Phormingochilus

This genus comprises five accepted species, native to Borneo and Indonesia. All species are considered arboreal.

P. arboricola: The common name is Borneo Black. Found on the island of Sumatra and/or Borneo where the habitat is characterized by dense tropical forests. This species has a black body with a purple shimmer and metallic highlights. Adults may reach 7 inches. They are available in the hobby but difficult to find a sizable specimen.

P. everetti: The common name is Sarawak Red Tiger. Found in the tropical rainforests of Borneo. Adults reach approximately 7 to 8 inches. Has beautiful chestnut brown coloration with reddish hues and fringes on the legs. The abdomen has tiger stripes. As with other species in this genus, they are fast and defensive. This species is available in the hobby but typically only slings can be found.

P. hatihati: see below

P. pennellhewlettorum: The common name is Bario Bateater. The originate from the tropical rainforests of Borneo, namely the Kelabit Highlands of northeastern Sarawak.  They have been found in tall treetops, and it is claimed that a specimen was brought down from a 60 foot tall tree by a tarantula hawk wasp. They reach approximately 6 inches in adulthood and are fast and defensive. They are have blackish-gray legs with yellowish patella segments with light orange hair, grayish-black carapace. They have a tiger-striped gray abdomen with orange middle coloration and orange abdominal hairs. They are rare in the hobby but slings are periodically available.

P. tigrinus: not well-described.

There are other undescribed species that are currently sold under the Phormingochilus nomenclature:

P. sp. akcaya: The common name is Akcaya Earth Tiger or Golden Tree Spider. This species has a metallic or golden-brown carapace, sometimes with copper or green undertones. They have a tiger-striped abdomen. Adult females may reach approximately 7 to 8 inches. They are relatively new to the hobby and if obtainable, typically sold as slings.

P. sp. Sabah blue: see below

Genus and species: Phormingochilus hatihati

Common name: Borneo Purple Earth Tiger

Given name: Violeta

 Muller (2024) described this species in a comprehensive publication.

Source: Muller 2024

Source: Muller 2024

This species is found in Tammajarra, Polewali, Mandar, West Sulawesi, Indonesia. "Hati Hati" translated to pain or caution. This species is considered arboreal but will create burrows, especially when young. They are generally reclusive but when seen exhibit dark purple coloration with a cream carapace.

Habitat: secondary lowland rain forests and mango plantations. Makes burrows in knotholes and forks in trees and will stay close to the ground until adulthood.

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 12x12x18

Flora: Bio naturalistic

Sex: Female

Life stage: Sub-adult

Size: Approximately 4.25 inches

Growth: Molted towards the end of May, 2025. Has put on a little size

Disposition: A bit feisty but has not been aggressive

Eating habits: Have not witnessed a takedown yet

Misc: Periodically makes a night time appearance. Beautiful coloration.

Genus and species: Phormingochilus sp. sabah blue

Given name: Pantai

Found in the Sabah province of Borneo. They have beautiful blue and lavender coloration with orange hairs throughout. The can grow to 7 or 8 inches as adult females. This species is relatively new to the hobby and slings are available.

Habitat: Resides in trees amongst tropical rainforests.

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 6x6x8

Flora: Bio naturalistic

Sex: Undetermined

Life stage: Juvenile

Size: Approximately 3.25 inches

Growth: TBD, has not molted

Disposition: Fast and somewhat skittish

Eating habits: Have not witnessed a takedown yet

Misc: Periodically makes a night time appearance. Starting to develop beautiful adult coloration.