Jameshowlett179011: added entry

2026-01-05T17:48:34Z

added entry

New page

{{Short description|Species of spider}}
{{Speciesbox
| taxon = Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli
| name = Wessel's tiger ornamental tarantula
| image =
| image_caption =
| status = DD
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Siliwal, M. |author2=Molur, S. |author3=Daniel, B.A. |date=2008 |title=''Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli'' |volume=2008 |article-number=e.T63569A12692174 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T63569A12692174.en |access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref>
| status2 = CITES_A2
| status2_system = CITES
| status2_ref = <ref>{{Cite web|title=Appendices {{!}} CITES|url=https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php|access-date=2022-01-14|website=cites.org}}</ref>
| authority = Smith, 2006<ref name=WSC_s37833/>
| range_map =
}}

'''''Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli''''', also known as '''Wessel's tiger ornamental''' or '''Anantagiri's parachute spider''', is an arboreal tarantula.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tarantupedia.com/selenocosmiinae/poecilotheria/poecilotheria-tigrinawesseli | title=Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli Smith, 2006 | publisher=Tarantupedia | access-date=28 February 2016}}</ref> It is endemic to [[Eastern Ghats]] of [[India]] and known from six locations around [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mikebasictarantula.com/Poe-tigrinawesseli-care-sheet.html | title=P. tigrinawesseli | publisher=My Basic Tarantula | access-date=28 February 2016}}</ref>
[[File:SalemOrnamental.jpg|thumb|Salem Ornamental, a close species to tiger ornamental]]
The species is morphologically similar to ''Poecilotheria formosa'', but genetically similar to ''[[Poecilotheria miranda]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thespidershop.co.uk/poecilotheria-tigrinawesseli-p-3485.html#.VtL1VGS6bmQ | title=Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli | publisher=The Spider Shop | access-date=28 February 2016}}</ref>

==Size and Behavior==
Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli is a large arboreal tarantula species within the family Theraphosidae. Adult females can reach a diagonal leg span of approximately 7–8 inches (17–20 cm), while males are slightly smaller and more slender.<ref>Spider Identifications</ref>{{Full citation needed|date=January 2026}}

This species exhibits fast growth under optimal conditions, including warm temperatures (24–28 Celsius) and consistent feeding.<ref>8 Legs Unlimited</ref>{{Full citation needed|date=January 2026}} Coloration changes noticeably after molting, with a vivid contrast and a subtle violet sheen near the carapace and legs, which darkens over time before the next molt.<ref>Archiwum Allegro</ref>{{Full citation needed|date=January 2026}}

Behaviorally, P. tigrinawesseli is arboreal and shy, preferring to retreat to elevated shelters rather than immediately threat-posing when disturbed. This species is unlikely to leave its established retreat once it has built a home.<ref>JoshsFrogs</ref>{{Full citation needed|date=January 2026}}<ref>8 Legs Unlimited</ref>{{Full citation needed|date=January 2026}} Overall, it prefers to escape rather than bite, though its medically significant venom can cause severe consequences to house pets and humans.

==Identification==
In the first pair of legs, the ground color is daffodil yellow. Femur has a black band distally, ending with a thin yellow band. Patella also has a thin black band distally. Tibia daffodil yellow. <ref name=poecilotheria>{{cite book|author=Nanayakkara, Ranil P.|year=2014|title= Tiger Spiders ''Poecilotheria'' of Sri Lanka |publisher=Biodiversity Secretariat, Ministry of Environmental & Renewable Energy |location= Colombo |page= 167|isbn= 978-955-0033-58-4}}</ref>

In fourth pair of legs, the ground color is bluish-grey. Femur has a thin black band proximally. Patella has a thin black band as well distally. Tibia is bluish-grey in color. Overall the leg pattern is symmetric like zebras.<ref name=poecilotheria />

It is endemic to the central highlands of Sri Lanka, where it inhabits montane forests and tree hollows at elevations above 1000 metres.<ref>{{cite web|title=Poecilotheria subfusca – IUCN Red List|url=https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/63591/12742046|access-date=15 October 2025}}</ref> Adults display intricate ivory, grey, and dark brown markings, providing camouflage against bark and moss. Females are generally larger and more robust than males, reaching a leg span of up to 18 cm.<ref>{{cite web|title=Poecilotheria subfusca|url=https://fearnottarantulas.com/products/poecilotheria-subfusca-sri-lankan-ivory-ornamental|website=Fear Not Tarantulas|access-date=15 October 2025}}</ref> Like other members of the genus, the species is fast-moving and defensive but rarely aggressive unless provoked. Its population is considered vulnerable due to habitat degradation in Sri Lanka’s highlands, and international trade is regulated under CITES Appendix II.<ref>{{cite web|title=CITES Appendices|url=https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php|website=CITES|access-date=15 October 2025}}</ref>

==Ecology==
The species is confined to the eastern ghats of India. Inhabiting in tree hollows, under tree barks, rock crevices, not common in human habitations. Not much information is known about this species.

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name=WSC_s37833>{{cite web |title=Taxon details ''Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli'' Smith, 2006 |work=World Spider Catalog |publisher=Natural History Museum Bern |url=http://www.wsc.nmbe.ch/species/37833 |access-date=29 February 2016 }}</ref>
}}

==External links==
*[https://www.flickr.com/photos/asmodeusk/4907746983 Photos]

{{Taxonbar|from=Q1833292}}

[[Category:Poecilotheria|tigrinawesseli]]
[[Category:Spiders of the Indian subcontinent]]
[[Category:Endemic fauna of India]]
[[Category:Spiders described in 2006]]

Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli - Revision history

Jameshowlett179011: added entry