Caribbean Golden Gray Bird-Eating Spider (scientific name: Phormictopusplatus) is native to the tropical rainforests of Cuba and the Caribbean. This species is relatively rare and one of the largest. Adult individuals display a shiny golden color, making them a very noble pet bird-eating spider. It is said that the largest individual ever found had a legspan of over 25 centimeters.
Chinese Name: Caribbean Golden Gray Bird-Eating Spider
English Name: Phormictopusplatus
Subfamily: Theraphosinae
Native to: Cuba/Caribbean Region
Habitat: Tropical rainforests
Adult Size: 20-25 centimeters legspan
Optimal Temperature: 25-27°C
Optimal Humidity: 75%
Substrate: Wet peat/Coconut brick/Clay
Lifestyle: Terrestrial
Hair Kicking: Frequent
Suitability: Suitable for advanced players
This genus is relatively rare and one of the largest species. Adult individuals display a shiny gold color, making it a very noble pet bird-eating spider. It is said that the largest individual ever found had a leg span of over 25 centimeters!
Experienced insect enthusiasts who love climbing pets recommend keeping them. When they reach a certain size, they may become somewhat aggressive (although it's impossible for adult bird-eating spiders to have small fangs, ignoring the venom, no matter which part of your body is bitten, it will always leave two small holes! Just imagine how it feels to have two one-centimeter long nails stuck in your hand), coupled with the significant effect their bristles have on humans, they are not recommended for beginners who are trying to keep them for the first time.
1. Emaciation
When you find that the spider's body becomes dull and the skin starts to dry and turn yellow, it is likely to be emaciation. This condition is usually caused by the spider not eating well and suffering from long-term malnutrition.
2. Intestinal Inflammation
In contrast to emaciation, this condition is caused by overeating. If the owner keeps feeding the spider or feeds it with food at a low temperature, it can cause bloating and abdominal pain, eventually leading to intestinal inflammation.
3. Hemiplegia
Spiders do not have high requirements for their environment, but when the temperature is too high, especially in summer when it is hot and humid, if the spider's cage is far from the vent, it will cause the spider to experience heatstroke-like symptoms, resulting in paralysis and hemiplegia.
4. Constipation
The main cause of constipation is usually dehydration. In addition to eating, spiders also need to drink water. If the owner only feeds the spider but does not provide water, the spider's body will lack the necessary moisture.
5. Necrotic Disease
When the spider stops eating and moving, shows a decline in vitality, and develops black necrotic ulcerative lesions on the abdomen, it is a manifestation of spider necrotic disease. The reason for this condition is that the water and food are not fresh. If the spider eats food with bacteria, it can develop necrotic disease, which can lead to death in severe cases.
6. Mold Disease
Especially in the southern regions, the hot and humid weather in summer easily allows bacteria to invade the spider's body surface. The spider's joints become stiffer, and its body becomes damp, creating an environment where bacteria thrive and causing mold spots to appear on the spider's body.
7. Parasites
Parasites are perhaps the most disgusting disease for spiders. If it is a small parasite, it may not be too concerning, but the aggressive parasites can creep on the spider's body, which looks extremely disgusting. Besides disturbing the spider's rest, they may also carry other viruses, causing multiple infections and posing a threat to the spider's life.
The optimal temperature is 25-27°C, with a humidity level of 75%. It is recommended to use moist peat, coconut brick, or clay as substrate. Provide a thick substrate and a hiding spot for them to dig, although they are also happy to accept pre-made burrows. It is important to maintain the humidity, as excessive dryness can result in failed molting or dehydration leading to death.
The difficulty of artificial breeding and low yield are reasons why they are relatively expensive. They are not very visible in the pet bird spider market and are only occasionally available for sale. As they grow to a certain size, they may exhibit some aggression. In addition, their urticating hairs can have a significant effect on humans, so they are not recommended as a beginner's choice for keeping spiders.
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