Poecilotheria regalis

Technical Data Sheet – Poecilotheria regalis

Scientific Name: Poecilotheria regalis
Family: Theraphosidae
Origin: Sri Lanka, mainly in tropical forests
Size:

• Body: 6-8 cm
• Leg Span: 15-20 cm (depending on sex and age)

Physical Characteristics:

• Coloration:
  • Dark body with a striking variety of colors. The legs have a pattern of white and black bands, giving it a distinctive appearance.
  • The abdomen segments are usually darker, with a slight purplish or brownish hue.
• Venom:
  • Moderate to strong. While not lethal to humans, its venom can cause intense pain, swelling, and discomfort.
  • Caution is advised when handling.

Behavior:

• Temperament:
  • Quite defensive and aggressive compared to other species. It can become territorial if threatened.
  • Prefers not to be handled and may adopt a defensive posture or bite if cornered.
• Activity:
  • Crepuscular and nocturnal, preferring darkness for hunting and exploration.

Habitat:

• In the Wild:
  • Lives in trees and shrubs of Sri Lanka’s tropical and mountainous forests, where it builds nests in tree hollows and bark.
• In Captivity:
  • A vertical terrarium with adequate height is recommended to mimic its natural habitat.
  • Temperature: 24-28°C (ideally around 26°C).
  • Humidity: 70-80%. It is essential to maintain a humid but well-ventilated environment.

Diet:

• Feeding:
  • Carnivorous, mainly preying on insects such as crickets, cockroaches, and occasionally small mice.
  • In captivity, a varied diet of live insects is crucial for its health.

Reproduction:

• Sexual Maturity:
  • Males reach sexual maturity between 2 and 3 years, while females take slightly longer.
• Reproduction:
  • After courtship, females lay an egg sac containing between 50 and 200 offspring. The young remain inside the sac for several weeks before emerging.

Captivity Requirements:

• Terrarium Size:
  • A minimum terrarium size of 30x30x40 cm is recommended for an adult, with sufficient climbing and hiding spaces.
  • A layer of substrate should be provided for burrowing.
• Decoration:
  • Branches, bark, and other climbing elements.
  • A hideout or shelter is essential for its well-being.

Additional Considerations:

• Handling:
  • Although fascinating to observe, Poecilotheria regalis is not recommended for beginners due to its defensive and aggressive nature.
• Lifespan:
  • On average, they live between 10 and 15 years in captivity, with females outliving males.