Haitian Brown Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

Hair (urticating setae)

A robust, heavily built tarantula with a dense covering of fine hairs. The carapace often shows a purplish sheen that gradually fades to a rich brass or bronze-brown with age. Spiderlings can display a metallic blue cast before maturing.56

Personality what they are like

This tarantula has a quick and defensive temperament. It is bold and may adopt a defensive posture, but usually prefers to retreat rather than fight. It can flick urticating hairs and may strike if provoked. Routine handling is not recommended, even for calm individuals, because the spider can bolt, fall or bite when stressed.3645

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Nocturnal and fairly sedentary. It does not require exercise beyond the space to move naturally. The keeper should provide a secure, stress-free environment that allows the spider to hide and hunt on its own schedule.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal. Remove uneaten prey after a day or two, keep the water dish clean, and maintain a humidity gradient by misting as needed. The main care tasks are to avoid overcrowding and to provide stable conditions. Good hygiene after handling the enclosure is important.62

Home where they are happiest

A terrestrial or semi-fossorial setup. For an adult, a secure enclosure at least 35 x 25 x 25 cm (or 5-10 gallons) with a tight lid is recommended. Provide deep (7-10 cm) substrate such as coconut fibre or pesticide-free potting soil for burrowing, a water dish, a hide, and horizontal cork bark or branches. Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F). Humidity: 65-75%. No special lighting is required. Avoid loose lids, excessive height, and unregulated heat sources.325

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivorous; in captivity feed appropriately sized crickets, roaches, locusts, mealworms and waxworms. Adults can also take an occasional pinkie mouse. Gut-load feeder insects for extra nutrition. Feed spiderlings small prey often, adults less frequently and keep them lean. Remove uneaten food promptly, especially before a moult.625

Company who they like around

Solitary. Do not house with other tarantulas; they are cannibalistic. This species is best kept alone. It is a display animal, not suitable for handling.32

The story where it all began

Described by Pierre André Latreille in 1806, Phormictopus cancerides has been kept in the pet trade for many decades. It is one of the largest and most striking New World tarantulas from the Caribbean. Its bold temperament and strong feeding response have made it a favourite among intermediate to advanced keepers, although it is also considered suitable for dedicated beginners who respect its defensive nature. The species is not listed on CITES or the EU trade list, but local regulations may apply.732