Previous Year Question
Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements.
I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.
II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.
III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
I only
I and III
II only
II and III
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
The scientific name of the Peacock tarantula or Gooty tarantula is Poecilotheria metallica.
It is a spider belonging to the phylum Arthropoda, class Arachnida and order Araneae.
It is neither a crustacean nor an omnivorous organism. Therefore, Statement I is not correct.
It is primarily a carnivorous predator that hunts insects and other small invertebrates.
Its body is known for its metallic blue colour and distinctive white and yellow markings.
It is endemic to India and has an extremely restricted natural distribution.
Its known natural habitat is mainly restricted to some forest areas of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. Therefore, Statement II is correct.
Because of its restricted distribution, even limited habitat damage can seriously affect its entire population.
It is an arboreal species and primarily lives on trees in its natural habitat. Therefore, Statement III is correct.
It constructs silken retreats in tree hollows, cracks in bark or between branches.
It is generally nocturnal and becomes active for hunting at night.
Deforestation, habitat degradation, forest fires and the illegal pet trade are its major threats.
The IUCN has classified this species as Critically Endangered.
International trade in species of the genus Poecilotheria is regulated under Appendix II of CITES.