Indian Ornamental Tarantula

Poecilotheria regalis

Range

• India

Habitat

• Tropical forests

Diet

• Insects

This arboreal (tree-dwelling) arachnid is very fast. It preys on flying insects that it seizes in flight and subdues with venom.

The underside of its front four legs are yellow, lifted as a warning if the spider feels threatened. It lacks the irritating hairs other tarantulas use in defense. Its only option is to flee, earning the nickname “parachute spider”, by jumping from its tree and sailing to the ground.