Phormictopus cancerides female • 1 1/2 – 2″

Description

Phormictopus cancerides is widespread and well-known on the island of Hispaniola (divided west/east politically into Haiti and the Dominican Republic). One might attribute decades of popularity to size, attractiveness, hardiness and longevity. Temperament is somewhat reactive. One might say they’re always a bit nervous. They have a strong feeding response however.

Additionally, although P. cancerides is essentially a brown to almost black tarantula, some hobby specimens show tinges of purple, green or blue. Whether these individuals are different species or color variants remains to be seen.

Room temperature (68-72F) and slightly elevated humidity is fine. Warmer to 80-85F is ok, but take measures to prevent drying due to faster evaporation. We sometimes rely on water dishes when daily inspection isn’t routine.

Photos: 1-female specimen for sale (ArachnoEden); 2-adult female (Bayahibe locality); 3-stock image(Wikipedia)

Care highlights:

• slightly dry to slightly dampened substrate (sds)
• larger enclosures: slightly dry substrate with a damp end
• moderately elevated humidity +/- water dish support
• room temperature (68-72F) up to 85F
• an opportunistic burrower, consider a hide
• consider forest litter and plantings for enrichment