Poecilotheria regalis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Poecilotheria regalis |
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The Poecilotheria regalis is a type of tree-dwelling tarantula that lives in India. People often call it the Indian ornamental tree spider or just Indian ornamental. Many spider fans like to keep these tarantulas as pets because they are so beautiful. These spiders can grow quite large, with their legs spreading out more than 7 inches (18 cm) wide!
What's in a Name?
The name Poecilotheria comes from ancient Greek words. "Poikilos" means "spotted," and "therion" means "wild beast." The word "regalis" means "royal." This whole group of tree tarantulas has amazing, detailed patterns on their bodies. These spiders naturally live mostly in southeastern India.
Spider Behavior
The P. regalis acts much like other spiders that live in trees. In the wild, they live in holes found in tall trees. They build funnel-shaped webs inside these holes. They mostly eat flying insects, which they catch in the air. They then paralyze the insects with their venom. Sometimes, many of these spiders might live together in the same tree. This happens if there are not many good holes available. These tarantulas can be quite protective of their homes.
Understanding Tarantula Bites
No one has ever died from a tarantula bite. However, the bite of the P. regalis can be very painful. People who have been bitten by similar spiders report strong pain. These spiders can move very quickly. They usually try to run away if they feel threatened. But if they are trapped, they might bite to defend themselves.
Their large fangs can make deep puncture wounds. If these wounds are not cleaned well, they can get infected by bacteria. It is important to treat any bite properly. There has never been a report of a serious allergic reaction to tarantula venom. It is likely that their venom does not contain the proteins that cause such reactions.
Keeping Them as Pets
The Poecilotheria regalis is a popular pet among people who love tarantulas. Even though they are fast and have strong venom, many people want them. This is because of their unique and striking look. Like most pet tarantulas, Poecilotheria regalis eats crickets and grasshoppers. Adult spiders can sometimes eat small rodents. Female P. regalis can live for more than 12 years. Males usually have a shorter life, living about 3 to 5 years.
