Indian Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria regalis)

What Do Indian Ornamental Tarantulas Look Like?

Indian Ornamental Tarantulas typically can range from 4-5 inches in size with females typically growing slightly larger.

Most have a unique yellow and black coloring, though some can be a faint pink or purple.

They usually have a silvery-blue shine on their legs, and they have two sets of four eyes.

The eyes have an unusual hexagonal shape to them and are often surrounded by white markings.

Their abdomen is divided into two parts, with the upper part being a darker color while the lower part is lighter.

They also have fangs that can be used to both catch prey and defend themselves. 

Additionally, Poecilotheria regalis also has a unique defensive mechanism.

Unlike spiders that use webs, this species has specialized barbed setae around their back legs and the side of their abdomen.

When threatened, these setae can be used to create a loud hissing sound, often deterring potential predators.

Benefits Of Using Indian Ornamental Tarantulas

Having a Poecilotheria regalis as part of a vivarium makes a great addition to any home.

These beautiful arachnids make fascinating pets and are one of the few species that truly react to their environment and respond programmatically to light.

Not to mention, they have a unique appearance with their distinct colors and patterns.  

Their ability to traverse and interact with their space means you can create a truly unique and enjoyable experience for them in their environment.

  Indian Ornamental Tarantulas are also very hardy and resilient species, thriving in a wide variety of environments along with other creatures in the webs they inhabit.

Indian Ornamental Tarantula Facts

Poecilotheria regalis are beautiful, vibrant arachnids with a temperament that ranges from shy and skittish to bold and fast-moving.

They typically eat small insects in their natural environment and have an average lifespan of several years.

Unlike other tarantulas, they also present a unique opportunity for captive breeding as no special burrow is required for egg deposition.

Habitat

These spiders originate from India, mainly living in deciduous forests and mountainous regions of the country.

Its natural habitat consists of moist soil, tree bark, and decaying leaves.

This specific species can be found in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, the Indian states of Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Telangana. 

These spiders are endemic to southern India and can be found in the Western Ghats mountain range.

They usually inhabit tree holes, with trees providing the humidity they need to survive.

Indian Ornamental Tarantulas prefer hidden spots, away from direct sunlight.

Interestingly enough, they don’t need much water to survive, only moist air! 

Replicate their natural habitat perfectly with our bioactive species-specific soil mixes, designed to provide the ideal moisture and organic content for your spiders.

Diet

Poecilotheria regalis are mainly carnivorous and eat a varied diet of insects such as crickets, cockroaches, moths, and other spiders.

They may also feed on small vertebrates, such as lizards, frogs, and rodents in the wild.

Given they are nocturnal, the Indian Ornamental Tarantula will hunt and forage for food mainly at night.

During the day, they may feed on carrion or passively feed on the food that is available near their burrows if they can’t hunt.

The species generally consume more food during the warmer months of the year and may even become cannibalistic when there’s a lack of food.

When sufficiently satiated, the species may hide any remaining food in their burrows or any other spots near their habitats.

Temperament

Poecilotheria regalis may initially be skittish, but with proper care and handling, they can develop into rather calm and docile pets.

When kept with other tarantulas, these spiders can exhibit aggressive behavior, so it is best to keep them in separate enclosures, or at least keep the enclosure well-maintained.

When it comes to interaction with humans, an Indian Ornamental Tarantula is generally not aggressive, but can still run away if startled.

It is also good to note that tarantulas can be easily intimidated by large animals such as dogs, so it is best to keep them away from these pets.

Lifespan

Poecilotheria regalis has an average lifespan of 3-5 years in captivity – but a female can live up to 8 years with good care.

These arachnids usually reach adult size within a year or two and then their growth rate slows considerably. 

The life cycle of an Indian Ornamental Tarantula consists of a few stages: egg, spiderling, subadult, and adult.

Each stage has its own set of characteristics and requirements. The egg stage occurs when the female lays a batch of eggs.

The spiderling stage is when the eggs hatch and they begin to feed and grow.

Subadults are when they become larger and adults when they molt and reach their final size.

They reach maturity when their reproductive organs develop and they are ready to find a mate to reproduce. 

Breeding

Indian Ornamental Tarantulas mate in a fascinating way known as ‘dance courtship’.

During this process, the male and female tarantula come together in an intricate courtship ritual.

The male approaches the female from behind, then the female will raise her front legs and quiver in a circle.

This signals to the male that she is ready and willing to mate.

As the male continues to approach, the female will bob her abdomen up and down between steps. 

The male begins by tapping the female’s abdomen and legs with his palps, to alert her that he is ready to mate.

This behavior continues until the male grabs the female from behind and inserts spermatophores into the female’s epigyne.

After mating occurs, the female will lay her eggs in a silken tube that she builds.

Fortunately, Poecilotheria regalis are long-term pets and will reproduce relatively slowly.

This means you won’t be swamped with baby spiders anytime soon!

However, it is always good to be prepared, so consider rehoming some of the spiderlings when they become available.

Where To Find Indian Ornamental Tarantulas

Finding an Indian Ornamental Tarantula in the wild is not an easy task as it is found in fairly small areas of India.

However, it is something that experienced tarantula enthusiasts have the potential to do.

It involves a great deal of patience, research, and knowledge of the species’ behavior and habitat.

If you are interested in looking for one in the wild, it is wise to seek legal advice and permission to do so. 

For those wanting to purchase Poecilotheria regalis, it is best to seek out a licensed pet store or reputable specialist breeder.

Since they are not typically bred in large numbers, they are rather hard to come by and may be quite expensive.

It is also good to look for specimens that are well-cared for and healthy.

Reputable vendors will often provide a guarantee of health, as well as advise customers on proper care for the species.