Poecilotheria metallica, commonly known as Gooty Sapphire Ornamental, is endemic to a limited forest in Andhra Pradesh, Central Southern India. The species is often recognized by its prominent colorations of primarily blue with white and yellow combined with intricate geometric patterns. This beautiful species suffers from the human involvement of agriculture, deforestation, and illegal smuggling. Therefore, the species is currently included in CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Appendix II. Due to the population decline of the species, they are also classified by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) as critically endangered, or CE.

As mentioned, the species displays its prominent colorations, especially as adults. The female has a dark blue color that covers most of the body with white geometric patterns on the carapace, abdomen, and legs as well as yellow bands underneath the appendages. However, the male has much brighter colorations with less prominent blue colors throughout the body. Determining the sex of this species has become a debated topic in most forums. Some individuals state that sexual dysmorphism can be seen between female and male spiders through their geometric patterns and that there is a difference between genders. It is often possible to determine the sex by appearance for most spider species, especially when they have molted as their colors are most prominent at that time. However, if the newly molted female is compared with a male, the female is much brighter in coloration. Therefore, sexing the species should be done by the molt.

Natural Environment

The species was acknowledged by the arachnologist R. I. Pocock in 1899 in the town of Gooty, India. As time went by the species eventually vanished for no apparent reason. Nearly a century later the species was rediscovered in the Kadapah and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh 100 kilometers southwest, which is quite far from its original observational area back in Gooty. Some theories behind this strange occurrence suggest that the species accidentally got transported from Gooty to Andra Pradesh by train and mistakenly stowed in old cargo boxes.

Currently, the species inhabits a forest of less than 100 square kilometers (39 square miles), classified as a reserve forest or protected forest. The forest is of tropical origin and stays humid and warm throughout all seasons. Andra Pradesh and the surrounding areas have an overall precipitation (rainfall) of 93.0 mm each month with the highest and lowest temperatures reaching 39℃ and 20℃ (102℉ - 60℉).

The forest is protected but the area is still highly disturbed by degradation by deforestation and illegal smuggling. Adult specimens are often captured and removed from the area with the intention of either breeding and selling or displaying. This illegal activity started a few years after the rediscovery of the species and has continued thereafter. If the degradation of habitat and the removal of specimens continue, the species' population will be faced with the possibility of extinction soon.

Behavior

In the reserve forest where the species are known to live, they can be observed in crevices and holes high up in tree stems and this behavior is typical for most arboreal species. When the spider has found a location where it feels safe, they start the construction process of webbing asymmetric funnels. The species prefer murky areas with less visible light for example below dense tree canopies, due to their photosensitivity. Because they spend most of their time above ground, the primary prey items are often various flying insects. However, if the opportunity arrives they can capture small birds and lizards as well. 

The species can be found in larger quantities within the same holes or crevices in the wild, meaning that they can be housed in a communal setup. This however is recommended if the species are from the same eggsack as siblings. If not, the possibility of rejection increases resulting in fatalities with the largest and most prominent individual often being the survivor.

Even though the species are beautiful their temperament can be far less friendly. Skittish, reclusive, and unpredictable are commonly recognized in their temperament. Handling them is not recommended even if you are experienced due to their extreme awareness of the surroundings and if they feel stressed, any sudden movements might trigger them to first flee or in some cases attack. 

Enclosure/Terrarium

Terrarium: Arboreal species require more vertical space rather than horizontal. For an adult spider of this species, the terrarium should be a minimum of 20x20x40 cm (8x8x16 In). This also applies to juveniles and spiderlings with a focus on height rather than width. Use cork bark tubes and sticks to achieve a vertical environment for the spider with plenty of space above the ground.

Substrate: The recommended amount of substrate is a minimum of 5 cm (2 In). However, I do personally have 8 - 10 cm (3 - 4 In) in my arboreal enclosures. For species with higher humidity requirements, the substrate can help by balancing the levels as it absorbs moisture. When the amount of substrate is over 5 cm (2 In) I recommend installing a false bottom. This can be achieved by a layer of rocks or clay aggregate (LECA), covered with a thin net to prevent the soil from reaching the first layer. The functionality behind this “false bottom” is that moisture is absorbed by the substrate when misting, and eventually separates by dripping through the thin net. This is especially important when the enclosure holds higher humidity levels with a thicker amount of substrate due to the increased risks of fungi and mold.

Plants: Having live plants in the enclosure provides esthetics as colors and a more life-like touch, as well as hiding potentials for the animals, drinking opportunities, and more favors for the keeper. Plants are also excellent at preserving moisture in the soil and creating a balanced atmosphere. However, there are thousands of plants to choose from and what plants would be best for the spider's requirements? Through my years of experience, I have experimented with this to eventually find the plants most suitable. Recommended plants: Philodendrons, Bromeliads, Epipremnum aurerum, Ferns, Moss, Tillandsia, or Ficus pumila.