King Parachute Spider

Poecilotheria regalis, also called Regal parachute spider, Indian ornamental Tree spider.

One of the largest south Indian spider this tarantula is the commoner amongst its kind, most of the others are extremely rare. Usually found on tree trunks and in hollows where their excellent camouflage makes detection almost impossible they are known to jump from the trees when disturbed and float down to the ground to disappear in the debris earning them the title parachute spiders. Note the yellow colouring below the 2 front legs which they lift up in an aggressive posture when threatened. They are highly valued in the pet trade which is a big challenge to their future in the wild. Also very little is known of these spiders in their natural state and pet traders supposedly know more about them than subject experts.

This one found on the wall of a FD guest house in Mudumalai TR allowed me to sit right below it to get the colour on the legs and graciously didn’t parachute down on me…..:laugh:


500D 55-250, 250mm AE, F7.1, ISO 1600, -1EC SS 1/20. Light from a tube and inbuilt flash. C&C welcome

Rgds
Roopak

Very nice, especially for something inside a guest house. The angle is most suitable for depicting the yellow thighs of this species. Any more images?

Would have been quite an experience to have it float down on you :D.

Yes abhishek, will post.

Rgds
Roopak

Nice sighting. Good details. You got it well, even with the low shutter speed. Thanks for sharing the detailed information.