Meet Misery

This is one of our tarantulas that does not have a Disney name.

She is a P. Metallica. We keep her in a

taller enclosure, she hides most of the time but lately

she has been coming out to show off her very vibrant beautiful colors.

She is also one of the most venomous tarantulas out there

( I really need to get myself an epi pen)

because Cory has a lot of T’s that are on the

top of the venomous charts. Misery loves to

eat crickets and Dubia roaches.

More info on the P. Metallica:

Poecilotheria metallica, also known as the

peacock tarantula, is an Old World species of tarantula.

It is the only blue species of the genus Poecilotheria. 

Like others in its genus it exhibits an intricate fractal-like

pattern on the abdomen. The species' natural habitat is

deciduous forest in Andhra Pradesh, in central southern India.

It has been classified as Critically endangered by the IUCN.

Poecilotheria metallica has similar intricate geometric body

coloration as other Poecilotheria species, but it is the only

species in the genus to be covered in blue hair. 

While it is young, P. metallica is less chromatic, the coloring

turns to blue as it matures.

This blue is much less prominent in mature males. 

Males also have more slender bodies, and their legs are longer.

The definitive trait of a mature male are the revelation of

emboli at the end of their pedipalps

following their "mature molt."

Females can be determined through molt confirmations

before maturity. When full size, the leg span of

P. metallica is 15–20 cm (6–8 in).

Poecilotheria metallica's behavior parallels that

of many arboreal spiders. In the wild, P. metallica

lives in holes of tall trees where it

makes asymmetric funnel webs. 

The primary prey consists of various flying insects.

Spiders of this genus may live communally when territory,

i.e. the number of holes per tree, is limited. 

The species is skittish and will try to flee first, and will

also flee when light shines upon it, as it is a photosensitive species.

Under provocation, however, members of the species may bite.

There has never been a recorded human death from its bite.

However, P. metallica's bite is considered

medically significant, with venom that may

cause intense pain, judging from the experience of

keepers bitten by other spiders in the genus.

The vast majority are "dry bites," where no venom

is injected into the handler. The mechanical effects of

the bite can still be worrisome, as an adult's fangs can

reach nearly 3/4 of an inch in length. 

P. metallica can move rapidly and may defend itself when cornered.

Venom may produce a heart-rate increase followed

by sweating, headache, stinging, cramping, or swelling.

Effects can last for up to a week. However in extreme

bites from the genus Poecilotheria, effects

may still be felt months later.

P. metallica has been bred in captivity for more

than ten years and is popular with tarantula enthusiasts,

and has a high demand due to its attractive coloration. 

It is sometimes priced above $500 in the United States,

but as a spiderling is typically between $100 and $200.

As with most tarantulas, the spider's sex can influence price

- females generally being more

expensive because of their longer life. 

Members of the species are hardy, relatively

fast-growing spiders that are generally fed crickets,

but may also eat moths, grasshoppers and cockroaches.

P. metallica measures between 15 and 20 cm (6 and 8 in) in leg span

when fully grown. In captivity, humid environments with

temperatures between 18 and 24 °C (64 and 75 °F)

and a humidity level of 75 to 85% are preferred.

P. metallica is classified as Critically Endangered by

the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

due to its occurrence in a single, small area in which

habitat is rapidly degrading due to logging and firewood harvesting. 

Another threat identified by IUCN assessors is specimen

collection for the pet trade. Population size is unknown,

but the combination of its small natural range and the

habitat threats indicate a declining population trend.

Hope you enjoyed learning about one of Cory's favorite tarantulas

even though everytime we go live on Tik Tok

he brings out a spider and says "this is my favorite spider"

he just loves them all. 😂