Poecilotheria metallica

Lore & Background

Carter, who received it from chief engineer H.C. Carter of the Madras Railway. The female individual was discovered near the Indian town of Gooty, in a bungalow on the north-west line of the railway. British zoologist Reginald Innes Pocock studied it the following year and, based on its distinct coloration, determined it represented a species unknown to science, naming it Poecilotheria metallica. Poecilotheria metallica is found only in a small area of less than 100 square kilometres, a reserve forest that is highly disturbed. Surveys of adjacent forest have failed to observe this species. The type specimen was discovered in a railway timber yard in Gooty about 100 km southwest of its known range, but it is believed to have been transported there by train. In the wild, P. metallica lives in holes of tall trees where it makes asymmetric funnel webs, primarily preying on flying insects. The species is skittish and will try to flee first, especially when light shines upon it, as it is photosensitive. Under provocation, it may bite. There has never been a recorded human death from its bite, but the venom is considered medically significant, with effects that can last up to a week.

Reader's Guide

Poecilotheria metallica is significant both as the only blue species in its genus and as a critically endangered tarantula with a highly restricted natural range. Its vivid blue coloration, produced by quasi-periodic perforated multilayer nanostructures, makes it highly sought after in the pet trade, where it can fetch prices above $500 in the United States. This demand, combined with habitat degradation from logging and firewood harvesting, threatens its survival. In April 2026, a dedicated scientific survey was initiated by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department in collaboration with the Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society and Wingham Wildlife Park, UK, to map its habitat and population within Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve. The findings are intended to inform long-term conservation strategies, habitat management plans, and policy interventions. The species plays an important role as a predator of insects, helping to regulate pest populations and maintain ecological balance within its forest habitat.

Did You Know?

• Poecilotheria metallica is the only blue species of the genus Poecilotheria.
• The first specimen was discovered in a railway timber yard in Gooty, India, and is believed to have been transported there by train.
• Females typically live 11 to 12 years, while males live only 3 to 4 years.
• There has never been a recorded human death from its bite, but its venom is considered medically significant.