Poecilotheria metallica (lat.) Is a species of tree spiders of the family of tarantulas (Theraphosidae). It is one of the most brightly colored tarantulas.
| Poecilotheria metallica |
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| Scientific classification |
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| No rank : | Bilateral symmetrical |
| Infrastructure : | Megalomorphic spiders |
| Superfamily : | Theraphosoidea |
| Subfamily : | Poecilotheriinae |
| Gender: | Poecilotheria metallica |
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| International scientific name |
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Poecilotheria metallica Pocock , 1899 |
| Security status |
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Endangered SpeciesIUCN 3.1 Critically Endangered : 63563 |
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Content
The species is endemic to the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh , where it is found in a forest reserve between the cities of Giddalur ( Prakasam County) and Nandial ( Karnul District), off the coast of the south-east of the country. The area of the range is only 100 km². The area is highly fragmented due to habitat destruction as a result of economic activity. [one]
Poecilotheria metallica - baby
The view was discovered and described by British arachnologist Reginald Innes Pocock in 1899. [2] . It was discovered again in 2001 by the Canadian arachnologist Rick West, 102 years after the discovery. [3] . According to the body structure, this species repeats the main characteristic features of representatives of the genus Poecilotheria . The size of sexually mature individuals in the body reaches 6–7 cm, in the paw span - 16–17 cm (maximum to 21 cm). Mature females are more massive than males. Females grow more slowly than males: puberty in females occurs in 2–2.5 years, in males, in 1.5 years. Females live in captivity for 10-15 years, the life expectancy of males is up to 2 years. The color of the adult is metallic blue with complex light gray patterns on the upper side of the abdomen and carapace [3] , on the upper side of the legs there are narrow bands of irregularly shaped lemon-yellow color on the tibia, near the junction of the tibia and patella (Patella ), on the lower side of the leg - more pronounced large yellow spots on the tibia. On the underside of the apical (Telatarsus) and basal (Basitarsus) pseudo-segments of the legs (the so-called “pads”), a shiny silver-gray color with a blue tint is observed. In juvenile individuals, the color is light lilac, gradually, with age, changing to blue. The most intense blue color is observed in males of pre-adulthood, although sexual dimorphism is not as pronounced as in other species of the genus. Due to its very bright color, Poecilotheria metallica contrasts strongly with other representatives of the pecilotherii: it is difficult to confuse it with other tarantulas of the genus Poecilotheria both in juvenile and mature age.
Poecilotheria metallica - immature male
Poecilotheria metallica is a wood tarantula that prefers to settle on old trees where it lives in groups. Adult individuals equip themselves with nests in hollows and crowns on top of trees, young spiders inhabit the foot and even sometimes burrows under the trees. They feed mainly on insects. They hunt at night. Occasionally cannibalism can be observed, especially with too close cohabitation. This must be taken into account in captivity.
In case of danger, the spider is very prone to aggression, although it often prefers to hide in flight when invading its territory. In the pre-market period, the spider is particularly aggressive and, as a rule, the risk of a bite increases. The poison is considered one of the most toxic not only among peciloteria, but all members of the tarantula spider family. . A bite of a metal can cause severe pain, muscle cramps, symptoms last for two to three weeks, although they can suddenly recur for at least a few more months. Often the bite may not be accompanied by the introduction of poison, this is the so-called “dry bite”.
Since the species is arboreal, it is advisable to establish a high vertical terrarium for it; for an adult spider, a size of 45x30x30 cm is sufficient. It is desirable to use coconut flakes as a substrate, the height of the substrate is about 3 cm. It is necessary to put a piece of boiled in saline and dried driftwood on the bottom of the terrarium (or bark), with the help of which the spider will weave itself a shelter. The optimum temperature in the terrarium is within 24–28ºС, humidity is at the level of 75–85%, it is convenient to use a hygrometer and a thermometer to control them. For young specimens, it is desirable that the temperature does not fall below 26 ° C. In nutrition, it is unpretentious and eats with pleasure the suitable sizes of marble, Turkmen, Madagascar cockroaches, crickets, as well as zofobas. Hungry individuals, regardless of age, can cope with prey size exceeding their own. Young individuals can be fed 2-3 times a week, adults 1-2 times a month.
Reproduction of metal in captivity does not cause special problems. Like other representatives of the genus, it is not necessary to take seasonal rhythm into account when breeding. For breeding, a bulging male is planted with a mature female. The male can remain in the terrarium with the female for several days or even weeks, mating may not occur immediately. In case of successful mating, after approximately 2 months the female will weave a cocoon, and after another 2 months small spiders will appear from the cocoon, usually their number in the cocoon is from 70 to 160 pieces.
