Poecilotheria metallica | Facts & Information

Gooty (Poecilotheria metallica) is part of

Food Poecilotheria metallica

It feeds on live insects – crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, mealworms, superworms, butterworms. It is a species that hunts, paralyzing prey with its rather powerful venom, does not catch insects in the net.Features Poecilotheria metallica

Poecilotheria metallica is considered the most beautiful of the genus Poecilotheria, having similar designs to the others but also wearing a metallic blue on the carapace, abdomen and legs. The juveniles of the species have a blue-lavender fad and as they grow it is replaced by metallic blue, more strident and predominant in males. They reach a maximum size of 18-22 cm legspan, have a nervous, aggressive temperament and are very fast. They are not recommended for beginners and their handling should be avoided because they have a more potent venom than other genera. No hives. Life expectancy is lower than in other tarantula genera, Females reaching 5-7 years and males much less.

Terrarium

The terrarium will be a vertical one, spacious, well ventilated, equipped with branches and tree bark well fixed inside, also with plants relatively rich in foliage, preferably natural, small coconut substrate slightly moistened or earthy if you will insert in the terrarium live plants, hiding places, large water vessel, heating equipment ( low watt-aj bulb, heatpad, thermostat), thermometer + hygrometer. The comfort temperature for this species is between 25-28grc and the relative humidity of 75% -85%.

Venom

All species of tarantulas possess venom. Although it is not very potent, bites are never placute.De like any species of tarantula and Acanthoscurria geniculata can be unpredictable and a bite can occur at any time. For these reasons we recommend maximum attention when the tarantula is fed, moved or when its terrarium is cleaned. [2]

It is not recommended to handle tarantulas, especially by beginners.

Reproduction Poecilotheria metallica

Males mature sexually at the age of 12-15 months and females between 14-18 months. Mature males are leaner and have longer legs compared to females with tibial apophyses in adulthood. They are also much more intensely colored than females. The male must be introduced into the female's terrarium after producing the spermatic sac. The female, as with any tarantula, must be well fed before mating to reduce the danger of the male being eaten, since this genus (Poecilotheria) is recognized for cannibalism during mating. If both specimens are well fed you are more likely to mate successfully and increase the chances of the male surviving. Species in the genus Poecilotheria have a low reproductive rate, with an average of 100 eggs / bag.