Correct Option (D)
Statements II and III are correct.
- Statement II: The Peacock tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) is endemic to India, with its natural habitat restricted to specific deciduous forest areas, particularly in Andhra Pradesh. Its range is highly limited, covering less than 100 sq km of disturbed reserve forest.
- Statement III: In its natural habitat, the Peacock tarantula is an arboreal species, meaning it primarily lives in trees. It typically inhabits holes in tall trees, utilizing tree canopies and trunks for refuge.
Incorrect Options
- Statement I: The Peacock tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) is an arachnid (spider), not a crustacean. It is carnivorous, primarily preying on insects, rather than omnivorous. Therefore, statement I is incorrect.
- Options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect because they either include the factually inaccurate Statement I or omit the correct Statement III.