Poecilotheria metallica

Poecilotheria metallica, commonly known as the Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula, is a large arboreal spider species endemic to a small region in Andhra Pradesh, India. This striking arachnid is distinguished by its metallic blue coloration with intricate yellow and white patterns, making it one of the most visually distinctive tarantulas in the world. The species was first described in 1899 but was considered extinct until its rediscovery in 2001 in a small forest fragment near Gooty.

P. metallica inhabits tree holes and crevices in deciduous forests, where it constructs funnel-shaped webs to capture prey. The species faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to deforestation, firewood collection, and conversion of forest land for agriculture and development.

Its extremely limited range, restricted to less than 100 square kilometers, makes it particularly vulnerable to extinction. The species is also threatened by collection for the international pet trade, despite legal protections. Conservation efforts include habitat protection initiatives and captive breeding programs in zoos and private collections worldwide.

The species is listed under CITES Appendix II, which regulates international trade. Local conservation organizations are working to protect remaining forest fragments and raise awareness among local communities about the species' conservation importance. Research continues on the species' ecology, population size, and breeding requirements to inform conservation strategies.

Poecilotheria metallica inhabits tree holes and bark crevices in deciduous forests of southeastern India. The species constructs funnel-shaped webs in these arboreal microhabitats within forest fragments.