Tag Archives: Poecilotheria

The Sapphire Jewel: A Guide to Poecilotheria metallica

Among arachnid enthusiasts, few creatures command as much awe as Poecilotheria metallica. Known commonly as the Gooty Sapphire Ornamental or the Peacock Tarantula, this species is the “crown jewel” of the hobby. With its electrifying blue coloration and intricate geometric patterns, it looks more like a high-end digital render than a living organism.

However, beneath that stunning exterior lies a sophisticated arboreal predator that requires respect, experience, and specific care.

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Old World Versus New World Tarantulas

As of this writing there are 954 known species of tarantulas in the world, with dozens upon dozens of described genus names. As research continues on these fascinating animals, new genus and species names are created and animals are being shifted into new nomenclature. You just never know when what you had yesterday as a Brachypelma smithi could now be Brachypelma hamorii tomorrow. What one day was Avicularia versicolor is now Caribena versicolor. As new species are discovered and more research is done, I am sure these shifts will continue.

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