Annandaliella is a genus of tarantulas endemic to India. The genus name commemorates Nelson Annandale, the founder director of the Zoological Survey of India. These spiders are hairy and live in unlined cavities under rocks. They are nocturnal and endemic to Western Ghats of India.
Chilobrachys fimbriatus is endemic to the Western Ghats of Karnataka and Maharashtra, this species is found in Borivali in the north and Hosahali in the south at an altitudinal range of 200 to 1,200 m. It occurs in a dry deciduous forest and moist evergreen forest, usually on flat ground, but also on roadside bunds. C. fimbriatus could be easily identified in the wild due to chevron marking on the abdomen. Females are brown in colour whereas males are metallic with bluish ting. Habitat loss and fragmentation and collection of species for international pet trade are the major threats.
Photo courtesy: Uros Urevc http://www.pticjipajki.com/prva_en.php
Chilobrachys andersoni is a terrestrial and poisonous species and should be handled carefully.
Photo courtesy: Junshern
http://www.flickr.com/photos/junshern222/3946742940/
Haploclastus nilgirinus Pocock,1899:-
Small brownish spider reaches 4.5 cm in body length and to 11 cm in leg span. They are believed to be leading a semi-arboreal type of life. They certainly have significant scopulae on tarsus and metatarsus which lend themselves to an arboreal lifestyle. In the stridulating organ that can be found on the prolateral surface of maxilla you will see a lot of fine spines scattered randomly on the surface below the suture line. They can burrow if given an opportunity. All species of this genus are endemics of territories of India, with a majority of species inhabits tropical landscapes of south India.
Photo courtesy: Eric http://www.flickr.com/photos/26238310@N05/4056359452/
Haploclastus devamatha Prasanth & Jose, 2013
Haploclastus devamatha Prasanth & Jose, 2013
A common tarantula in the south Kerala characterized by bluish reflections on the thorax and pinkish reflections on the abdomen. It builds burrows on the road side mud banks. Recently reported Thrigmopoeus psychedelicus Sanap & Mirza 2014 is probably a synonym of this species.
Poecilotheria formosa Pocock, 1899:-
P. formosa is endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats between Salem and Tirupathi in southern India. They are reported only from three locations: Renigunta in Andhra Pradesh; Kadiampatti, and Mullapuram in Salem District. Forests in these areas are of dry deciduous type with few patches of moist forests. P. formosa is the same species as P. nallamalaiensis; Poecilotheria nallamalaiensis Rao et al., 2006, is a junior synonym of Poecilotheria formosa Pocock, 1899. These are arboreal spiders that constructs their webs in dead tree stumps and broken off branches etc. The name Poecilotheria is derived from Greek "poikilos" - spotted and "therion" - wild beast. Pokie is a common name used for some of the species. This genus is known for vivid color patterns, fast movement, and potent venom compared to other tarantulas. The genus is native to Sri Lanka and India.
Poecilotheria metallica Pocock, 1899:- P. metallica is a colourful species that reflects brilliant metallic blue color. It was first discovered in a town in central southern India called Gooty. Hence, its common name is Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tree Spider. The species is found in a single location in Andhra Pradesh: Reserve forest between Nandyal and Giddalur. Though the spider was first found in a railway timber yard in Gooty, its true habitat is about 15 miles to the north. In the wild the P. metallica lives in holes of tall trees where they make asymmetric funnel webs. Their primary prey consists of various flying insects, which they seize in flight and paralyze. It is not unknown for the spiders of this genus to live communally when territory, i.e. number of holes per tree, is limited. P. metallica is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List.
The common name for this spider is Indian Ornamental Tree Spider, or simply Indian Ornamental. P. regalis is one
of the most popular arboreal tarantulas. Their legspan sometimes exceeds
7 inches. The name Poecilotheria is
derived from Greek "poikilos" - spotted and
"therion" - wild beast. Regalis refers to "royal". The spider's natural habitat is primarily Southeastern India. In the wild the P. regalis live in holes of tall
trees where they make asymmetric funnel webs. Their primary prey consists of
various flying insects, which they seize in flight and paralyze. This is a very aggressive spider.
Although there has never been a
recorded death from any tarantula bite this species is considered to
be a relatively dangerous spider, with venom that may cause intense
pain, judging from the experience of keepers bitten by other spiders from this genus. They
move rapidly and, although they generally prefer flight to fight, may attack
when cornered. Sadly, the habitat of
these and other "Pokies" is disappearing at an alarming rate, so much
so that Indian Ornamentals may not exist in the wild unless urgent efforts are
taken to prevent their habitat destruction.
