Viewable
Location at the Zoo
Malayan Woods
Global Range
Southern Asia
Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula
Poecilotheria metallica
The Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula is a striking arboreal species known for its brilliant blue and gold colouration, making it one of the most visually recognizable tarantulas in the world. Adults typically reach a leg span of 15 to 20 centimetres, with females being larger and longer-lived than males. The legs shimmer with deep cobalt blue tones under natural or artificial light, while the abdomen and carapace show intricate patterns of yellow, cream, and charcoal.
This species is fast-moving and highly adapted to life in trees. Unlike many terrestrial tarantulas, P. metallica spends most of its time in vertical retreats, such as tree hollows and crevices. It is often featured in educational displays to highlight biodiversity loss, as its appearance draws attention to conservation issues affecting India’s forest ecosystems.
HEAD AND BODY LENGTH
Body length generally 6 to 8 centimetres, with overall leg span reaching 15 to 20 centimetres.
WEIGHT
Most adults weigh between 40 and 70 grams, depending on sex and condition.
Conservation Status: IUCN
Distribution
Known from one primary locality within the Eastern Ghats of India. Its full historical distribution is uncertain, but present-day populations appear highly localized.
Habitat
Prefers tropical dry deciduous forest, where it occupies tree cavities and bark crevices several metres above the ground. The species relies heavily on intact forest structure, especially old trees with suitable hideouts. It may retreat deeper into hollows during dry seasons or disturbances.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects such as moths, crickets, beetles, cockroaches, and other small arthropods. As an ambush predator, it relies on speed and accurate striking from within its arboreal retreat. In captivity, it readily accepts common invertebrate feeders.
Reproduction
Females lay egg sacs containing 50 to 150 eggs after a lengthy courtship during which the male taps and vibrates to communicate. Once deposited, the female guards the egg sac within her retreat. Spiderlings disperse after their early moulting stages and grow rapidly compared with many terrestrial tarantulas. Females may live 10 to 15 years, while males usually survive only one to two years after maturity.
Adaptation
The vibrant blue colouration, uncommon among tarantulas, may play a role in species recognition or low-light camouflage in their shaded forest habitat. Their slender bodies, strong climbing ability, and flattened appearance allow them to shelter within narrow tree crevices. Excellent vision and rapid movement help them capture prey and evade threats. Their arboreal webs are not large sheet structures but rather thin, protective layers lining their retreat.
Threats to Survival
Habitat destruction is the primary danger, driven by timber collection, agricultural expansion, and removal of old-growth trees that provide vital refuges. Illegal collection for the pet trade, though reduced by the availability of captive-bred individuals, remains a risk. Because wild populations are so limited in distribution, even minor environmental changes or localized disturbances could have outsized impacts on their long-term survival.
