Range extension of the Gooty Tarantula Poecilotheria metallica (Araneae: Theraphosidae) in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

This paper is based on the observations from Tamil Nadu. The presence of this critically endangered Theraphosidae, P. metallica has been recorded for the first time outside of its known distribution, wherefore, expanding its range to further south from its type locality. The present sighting extends its distribution ranges along the Eastern Ghats by approximately 370 Km to further south from its type locality (Pocock 1899).

Keywords

• poecilotheria metallica
• nandyal and giddalur
• eastern ghats