Poecilotheria metallica
The only blue tarantula of its genus, critically endangered in India.
Poecilotheria metallica, known commonly as the peacock tarantula or Gooty sapphire tarantula, is an Old World species distinguished as the only member of its genus to possess blue coloration. Like its relatives, it displays an intricate, fractal-like geometric pattern on its abdomen. The species was first documented in 1898 when H.R.P. Carter sent a female specimen to the British Museum; the spider had been discovered by railway engineer H.C. West in his bungalow near the town of Gooty, India. British zoologist Reginald Innes Pocock examined the specimen the following year and, noting its unique coloring, classified it as a new species under the name Poecilotheria metallica. In the wild, this tarantula inhabits a small, highly disturbed reserve forest in Andhra Pradesh, central southern India, with surveys of adjacent areas failing to find it. The type specimen was found about 100 kilometers southwest of the known range, likely transported by train. In 2019, sightings in a reserved forest near Gingee extended the known range into the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. The spider is arboreal, living in tree holes where it builds asymmetric funnel webs and preys primarily on flying insects. It is photosensitive and skittish, preferring to flee when disturbed, but may bite under provocation. No human deaths have been recorded from its bite, though the venom is considered medically significant, potentially causing intense pain, increased heart rate, sweating, headache, cramping, and swelling that can last up to a week. Many bites are dry, but the mechanical damage from fangs nearly three-quarters of an inch long can be serious. Females live 11 to 12 years, occasionally up to 15, while males live 3 to 4 years. The vivid blue color results from quasi-periodic perforated multilayer nanostructures, which are highly iridescent. The species is popular in the pet trade, with spiderlings typically costing between $100 and $200 and adults sometimes exceeding $500. It is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN due to its tiny range, habitat degradation from logging and firewood harvesting, and collection for the pet trade. In April 2026, a scientific survey was launched by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department in collaboration with the Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society and Wingham Wildlife Park.
- field
- Arachnology
- known_for
- Only blue species of genus Poecilotheria; critically endangered; popular in pet trade
- natural_habitat
- Deciduous forest in Andhra Pradesh, India
- conservation_status
- Critically Endangered (IUCN)
- leg_span
- 15–20 cm (6–8 in)
- lifespan_female
- 11–12 years (up to 15)
- lifespan_male
- 3–4 years
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.
More in Arthropods 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record