the whole of south Asia.[1] The common name for this spider is Indian ornamental tree spider, or simply Indian ornamental. It is one of the most popular arboreal tarantulas for amateur collectors. Their legspan sometimes exceeds 7 inches (18 cm).
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.
Behavior
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The behavior of P. regalis parallels that of many arboreal spiders. In the wild individuals live in holes in tall trees where they make asymmetric funnel webs. Their primary prey consists of various flying insects, which they seize in flight and paralyze. It is not unknown for the spiders of this genus to live communally when territory, i.e. the number of holes per tree, is limited. They tend to be quite defensive spiders.
Bites
Although there has never been a recorded death from any tarantula bite, this species is considered to have a medically significant bite, with venom that may cause intense pain, judging from the experience of keepers bitten by other spiders from this genus.[3][4][5][6] They move rapidly and, although they generally prefer flight to fight, may attack when cornered. In addition to the direct effects of the venom, the large fangs can produce puncture wounds which themselves can lead to secondary bacterial infection if not properly treated. There has never been a single reported case of anaphylactic shock from tarantula venom, and it is very likely that they do not contain the proteins needed to enact the potentially deadly allergic reaction.[citation needed]
References
- ^ a b Molur, S.; Daniel, B.A.; Siliwal, M. (2008). "Poecilotheria regalis". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2008. IUCN: e.T63566A12682744. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T63566A12682744.en. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|last-author-amp=ignored (|name-list-style=suggested) (help) - ^ a b "Taxon details Poecilotheria regalis Pocock, 1899". World Spider Catalog. Natural History Museum Bern. Retrieved 29 February 2016.
- ^ 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)
External links
