Tarantulas

Tarantulas or (Poecilotheria fasciata) are restricted to temperate forests in mountains areas of southern and central Sri Lanka and north-eastern India.

Tarantulas are primarily nocturnal animals feeding on insects, many of which are found in between crops and in dead trees. As dead trees are a source of firewood in both India and Sri Lanka, Tarantulas are threatened with extinction.

Its carapace is grey with cream markings. The length of Tarantulas varies from 6-8 cm (males) to 14-16 cm (females). The largest ever recorded was 20 cm. The legs of a tarantula are banded black and white. It has a yellow color underneath the first two pairs of legs. It has a dark abdomen with a broad central cream colored band on it.

The yellow color is probably a warning signal to potential attackers. A

Tarantulas often live in silken retreats under the bark or in cavities of dead trees. Females have a fairly low egg production compared to other spiders, as they only produce an average of 100 eggs per egg sac.

Tarantula bites

A bite from a tarantula is followed by pain, redness and swelling at the site of the wound. The bite isn't fatal, but in order to avoid bacterial infections you should wash the area with soap and water. Do seek immediate medical treatment if you observe any abnormal allergic reaction.

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