Borneo black tarantula (Phormingochilus arboricola)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Experts
Key facts and care guidance for Borneo black tarantula (Phormingochilus arboricola) (origin: Borneo). Adult size around body 6–7 cm, leg span 15–18 cm. Life expectancy females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Borneo black tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 30×30×45 cm.
Borneo black tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–29 °C, at night 22–24 °C.
Borneo black tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Borneo black tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years.
Borneo black tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Experts).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–24 °C
- Humidity
- 75–85 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 30×30×45 cm
- Substrate
- Humus, a vertical cork tube, dense planting
Feeding
- Food
- Insects
- Feeding interval
- Adults 1×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- body 6–7 cm, leg span 15–18 cm
- Life expectancy
- females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years
- Origin
- Borneo
- Protection status
- —
- Brumation
- No
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly — tarantulas are cannibals. The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts.
Notes
An Old World species: no urticating hairs, but defensive and with medically significant venom. Very fast and defensive — only for keepers experienced with Old World arboreal species.
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Related species
- Borneo arboreal tarantula (Phormingochilus everetti) – Expert
- Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
- Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
- Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Beginner
- Cobalt blue tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus) – Expert
- Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) – Expert
- Peruvian blue tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum) – Beginner
- Singapore blue tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Borneo black tarantula (Phormingochilus arboricola) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 30×30×45 cm), substrate (Humus, a vertical cork tube, dense planting), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phormingochilus, https://www.thedefiantforest.com/blogs/news/borneo-black-tarantula-care-guide-phormingochilus-arboricola
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).