Environmental Caution:

When a damp environment has too little air circulation, this can lead to an anaerobic environment. Where the typical aerobic bacteria helps keep certain types of waste from building up, they are instead replaced by anaerobic bacteria whose waste is more likely to be toxic and harmful. This is often accompanied by a strong swampy smell. 

To guard against anaerobic environments, it is important to monitor and control moisture in the environment as well as air quality. One way to maximize both is to have plentiful live plants as the byproduct of photosynthesis is oxygen and water. Springtails can help keep the substrate aerated and break down waste so that the beneficial bacteria can more easily turn it into plant food.

Defining Characteristics:

• Adult females have beautiful, iridescent purple on their carapace and legs.
• Like most Phormictopus, this species is known to be bad-tempered

Name: Phormictopus sp. ‘Dominican Purple’ is commonly known as the Purple Beauty Birdeater.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Phormictopus sp. ‘Dominican Purple’ is a fossorial species, meaning this animal will spend a lot of time underground and may need additional substrate to burrow. Surface area of the enclosure should be no less than two times the spider's diagonal leg span in one direction and three times the diagonal leg span in the other. We recommend against allowing your fossorial spider more than two times their diagonal leg span as head space above their substrate as a fall from any higher could result in serious injury.

The enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate 2-3 inches of substrate for slings and 5+ inches for adults. ABG mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way!

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s, so a temperature close to 80 degrees is ideal. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 or spiking above 85° should be avoided.

A reliable thermometer is strongly recommended.

Humidity: These spiders thrive in a humid environment, so the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 60 and 75%. This can be achieved by making sure the substrate is always slightly moistened. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to maintain this environment. 

The enclosure sides and decor should be spritzed at least lightly around twice a week to provide your animal droplets to drink from and keep humidity up. Do not spray your spider directly. A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments. 

Size: These spiders are currently at least 2 inches. Adults grow to 4 or 5 inches. Females are bulkier, but males can have longer legs.

Age: These spiders are around 1 to 2 years old. They grow very slowly and live very long. Males mature at 4-5 years old and females at 5-7. Females can live 15+ years.

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating two to three 1/2 inch crickets, once a week. There are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms. Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well-rounded nutrition.

We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement.

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on its age, the hardening process could take anywhere from 48 hours all the way up to a week.

Sexing:

Color/Pattern:

Social Behavior: Phormictopus sp. ‘Dominican Purple’ is not a sociable animal and should be housed as an individual. Attempts at cohabitation can result in cannibalism. 

This species is very defensive. They are quick to threat pose and quick to try to run away, and easily provoked to throw urticating hairs..

Natural Range: Purple Beauty Birdeaters can be found in the wild in Cuba and the Caribbean Islands.

History in the Hobby: Around 2015, some of these tarantulas were imported as Phormictopus cautus. They have since been recognized as a new species and are being referred to as “sp. Dominican Purple” until it can be properly taxonified.

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards: a community of spider enthusiasts that will be able to or have already answered almost any question you can think of with regards to tarantulas

Still not sure if Phormictopus sp. ‘Dominican Purple’ from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!