The Indian Ornamental is an attractive species of tarantula belonging to the genus of Ornamental spiders known as Poecilotheria. Poecilotheria, roughly translated from Greek means Colourful Beast. They have intricate fractal-like patterning on the abdomen, and the front 4 legs have yellow and black striped sections on the underside, with metallic blue tarsi. They are native to the southern Western Ghats of India where they inhabit deciduous forests.

They are an arboreal species of tarantula where they may live in holes of tall trees, where they make funnel webs. P.regalis are the most common species of Ornamental and are frequently encountered in different habitats. They are a fast growing specie with males reaching maturity in around 12 months, reaching a size of 18-20cm and females may live up to 12 years.

Ornamental spiders are also sometimes referred to as Parachute spiders. This is due to a unique behaviour that has been observed numerous times in the wild. When a male parachute spider is alarmed it may jump out of its tree and sail like a leaf to the ground, where it will be well camouflaged in leaf litter.

Like other Ornamentals, they are brave and defensive specie and have sizeable fangs. Their venom is regarded as some of the most potent of tarantula species and though no deaths have been recorded, the bite is known for being extremely painful and may cause temporary localized paralysis. A report of a Poecilotheria bite can be found here.

As such, this species (and genus) should be reserved for advanced tarantula keepers only.