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?
Explanation
Peacock Tarantula Overview Scientific Name: Poecilotheria metallica, also Gooty tarantula. Status: Critically Endangered, IUCN Red List. Description: Arboreal spider, Theraphosidae family (Arachnida, Araneae), known for vibrant metallic blue coloration. Habitat: Endemic to <100 sq km of deciduous forests in Andhra Pradesh (Nandyal, Giddalur, Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve) and Tamil Nadu (Pakkamalai Reserve Forests, Villupuram, Tirumala foothills). Threats: Habitat loss from deforestation, logging, firewood harvesting, and illegal pet trade. Protection: CITES Appendix II (2019) bans export without permits. Diet and Behavior:
Carnivorous, feeds on flying insects (moths, crickets) and occasionally small vertebrates (mice, small birds). Photosensitive, flees bright light, may bite if provoked with medically significant venom causing pain, nausea, dizziness (no fatalities). Constructs asymmetric funnel webs in tree holes. Spiderlings start terrestrial, transition to arboreal.
Statement I is incorrect: The Peacock tarantula is an arachnid (class Arachnida, order Araneae, family Theraphosidae), not a crustacean (class Crustacea, e.g., crabs, shrimp).
Statement II is correct: Is endemic to a small area (<100 sq km) of deciduous forests in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Statement III is correct: Poecilotheria metallica is an arboreal spider, living in tree holes and constructing asymmetric funnel webs to capture flying insects.