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The Might and Mystery of the Caribbean – An Impressive Giant
Phormictopus cancerides, native to the Caribbean (including Haiti and the Dominican Republic), is one of the largest and most massive tarantulas of the genus Phormictopus. Known as the Haitian Brown Tarantula or P. cancerides, it stands out with its impressive size and often velvety black or dark brown coloration. It is a powerful species with a generally defensive temperament, intended for intermediate and experienced keepers.
Natural Habitat and Geographical Origin
P. cancerides inhabits humid and semi-arid forests and shrublands on Caribbean islands such as Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. It is a terrestrial species, digging deep burrows in the ground or utilizing natural crevices and tree roots for shelter. Its environment is characterized by high temperatures and variable humidity.
Morphology and Size
Adult Phormictopus cancerides individuals achieve a leg span of 18-22 cm (7-8.5 inches), making it one of the largest tarantulas in South America and the Caribbean. Their bodies are massive, covered with dense hairs of dark brown, black, or sometimes a delicate burgundy hue. Juveniles may be lighter, and their coloration darkens with age. This is a powerfully built tarantula that impresses with its bulk.
Behavior and Character
P. cancerides is a powerful species with a moderately defensive temperament. It can be quite nervous and react instantly when threatened. Like other New World tarantulas, it can flick urticating hairs from its abdomen, which are very irritating and can cause severe itching and respiratory irritation. Bites are rare, and their venom is mild, posing no serious medical threat to humans, comparable to a wasp sting. Due to its size and strength, caution should be exercised during handling.
Feeding Habits
In the wild, their diet consists of large insects, small rodents, and lizards. In home keeping, adult individuals can be fed large crickets, roaches (e.g., Turkish, Argentine), or locusts. It is important not to overfeed the spider. Feeding once a week or once every two weeks is recommended.
Lifespan
Female Phormictopus cancerides are long-lived and, under optimal keeping conditions, can live for 15 to 20 years. Males have a significantly shorter lifespan, typically 3 to 5 years.
Husbandry Requirements
Terrarium: For an adult specimen, a spacious terrarium of at least 30x30x30 cm is required. Good ventilation is crucial.
Substrate: A substrate layer of approximately 15-20 cm deep should be placed at the bottom of the terrarium, e.g., coconut fiber or a mixture of peat and vermiculite, which retains moisture well and allows for burrowing.
Temperature: The ideal temperature ranges from 24 to 28°C.
Humidity: The recommended humidity is 70-80%. This can be maintained by misting part of the substrate and providing constant access to a water dish.
Hide: A permanent hide (e.g., a piece of bark, half a coconut) should be provided to give the spider a sense of security.
Water: A shallow water dish should always be available and refilled regularly.
Suitable for Hobbyists
Phormictopus cancerides is a good choice for intermediate and experienced keepers looking for a large, impressive tarantula. Its size, powerful build, and activity make it a satisfying addition to any collection. However, one must be mindful of its urticating hairs and potential speed.
Why Choose This Species?
If you are looking for a majestic tarantula of impressive size, powerful build, and mysterious, dark coloration, the Haitian Brown Tarantula is an excellent choice. Its longevity and unique presence will make it a true ornament to your collection for many years.
Substrate: A layer of substrate approximately 15-20 cm deep should be placed at the bottom of the terrarium, e.g., coconut fiber or a mixture of peat with vermiculite, which retains moisture well and allows for digging.
Mysterious Elegance of the Indonesian Jungle – Purple Majesty and Speed
Cyriopagopus hatihati, originating from the humid rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, is a tarantula species that immediately captivates with its extraordinary coloration. Known as the Purple Tree Tarantula or C. hatihati, it is distinguished by dark purple legs and a carapace, which give it a mysterious and elegant appearance. Like other Asian tarantulas, it is a fast and defensive species, intended for experienced keepers.
Natural Habitat and Geographical Origin
C. hatihati inhabits the tropical rainforests of Sumatra, where it leads a typically arboreal lifestyle. It builds its web tunnels in tree hollows, under bark, or in dense thickets, blending perfectly into its surroundings. This region is characterized by high humidity and stable temperatures.
Morphology and Size
Adult specimens of Cyriopagopus hatihati reach a leg span of up to 18-20 cm (7-8 inches). Their bodies are uniformly dark brown or black, but their legs and carapace shimmer with a deep, dark purple, especially visible in appropriate lighting. This subtle but mesmerizing color makes it one of the most aesthetic tarantulas in Asia. Young specimens may initially be browner, gradually developing purple hues.
Behavior and Character
C. hatihati is a species known for extreme speed and agility. It is a very shy and defensive spider that prefers to flee immediately when threatened. However, if cornered, it can strike quickly. Its venom is stronger than that of New World tarantulas and can cause significant pain, muscle cramps, numbness, and systemic symptoms that may persist for several days. Touching this species is absolutely not recommended, and all handling should be done with the utmost caution.
Feeding Habits
In nature, their diet consists of insects and other small vertebrates that they hunt in the treetops. In captivity, they should be given appropriately sized feeder insects, such as crickets, roaches (e.g., Turkish roaches, Argentine roaches), or locusts. It is important that the food is alive and stimulates the spider to hunt. Adult specimens can be fed once a week or once every two weeks.
Lifespan
Female Cyriopagopus hatihati are relatively long-lived and can live from 10 to 15 years under appropriate captive conditions. Males have a significantly shorter lifespan, typically 3 to 5 years.
Care Requirements
Terrarium: Due to its arboreal lifestyle, a tall terrarium (a "vertical" or "arboreal" enclosure) is necessary, with dimensions of at least 20x20x30 cm for juveniles and 30x30x45 cm or more for adults. Excellent ventilation is crucial.
Decor: Provide numerous branches, pieces of bark, or bamboo tubes, which will serve as platforms for building nests and hiding places.
Substrate: A thin layer of substrate (5-10 cm) at the bottom of the terrarium (e.g., coconut fiber) will help maintain humidity.
Temperature: The optimal temperature is 24-28°C (75-82°F).
Humidity: Maintain high humidity at 75-85% by misting the terrarium daily.
Water: A shallow water dish or regular misting of water droplets on the terrarium walls.
Suitable for Hobbyists
Cyriopagopus hatihati is a species intended exclusively for experienced keepers. Its speed, defensive nature, and potentially potent venom require the utmost caution, knowledge, and experience in safe handling of tarantulas. This is not a species for beginners.
Why Choose This Species?
If you are an experienced keeper looking for a tarantula with extraordinary, mysterious purple coloration, dynamic behavior, and majestic presence, the Purple Tree Tarantula is an excellent choice. Its rarity and beauty make it one of the most fascinating and desirable species to observe.
Jewel from India: Unearthly Blue and Extraordinary Speed
Poecilotheria metallica, originating from a highly restricted area in southeastern India, is a true icon in the world of terraristics. Known as the Gooty Sapphire Ornamental or Metallic Blue Tarantula, it captivates with its mesmerizing, metallic blue coloration and dynamic temperament. This species is highly sought after by collectors, but due to its speed and potentially strong venom, it is a choice exclusively for experienced breeders.
Natural Habitat and Geographical Origin
P. metallica is endemic to a small region in India, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, near the city of Gooty. It inhabits dry deciduous forests, where it leads a typically arboreal lifestyle. It builds its webs and shelters in tree hollows, under bark, or in crevices, often forming colonies in suitable locations.
Morphology and Size
Adult Poecilotheria metallica reach a leg span of 15-18 cm (6-7 inches). Their body, especially the carapace and legs, shimmers with a dazzling, metallic blue color, making them one of the most spectacular tarantulas in the world. A characteristic black pattern is visible on the abdomen, and subtle dark bands on the legs. The intensity of the blue may vary depending on the individual and lighting, but it is always a breathtaking sight.
Behavior and Temperament
P. metallica is a species known for its extreme speed and agility. It is a defensive spider that, when threatened, first tries to escape, but if cornered, will not hesitate to attack. Its venom is stronger than that of New World tarantulas and can cause significant systemic symptoms in humans, such as intense pain, muscle cramps, numbness, nausea, and flu-like symptoms that can persist for several days. For this reason, no direct contact with this species is recommended, and all manipulations should be performed with the utmost caution.
Feeding Habits
In nature, their diet consists of insects and other small vertebrates that they hunt in the tree canopy. In home breeding, they should be given appropriately sized feeder insects, such as crickets, cockroaches (e.g., Turkish or Argentine cockroaches), or locusts. It is important that the food is alive to stimulate the spider to hunt. Adult specimens can be fed once a week or once every two weeks.
Lifespan
Female Poecilotheria metallica are long-lived and can live from 10 to 15 years under proper breeding conditions. Males have a much shorter lifespan, typically 3 to 5 years.
Breeding Requirements
Terrarium: Due to their arboreal lifestyle, a tall terrarium (so-called "arboreal") is necessary, with dimensions of at least 20x20x30 cm for juveniles and 30x30x45 cm or more for adults. Excellent ventilation is crucial.
Decor: Provide numerous branches, pieces of bark, or bamboo tubes, which will serve as platforms for building nests and hiding.
Substrate: A thin layer of substrate (5-10 cm) at the bottom of the terrarium (e.g., coco fiber) will help maintain humidity.
Temperature: The optimal temperature is 24-28°C.
Humidity: Maintain high humidity levels of 70-85% by misting the terrarium daily.
Water: A shallow water dish or regular misting of water droplets on the terrarium walls.
Suitable for Hobbyists
Poecilotheria metallica is a species intended only for experienced and responsible breeders. Its extreme speed and venom strength require the utmost caution, knowledge, and experience in safe handling of tarantulas. It is not a species for beginners or those without adequate experience.
Why Choose This Species?
If you are an experienced breeder looking for a tarantula with one of the most spectacular colorations in the world, which will be a true gem in your collection, the Gooty Sapphire Ornamental is the ideal choice. Its extraordinary beauty and dynamic behavior make it one of the most fascinating and desirable species for observation.
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