Borneo arboreal tarantula (Phormingochilus everetti)

Short answers

Borneo arboreal tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 30×30×45 cm as a tall enclosure (arboreal, height matters).

Borneo arboreal tarantula: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–29 °C, at night 21–23 °C.

Borneo arboreal tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).

Borneo arboreal tarantula: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years.

Borneo arboreal tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–29 °C

Night temperature

21–23 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

75–85 %

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 30×30×45 cm as a tall enclosure (arboreal, height matters)

Substrate

Humus on the floor, a vertical cork tube as a burrow, dense planting; damp with good ventilation

Feeding

Food

Insects (house crickets, roaches, crickets, locusts)

Feeding interval

adults approx. 1×/week or every 10–14 days, juveniles 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

15–18 cm leg span (body ~6–7 cm)

Life expectancy

females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years

Origin

Borneo (Malaysia, Indonesia)

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; no special registration duties

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Single housing. Solitary and cannibalistic; no pair/group housing. The reason is not conflict but predation: these animals take anything that fits in their mouths, and a second animal in the enclosure is included.

Notes

It moves in short, very fast bursts and goes on the defensive as soon as it feels cornered. Medically significant venom, and no handling. Only for experienced keepers with a secure enclosure.

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• Borneo black tarantula (Phormingochilus arboricola) – Experts
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• Peruvian blue tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum) – Beginner
• Singapore blue tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Borneo arboreal tarantula (Phormingochilus everetti) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 30×30×45 cm as a tall enclosure (arboreal, height matters)), substrate (Humus on the floor, a vertical cork tube as a burrow, dense planting; damp with good ventilation), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.