Borneo Black Tarantula
Phormingochilus arboricola
The Phormingochilus arboricola, highly feared 'Borneo Black Tarantula'. It is an Asian arboreal predator (5.9 inches legspan) infamous for its frightening size, inhuman speed and a neurotoxic venom of severe clinical relevance. Adult females are colossi wrapped in a thick Absolute Black fluff, making them the lethal ghosts of the Borneo jungles. Males, on the contrary, are dark brown and thin. Creates immense 'socks' of web and mud in tall tree cavities. Aggressive, intolerant and devoid of urticating hairs: its first and only warning is to rear up ('threat posture') before biting brutally.
Environnement
Terrestre
Humidité
75 - 85 %
Température diurne
25 - 28 °C
Température nocturne
22 - 24 °C
Description de l'espèce
Geographic Origin and Habitat: The cited taxonomic record lists the distribution as Borneo (country unknown). This revision does not infer a captive habitat from that distribution record.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Phormingochilus arboricola (Schmidt & Barensteiner, 2015) is an accepted species in the genus Phormingochilus, family Theraphosidae.
Behaviour and Habits: This revision adds no verified behavioural claim beyond the cited taxonomic record.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: This revision adds no verified morphological or sexual-dimorphism claim beyond the cited taxonomic record.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Terrarium Setup: Guidance about terrarium setup for Phormingochilus must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Lighting and Heating: Guidance about lighting and heating for Phormingochilus must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Humidity and Hydration: Guidance about humidity and hydration for Phormingochilus must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Feeding and Supplementation: Guidance about feeding and supplementation for Phormingochilus must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Compatibility and Coexistence: Guidance about compatibility and coexistence for Phormingochilus must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Health and Common Diseases: Guidance about health and common diseases for Phormingochilus must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Cette espèce provient de : Asia (Foreste pluviali equatoriali del Borneo, Indonesia/Malesia).
Origine
Asie du Sud et du Sud-Est
Profil d'invertébré terrestre
- Régime alimentaire
- Carnivore
- The diet of Phormingochilus primarily consists of appropriately sized live insects, such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. In the wild, they are opportunistic ambush predators that will take down any prey they can overpower. Feeding should occur once or twice a week depending on the size and age of the individual. It is important to remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent stress or injury to the tarantula. Fresh water must also be available at all times in a shallow dish.
- Taille adulte
- 18 cm
- Mode de vie/microhabitat
- Arboreal
- The lifestyle of Phormingochilus revolves around creating and maintaining a suitable retreat, whether that be a deep burrow or an intricate web structure. Terrestrial species will spend significant time digging and moving substrate to form a comfortable living space. Arboreal types, on the other hand, will construct silken tubes hidden among foliage or bark. They lead highly solitary lives and will generally not tolerate the presence of other individuals in their territory outside of mating. A well-designed enclosure that mimics their specific natural habitat is essential for their overall well-being.
- Cycle d'activité
- Nocturnal
- The activity pattern of Phormingochilus is predominantly nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. As dusk approaches, they typically emerge from their retreats to actively forage for food or wait in ambush. During the daylight hours, they prefer to remain hidden in dark, secure hiding spots to avoid predators and extreme temperatures. Maintaining a proper day-night light cycle in the enclosure helps regulate their natural circadian rhythms. Observing them under a dim red light at night can provide fascinating insights into their natural habits.
- Sociabilité
- Solitary
- They are a fiercely territorial and strictly solitary genus, displaying extreme intolerance towards any other tarantulas within their designated space. Communal housing will undeniably and quickly lead to fatal aggressive encounters, meaning every single individual must be housed separately in securely locked enclosures from an extremely young age.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Reproduction in Phormingochilus typically involves a delicate courtship process where the male drums on the ground to signal his presence to the female. Once the female accepts, the male carefully approaches to transfer sperm using his pedipalps. After a successful mating, the female will construct an egg sac containing anywhere from fifty to several hundred eggs, depending on the species size. Incubation lasts for several weeks, during which the female fiercely guards the sac. Eventually, the spiderlings emerge and will soon disperse to begin their solitary lives.
- Venimeux
- Yes
- Tolérance aux manipulations
- Expert only
- Handling Phormingochilus should generally be kept to an absolute minimum to avoid causing unnecessary stress to the animal. Tarantulas are fragile creatures that can suffer fatal injuries from even a short fall. If manipulation is required for enclosure maintenance or rehousing, using a catch cup or the soft paintbrush method is highly recommended. Direct handling carries the risk of getting bitten or exposed to irritating urticating hairs. Prioritizing observation over interaction ensures the safety of both the keeper and the spider.
- Brumation
- Non requise
- True brumation is not typically observed in Phormingochilus, but they may experience a period of reduced activity during cooler winter months. During this time, they might retreat deeper into their burrows and significantly decrease their food intake. It is important to avoid overfeeding and to carefully monitor the temperature and humidity levels to ensure they remain within safe parameters. Keepers should refrain from disturbing the spider to allow it to rest naturally. Normal activity and appetite will usually resume once ambient temperatures begin to rise again in the spring.
- Mue
- Periodic
- The molting process is a critical and vulnerable time for Phormingochilus as it allows them to grow and regenerate lost appendages. Prior to a molt, the tarantula will often refuse food, become lethargic, and develop a dark patch on its abdomen. When the time comes, they will construct a molting mat of silk and flip onto their backs to begin extracting themselves from their old exoskeleton. Under no circumstances should they be disturbed or fed during this exhausting process. After molting, they need several days to weeks to fully harden their new fangs and body before they can eat again.
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