UPSC Prelims 2025 Q37: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity
Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements:
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?
- (a) I only
- (b) I and III
- (c) II only
- (d) II and III
Answer: (d) II and III
Explanation
Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula) — Poecilotheria metallica
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| I. Omnivorous crustacean | Wrong | It is a spider (arachnid), not a crustacean; it is carnivorous, eating insects |
| II. Habitat limited to some forest areas | Correct | Endemic to a small patch of deciduous forest in Andhra Pradesh (Eastern Ghats, Nandyal–Giddalur area) |
| III. Arboreal species | Correct | Lives in tree holes and under loose bark of tall trees |
Quick facts:
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Named after | Gooty town, where the first specimen was found (1899) |
| Colour | Metallic blue body with yellow markings |
| IUCN status | Critically Endangered |
| Threat | Logging and habitat loss; collection for the pet trade |
Answer: (d) II and III.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement I is false: it is a spider, and it is carnivorous, not an omnivorous crustacean.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement I is false, so any option containing I fails.
- (c) Incorrect. It leaves out III; the species is arboreal, living in tree holes.
- (d) CORRECT. It has a restricted forest range in Andhra Pradesh and lives in trees.
Key point
Gooty tarantula = arboreal, metallic-blue spider endemic to Andhra Pradesh forests; IUCN Critically Endangered.
Remember
Peacock tarantula: tree-dwelling spider found only in a small Andhra Pradesh forest.
Common mistakes
- Calling a tarantula a crustacean; spiders are arachnids (8 legs), crustaceans include crabs and shrimps.
- Assuming all tarantulas live in burrows; Poecilotheria species are tree-dwelling.
- Thinking it is found across South India; its natural range is a few hundred square kilometres.
Exam tip
Arachnid vs crustacean: 8 legs and 2 body parts = arachnid; 10 legs and a hard shell = crustacean.
Sources
- IUCN Red List — Poecilotheria metallica
- Zoological Survey of India — Arachnid fauna of Andhra Pradesh