Arachnids · Araneae · Theraphosidae

Indian Ornamental

Poecilotheria regalis

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The Indian ornamental tree spider, or simply the Indian ornamental, is a spider belonging to the family Theraphosidae (the tarantulas). It is a fairly large species, with legs that can reach a span of 18 centimetres.

Size

up to 18 cm

Social structure

Solitary

Lives and hunts alone, joining others only to breed.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

Temperate forestSolitary Temperate forest Arachnid

7countries 10parks4same family

Fun facts

GeneralArboreal and very fast; its venom causes severe cramps though it is not deadly.
It is arboreal and catches prey on the wing: it seizes and paralyses flying insects in mid-air, which is unusual for a tarantula.
Every member of its genus carries an elaborate fractal pattern on the abdomen. The name comes from the Greek poikilos, spotted, and therion, wild beast; regalis means royal.
It can live communally when the hollows available per tree are scarce, although it is a highly defensive species.
Its leg span sometimes exceeds 18 cm.
Its venom is medically significant: it causes severe cramps and muscle pain and there is no antivenom. A 2023 study documented that it damages skeletal muscle directly.
The juveniles are ground-dwelling and dig shallow burrows before taking to the trees.