Behavior
P. metallica's behavior parallels that of many arboreal spiders. In the wild the P. metallica live in holes of tall trees where they make asymmetric funnel webs. Their primary prey consists of various flying insects, which they seize in flight and paralyze. It is not unknown for the spiders of this genus to live communally when territory, i.e. number of holes per tree, is limited.
This species is desired by many tarantula enthusiasts, with adults sometimes pricing above $500 in the USA. Demand for 2-week old unsexed spiderlings at US$200 is high, and there are examples of them being sold for much more. Prices can vary in other locations, particularly Europe. Like many spiders, the gender can influence price; females live for about 12 years, 3 to 4 times longer than males, making them more expensive. Also females are considered to be more useful for breeding, making demand higher. They are hardy, relatively fast growing spiders that are generally fed crickets, but can take on anything from a common fruit fly when spider-lings, to a new-born (pinky) mouse or anole when adults. They measure between 6-8" in legspan when fully grown. In captivity, humid environments with temperatures between 65° to 75°F with a humidity level of 75 to 85% are preferred.
Read more about this topic: Poecilotheria Metallica
Famous quotes containing the word behavior:
“Fatalism, whose solving word in all crises of behavior is “All striving is vain,” will never reign supreme, for the impulse to take life strivingly is indestructible in the race. Moral creeds which speak to that impulse will be widely successful in spite of inconsistency, vagueness, and shadowy determination of expectancy. Man needs a rule for his will, and will invent one if one be not given him.”
—William James (1842–1910)
“The purpose of polite behavior is never virtuous. Deceit, surrender, and concealment: these are not virtues. The goal of the mannerly is comfort, per se.”
—June Jordan (b. 1939)
“There is a parallel between the twos and the tens. Tens are trying to test their abilities again, sizing up and experimenting to discover how to fit in. They don’t mean everything they do and say. They are just testing. . . . Take a good deal of your daughter’s behavior with a grain of salt. Try to handle the really outrageous as matter-of-factly as you would a mistake in grammar or spelling.”
—Stella Chess (20th century)