The Red Island Birdeating Tarantula is a bold Caribbean terrestrial with serious size, attitude, and color potential. Like other Phormictopus, this species is known for fast growth, a powerful feeding response, and a confident presence that makes it an exciting display tarantula for keepers who enjoy large New World spiders with personality.
| Special Notices |
| Setup notes |
This is a large terrestrial tarantula that appreciates floor space, a secure hide, and slightly moisture-retentive substrate. I like giving them enough substrate for light digging and enough open space to show off, while keeping enclosure height conservative because heavy-bodied spiders can be injured by falls. |
| Keeper note |
Phormictopus atrichomatus is best treated as a display tarantula. It can be quick, bold, defensive when disturbed, and very food motivated. Use tools during maintenance and respect the animal’s space. |
| Care videos |
Check out the Urban Tarantulas YouTube channel for care, setup, feeding, and show-and-tell videos to see how we keep and feed our tarantulas: Urban Tarantulas on YouTube. |
| 🧰 Care Details |
| 🌡️ Temperature |
75–85°F (24–29°C). Warmer temperatures usually mean faster growth because they molt more often, but I still prefer steady, safe warmth over pushing extreme heat. |
| 💧 Humidity |
Aim for about 75–80% inside the enclosure with good ventilation. Keep part of the substrate lightly moist, especially for babies and juveniles, but avoid swampy substrate, stale air, or bone-dry conditions during molt. Water dishes are optional; I usually skip them except for larger species. |
| 🏠 Housing |
| 🏠 Babies |
Use a 1–4 oz deli cup with needle ventilation. Add enough substrate for security, plus a tiny hide or starter burrow. Keep one section lightly moist without soaking the cup. FREE container at checkout IF requested; not included otherwise. |
| 🏠 Juveniles |
Larger specimens should be kept in an enclosure around 2–3x body size, flexible by the individual. Give juveniles floor space, a hide, moderate substrate depth, and steady ventilation. They often grow quickly, so be ready to size them up as needed. |
| 🏠 Adults |
Adults need a secure terrestrial enclosure with generous floor space, a sturdy hide, and enough substrate to cushion the spider and allow light digging. Keep the enclosure low enough to reduce fall risk, because mature Phormictopus are large, heavy-bodied tarantulas. |
| General Diet |
| 🍽️ Feeding |
Crickets + roaches work great, especially Dubia, Red Runner, and Lobster roaches. Babies should get baby crickets or baby roaches. If prey is too big, pre-kill by crushing the head, leave it, then remove leftovers or bolus. Occasional treat for super large specimens: pinky/hopper mouse or feeder lizard very sparingly; excess calcium can cause constipation/pooping issues. We never use pinhead crickets because they do not provide enough protein. |
| In-depth Facts |
| 🕷️ Latin name / Scientific name |
Phormictopus atrichomatus |
| 📛 Common name(s) |
Red Island Birdeating Tarantula, Red Island Birdeater. |
| 🌡️ Temperature |
75–85°F (24–29°C), with steady warmth and no extreme heat spikes. |
| 💧 Humidity |
About 75–80% inside the enclosure. Keep it lightly humid with airflow, avoiding both swampy substrate and long-term bone-dry conditions. |
| 📍 Locale |
Caribbean island habitat, commonly associated in the hobby with the Dominican Republic and nearby island regions. Exact locality can vary by line, so I keep this species like a humid Caribbean terrestrial. |
| 🏷️ Category |
New World terrestrial; large, fast-growing, bold, moisture-loving, opportunistic burrower with a strong feeding response. |
| 📏 Size |
Females commonly reach about 7–8 inches DLS; males are usually smaller and leggier, around 5.5–6.5 inches DLS. Max size is typically around 8 inches DLS with a powerful, heavy-bodied build. |
| 🪶 Urticating hairs |
Yes. This New World terrestrial can kick urticating hairs when stressed. Larger specimens can be bold and quick, so I recommend using tools during maintenance and keeping handling to a minimum. |
| ⏳ Growth rate |
Fast. Babies and juveniles can put on size quickly with regular feeding, steady moisture, and stable temperatures because they molt more often. |
| 🧭 Life span |
Females commonly live around 12–18+ years with good care; males usually live about 4–6 years. |
| 🍽️ Feeding |
Usually a bold, aggressive eater once settled. Offer appropriately sized crickets or roaches, and remove uneaten prey or bolus. This species often responds hard to food, so use feeding tongs and give it room. |
| 🎯 Recommended levels |
Great for lovers of large, bold New World terrestrials who want fast growth, size, color, and a powerful feeding response. Best for keepers comfortable with urticating hairs, quick movements, and confident hands-off maintenance. |
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| ⚠️ Safety Disclaimer |
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Safety Disclaimer: Tarantula bites are extremely rare, and there are no recorded human fatalities. Venom strength varies by species; Old World tarantulas are usually more potent than New World tarantulas, with Poecilotheria known for especially strong venom. Larger tarantulas may also deliver more venom.
If bitten, stay calm. Most symptoms fade within minutes to hours, though potent species may cause discomfort for up to a week. In 13 years, I’ve only been bitten once, and symptoms were gone after one week.
Handling is at your own risk. I’m not responsible for bites or injuries. Always prioritize your safety and the tarantula’s well-being.
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