Geographical distribution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This species is Indian endemic, found within a small area of around 5000 square kilometres in South Western Ghats of India. This species is classified as endangered due to such small geographical distribution and continued habitat destruction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preferred natural habitat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Being an arboreal spider Poecilotheria rufilata dwells on trees and hides under barks.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Poecilotheria rufilata<\/em> is the only tarantula reported feasting on a bat in the wild. However, the main food of this species is insects which it attacks by injecting toxic venom from its hiding place. Most of these insects are harmful to crops therefore Poecilotheria rufilata<\/em> plays an important role in the ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From sling to adult Poecilotheria rufilata<\/em> are skittish, flighty and lightning fast. So you have to be very careful during shifting or maintenance as they can escape very easily. They are aggressive and can bite in self-defence if provoked. They have big fangs and the bites can be extremely painful. Their venom is significantly toxic and a serious bite could result in hospitalization. Often when several siblings are kept together they end up eating each other so better kept separately. However, there are mixed views about keeping this species together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most often Poecilotheria rufilata is considered nocturnal as they like to hide during the day time and come out at dusk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Red slate ornamental tarantula can be fed live crickets, grasshopper or flying insects such as moths. Any uneaten food should be immediately removed from the enclosure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The female Poecilotheria rufilata lives longer than males up to 12 years whereas male Poecilotheria rufilata has a life span of 2-3 years.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Poecilotheria rufilata<\/em> tarantula grows large so they require a vertical enclosure with an arboreal setup. The terrarium should be at least 4 times as tall as your spider’s size. The temperature in the pet enclosure should be maintained between 24\u00b0C -26\u00b0C and the recommended humidity level is 65-75%. You might need heat lamps, thermostats and heat mats to provide an adequate hot temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The enclosure of the Red slate ornamental tarantula should be equipped with a branch to climb upon and a hollow cork bark to hide under. Make sure the branches are fixed properly so they don\u2019t fall when the tarantula climbs onto them. You can even keep the live plants in the enclosure which help best for providing an area for breeding and egg-laying. You need to place a customary dish of 2inches diameter with water inside. They don\u2019t like wet places and do well in the dry substrate so moist the substrate only once a month and mist it weekly. The substrate in the closure should be 10cm to 15 cm deep. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPreferred food in the wild<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Personality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Feeding as a pet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Life span both male and female<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pet enclosure type<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pet enclosure habitat layout<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mating \/ reproducing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Red](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tarantulafriendly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Poecilotheria-rufilata-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1\")
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