The Ivory Gorgeous Rainforest Spider (scientific name: Poecilotheriasubfusca) is distributed in the central and southern regions of Sri Lanka. It is a larger species in the Gorgeous Rainforest genus. The radiating white stripes on its back (or the spiny white stripes of the lowland subspecies) are the biggest distinguishing feature compared to other species in the same genus. The abdomen of adult Ivory Gorgeous Rainforest Spiders also has unique black and white markings, which are very eye-catching. This species was declared a protected species by Sri Lanka in 1993 and is prohibited from commercial collection and export. It is listed as a threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Chinese name: 象牙华丽雨林蜘蛛
Latin name: Poecilotheriasubfusca/Poecilotheriabara
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Arachnomorpha
Class: Arachnida
Species: Ivory Gorgeous Rainforest Spider
Observe the pattern on the carapace: The highland species has a very large radiating white range on the carapace, which generally connects with the outermost white color in adults; while the lowland species has a relatively narrow white radiating range in the center of the carapace, and the abdominal pattern is darker than the highland species. Although the characteristics of the lowland species are not as obvious as the highland species, the spiny pattern of the white spots on the carapace still has a relatively high discriminability. These are the reasons why many breeders choose the Ivory Gorgeous Rainforest Spider: it is not easily confused with other species.
The inner side of the legs of adult female Ivory Gorgeous Rainforest Spiders will appear purple under light.
Not recommended for keeping, as a Gorgeous Rainforest, their aggressiveness and toxicity are relatively high, so for these more dangerous pet bird spider species, it is only recommended for enthusiasts to try challenging to keep them. The fast speed of the juvenile is very easy to escape, while the larger individuals may bite without warning.
1, Emaciation
When you find that the spider's body becomes dull, the surface starts to become dry and yellow, it is likely that emaciation has occurred. This condition is generally caused by the spider not eating well, leading to malnutrition.
2, Intestinal Inflammation
On the contrary, this is caused by overeating. The owner keeps feeding the spider, or the food temperature is too low during feeding, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain in the spider, eventually leading to intestinal inflammation.
3, Hemiplegia
The spider does not require a high environment, but when the temperature is too high, especially in summer, with high temperature and high humidity, if the spider cage is too far away from the ventilation port, the spider may suffer from heatstroke-like conditions, resulting in paralysis of the legs and inability to move.
4, Constipation
The most common cause of constipation is lack of water. In addition to food intake, spiders also need to drink water. If the owner only feeds the spider but does not provide water, the water content in the food cannot supply the spider's body with the required moisture.
5, Black Rot Disease
Not eating or moving, mental decline, and black ulcerative lesions in the abdomen indicate black rot disease in spiders. The reason for this condition is that the water and food are not fresh. If the spider eats food contaminated with bacteria, it may become infected with black rot disease, which can lead to death if severe.
6, Mildew Spot Disease
Especially in the south, in the hot and humid weather of summer, the spider's body surface is easily invaded by bacteria. The spider's joints become more and more stiff, and its body becomes increasingly damp. Bacteria like to survive and multiply in such an environment, causing the spider to have mildew spots.
7, Parasites
Parasites can be said to be the most disgusting disease for spiders. If it is small insects, it is fine, but those aggressive parasites can crawl on the spider's body, which looks very disgusting. Not only does it affect the spider's rest, but it may also carry other viruses, causing multiple infections and threatening the spider's life.
Although this species is on the brink of extinction in the wild, its breeding technology is becoming increasingly mature domestically, and relatively inexpensive artificially bred individuals can now be purchased. Any breeders have an obligation to refuse to buy wild individuals.
Food: Crickets, mealworms, and superworms. Adult spiders can be fed with white mice.
Temperature and humidity: Refer to the place of origin. The high-altitude habitat of this species is extremely high, which adds a characteristic to the Gorgeous Rainforest genus that is different from all other bird-eating spiders: cold resistance. [3] Temperatures above ten degrees Celsius may be fatal to other bird-eating spider species, but this temperature is already higher than the pre-dawn temperature in the natural habitat of the high-altitude species. Breeders need to pay extra attention to keep the high-altitude species at a temperature lower than the suitable temperature for other bird-eating spiders. Of course, in order to ensure normal growth and reduce the risk of sudden death, it is still advisable to keep the temperature between 22-25℃. Habitat: Provide a relatively high space. If possible, put a piece of wood because it is a tree-dwelling spider that is good at climbing and will build a nest on the tree. Provide a small dish for drinking water. Pay attention to air circulation in the breeding box. The soil does not need to be too wet, as long as the small water dish has enough water.
Recommended substrate: Moist peat/coconut brick can be used for breeding to provide a higher breeding box. Arrange a piece of bark for them to climb and hide. Their small juveniles may dig some holes (perhaps in the roots of nearby trees in their natural habitat). As a Gorgeous Rainforest species, their aggressiveness and toxicity are relatively high, so it is only recommended for enthusiasts to try to challenge keeping them. The fast speed of the juveniles makes them very easy to escape, and large individuals may bite without warning. It is never recommended to handle these species.
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