Bayahibe Tarantula (Phormictopus sp. “Bayahibe”) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Common Name	Bayahibe Tarantula
Scientific Name	Phormictopus sp. “Bayahibe”
Origin	Dominican Republic (Caribbean)
Adult Size	15–18 cm leg span
Lifespan	Females: 12–15 years, Males: 3–5 years
Activity	Terrestrial, burrowing, nocturnal predator

Behavior

• Calm but defensive; may rear up when threatened.

• Terrestrial burrower; spends most of the day in substrate or hides.

• Active hunter at night.

• Fast-moving when disturbed but generally docile if left undisturbed.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 30–40 liters for a single adult

• Substrate: 10–15 cm of coconut fiber, soil, or peat moss; slightly moist but well-drained

• Decor: Cork bark, rocks, logs; provide burrowing space and hides

• Humidity: 65–75%

• Temperature:

  • Day: 24–28°C

  • Night: 20–24°C

• Lighting: Low light; indirect only

• Ventilation: Moderate airflow to prevent mold

Compatibility

• Best housed singly; territorial and may show defensive behavior.

• Avoid cohabiting with other spiders or small arthropods.

Diet

• Carnivorous; feeds on live prey:

  • Crickets

  • Roaches

  • Mealworms / superworms

• Feed juveniles 2–3× per week; adults 1× per week

• Provide shallow water dish

• Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours

Care Tips

• Avoid handling; defensive and fast-moving.

• Maintain proper humidity and substrate for burrowing and molting.

• Provide secure burrows and hiding spaces.

• Spot-clean regularly; remove mold and waste.

• Ensure a secure lid; escape-prone if stressed.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥30–40 L, burrowable substrate, hides

• 🌡️ Temp: Day 24–28°C / Night 20–24°C

• 💧 Humidity: 65–75%

• 🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (live insects)

• 🕒 Activity: Nocturnal, terrestrial hunter

• ⚠️ Stress: Avoid handling; provide burrows and hides

Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.