Haitian Brown Tarantula
Phormictopus cancerides
The Phormictopus cancerides, famous as 'Haitian Brown Tarantula'. It is an island terrestrial giant (up to 7.9-8.7 inches legspan) admired for its frightening size and marvelous chromatic reflections. Although the name indicates 'Brown', the adults (especially the males) sport incredible Purple, Copper and Plum reflections under direct light. Has an iron reputation: it is extremely defensive, neurotic and possesses a 'food response' (reactivity to food) that borders on pure aggressiveness. Requires large spaces, a robust den and keepers ready to face a tarantula that almost never backs down.
Ambiente
Terrestre
Umidade
70 - 85 %
Temperatura diurna
23 - 27 °C
Temperatura noturna
21 - 24 °C
Descrição da espécie
Geographic Origin and Habitat: The World Spider Catalog reports Caribbean to Brazil as the distribution of Phormictopus cancerides. This recovery makes no habitat statement beyond that cited distribution.
Taxonomy and Genetics: The World Spider Catalog identifies Phormictopus cancerides (Latreille, 1806) as an accepted species in the genus Phormictopus and family Theraphosidae. This recovery makes no genetic statement beyond those cited taxonomic facts.
Behaviour and Habits: This recovery makes no behavioural statement beyond the cited facts.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: This recovery makes no morphological or sex-comparison statement beyond the cited facts.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Terrarium Setup: This proposal does not establish a terrarium setup.
Lighting and Heating: This proposal does not establish lighting or heating parameters.
Humidity and Hydration: This proposal does not establish humidity or hydration parameters.
Feeding and Supplementation: In a controlled study, juvenile Phormictopus cancerides were assigned to two groups fed once every 5 or 30 days while resting metabolic rate and foraging activity were measured. Metabolic rate increased in the well-fed group and remained constant in individuals fed once a month. In feeding trials, food-limited individuals reached prey more quickly and a significantly higher proportion of the 30-day group ate; locomotory activity and prey-detection distance were inconclusive. These are results for the study's juvenile groups and feeding schedule, not a feeding interval, diet, or supplementation recommendation.
Compatibility and Coexistence: This proposal does not establish compatibility or cohabitation guidance.
Health and Common Diseases: This proposal does not make a clinical, disease, or veterinary claim.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
Esta espécie é originária de: Caraibi (Foreste tropicali secche e arbusteti di Haiti, Repubblica Dominicana, Cuba).
Origem
Extra-Amazônica América do SulAmérica Central e Caribe
Perfil de invertebrados terrestres
- Dieta
- Carnivore
- The diet of Phormictopus cancerides 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.
- Tamanho adulto
- 20 cm
- Estilo de vida/Microhabitat
- Terrestrial
- The lifestyle of Phormictopus cancerides 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.
- Ciclo de atividades
- Nocturnal
- The activity pattern of Phormictopus cancerides 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.
- Socialidade
- Solitary
- This incredibly aggressive tarantula is strictly solitary and highly intolerant of any other living creatures within its defined territory. Housing them communally is entirely out of the question, as they will violently attack and inevitably cannibalize any conspecifics, regardless of their respective sizes, genders, or previous interactions.
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- Reproduction in Phormictopus cancerides 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.
- Venenoso
- Yes
- Tolerância de tratamento
- With caution
- Handling Phormictopus cancerides 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.
- Brumação
- Não obrigatório
- True brumation is not typically observed in Phormictopus cancerides, 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.
- Muda
- Regular
- The molting process is a critical and vulnerable time for Phormictopus cancerides 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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