Phormictopus auratus (1.5cm)

Appearance and characteristics Phormictopus auratus, known as Cuban Bronze, is a monumental ground bird native to Cuba. It is one of the most beautiful representatives of its genus. Adult individuals impress with their deep, metallic coloration in shades of gold and bronze, which shimmers especially intensely on the carapace. As a New World spider, it is characterized by a massive body structure and thick legs, which makes adult females look extremely majestic. Behavior and venom In terms of temperament, this species is considered confident, dynamic and defensive. These spiders do not hesitate to assume a threatening posture if they feel cornered. However, their main line of defense is to comb the scabbing hairs from their abdomen, which can cause severe irritation to the handler. They have a very strong hunting instinct; their attacks on feeders are violent and spectacular. Although the venom is not dangerous to adult health, due to the spider's size and powerful chelicerae, the bite can be painful. Breeding conditions Breeding requires a spacious terrarium with a horizontal orientation. A thick layer of coconut fiber or peat mixture works best as a substrate, which will allow the spider to dig occasionally. Keep the temperature between 25-28°C and humidity at 70-80%. This species is hardy, but sensitive to overdrying, so constant access to a bowl of water is essential. With its fast growth rate, Phormictopus auratus instantly becomes the main attraction of any collection.