Phormictopus

The Phormictopus genus are found in the Greater Antilles, including the West Indies, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Cuba. The various Phormictopus species are relatively large. This genus includes some very bold and brilliant specimens that make great display tarantulas. Currently, there are approximately 12 to 14 species in this genus with a handful of species in synonymy. The taxonomy for this genera is confusing with inconsistent classifications. There are some color variants as well. The most informative article in this genera is by Rudloff 2008 but the article is in German.

Genus and species: Phormictopus sp. green femur

Given name: Matcha

This species is considered a color variant, and at this time, not well classified.

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 12x12x12

Flora: Live naturalistic

Sex: Suspected female

Life stage: Adult

Size: Approximately 6 inches and room to grow

Growth: Molted in May 2025

Disposition: Skittish if disturbed but typically on display

Eating habits: Decent but may not takedown immediately

Misc: Periodically uses its hide. Green hues after molt.

Genus and species: Phormictopus sp. Dominican Purple

Given name: Fig

As with many Phormictopus sp., taxonomy is inconsistent. sp. Dominican Purple is a color variant and some refer to this species as P. cautus (but the accuracy has not been verified). This is a highly temperamental species, who commonly displays threat poses.

The natural habitat of this species is not well described, but likely resides in semitropical regions with rocky and hilly habitat.

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 12x12x12

Flora: Bio naturalistic

Sex: Male

Life stage: Adult

Size: Approximately 7.5 in to 8 in

Growth: Molted 4/22/25 and hooked out as a male

Disposition: Highly defensive and nasty. However, typically out on display.

Eating habits: Decent but may not takedown immediately. Has not been an aggressive eater as of late.

Misc: Beautiful coloration; deep and rich purple after molt. Still beautiful but the bright purple has faded as of late. Modest burrower and sometimes uses its hide.

Genus and species: Phormictopus atrichomatus

Common name: Red Island birdeater

Given name: Cayenne

This species typically grows relatively fast and has a Phormictopus attitude. Many keepers comment about their aggressive attitude. These are terrestrial species and unclear if our specimen will burrow. P. atrichomatus is native to the West Indies, including Cuba and Hispaniola. Origins believed to be Hispaniola (which includes Haiti and the Dominican Republic).

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 9x9x8

Flora: Bio naturalistic

Sex: Uncertain

Life stage: Juvenile

Size: Approximately 3.75 in

Growth: Molted April 13, 2025

Disposition: Relatively calm thus far but can be skittish at times. Starting to get a little more high strung. Commonly on display.

Eating habits: Decent but may not takedown immediately

Misc: Sometimes uses its hide. Has not displayed the nasty disposition that others have commented on.

Genus and species: Phormictopus sp. blue azul

Given name: Indigo

This species is color variation, and is relatively uncommon in the hobby. It remains to be seen whether the taxonomy improves.

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 4x4x4 tarantula cribs

Flora: Naturalistic

Sex: Uncertain

Life stage: Sling

Size: Approximately 2 in

Growth: Growing steady, Molted late May 2025.

Disposition: A bit high strung and skittish at this point.

Eating habits: Decent but may not takedown immediately

Misc: Blue hues are evident.