Phormictopus atrichomatus
4 active listings · Spiders
Category
Spiders
Origin
Hispaniola
Lifestyle
Terrestrial
Difficulty
Intermediate
Venom potency
Medium
About the species
Phormictopus atrichomatus is a large terrestrial New World tarantula. The World Spider Catalog accepts the species (Schmidt, 1991) and gives the range cautiously as “probably Hispaniola”. The original description associated material with Honduras; later treatment does not confirm a secure island-wide range. Do not treat all of Hispaniola or Honduras as an exact distribution. Adult females are clearly larger than typical Mexican Brachypelma: body length often about 6–8 cm, leg span about 16–20 cm. Urticating hairs do not make it a calm starter species — it can be fast and defensive.
Origin and distribution
Hispaniola
Sources support a regional range: Hispaniola. Countries are not highlighted because the country list is not reliable enough.
Current listings
TRUSTEDPhormictopus atrichomatus (1.5cm)
50.00 PLN
Available: 10 pcs.Unsexed1,5 cmspidersworld.eu
TRUSTEDPhormictopus atrichomatus L5
70.00 PLN
Available: 10 pcs.UnsexedL5spidersgodeu
TRUSTEDPhormictopus atrichomatus L4
60.00 PLN
Available: 10 pcs.UnsexedL4spidersgodeu
TRUSTEDPhormictopus atrichomatus L2/3
50.00 PLN
Available: 10 pcs.UnsexedL2spidersgodeu
Care at a glance
Size
Females often approx. 6–8 cm body length; leg span approx. 16–20 cm
Enclosure type
Spacious and horizontal, for a large terrestrial species
Substrate
A thicker, stable layer; the surface may dry between waterings
Furnishings
A solid hide and constant access to fresh water
Conditions
Moderate; good ventilation, without a permanently flooded substrate
Characteristics
Large, can be fast and defensive; range uncertain, not a first tarantula
Care and behaviour
Phormictopus atrichomatus is a heavy-bodied terrestrial species. The enclosure should be spacious in floor area, with a thick, stable substrate and a solid hide. Height should not invite a fall onto a hard surface. Constant access to fresh water matters more than keeping the whole enclosure wet.
An uncertain, probably Hispaniolan range is not a recipe for a Caribbean swamp. The substrate surface may dry, while lower layers may stay slightly more humid. Good ventilation limits stuffy, still air. Do not treat a single temperature or humidity figure as a universal requirement.
Individuals can leave a hide quickly and may take a defensive posture. Urticating hairs do not rule out a bite if the spider is cornered. Plan maintenance calmly and do not hold the animal for long. This species suits keepers who already know larger terrestrial Phormictopus.
Good to know
Phormictopus atrichomatus has urticating hairs and may use them when disturbed; contact irritates skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. When startled it can be fast and may bite. The genus Phormictopus is not listed on the CITES Appendices. Obligations may depend on the country and transaction; this page is not legal advice. Require legally sourced captive-bred animals. An uncertain range does not justify labelling animals as “wild-caught Hispaniola”.