Poecilotheria regalis (Indian ornamental tarantula) 0.75"

This is a large arboreal species native to Southern India, with a sporatic distribution across the Deccan Plateau, Eastern Ghats, and Western Ghats, where it inhabits various wooded habitats, particularly medium and old-growth teak plantations at elevations between 250 and 1800 m asl. There, they can be found occupying tree hollows thinly lined with silk. They have the largest known distribution of any species in the genus; however, their distribution is patchy and noncontinuous.

This species seems to have adapted to human disturbance better than others in the genus, although its appearance in degraded habitats is minimal. This suggests they are vulnerable to human encroachment and habitat loss, similar to the rest of the genus.

As in the wild, this is the most common Poecilotheria species in captivity. Due to its higher availability and lower cost than others in the genus, it tends to be most people’s first experience keeping Poecilotheria.