Environmental Caution: 

When a damp environment has too little air circulation, this can lead to an anaerobic environment. Where the typical aerobic bacteria helps keep certain types of waste from building up, they are instead replaced by anaerobic bacteria whose waste is more likely to be toxic and harmful. This is often accompanied by a strong swampy smell.

To guard against anaerobic environments, it is important to monitor and control moisture in the environment as well as air quality. One way to maximize both is to have plentiful live plants as the byproduct of photosynthesis is oxygen and water.

Defining Characteristics:

• This species is quick to spook—they choose fight or flight equally
• Displays a gorgeous peach sheen to the setae when it is mature
• Spends a lot of time hidden in heavy webbing

Name: Phormingochilus sp. 'Rufus' is also commonly known as Peach Earth Tiger.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Phormingochilus sp. 'Rufus'  is an arboreal species, meaning the enclosure should be taller than it is long. The recommended enclosure height is at least 3 times the spider’s diagonal leg span, and the other dimensions should not be less than two times the spider’s diagonal leg span. The enclosure will need to be upgraded as the animal continues to grow.

4-5 inches of substrate will help the terrarium retain humidity while still allowing for this species to have its high ventilation requirements. ABG mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way!

They will benefit from a variety of terrarium furniture (cork bark, manzanita wood, etc.) to climb on and foliage to hide behind. Live plants can be beneficial to air quality.

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s, so a temperature of 75 degrees is ideal. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 degrees or spiking above 85 degrees should be avoided.

A reliable thermometer is strongly recommended.

Humidity: These spiders thrive in a humid environment, so the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 55% and 70%. This can be achieved by making sure the substrate is always at least slightly moistened.

The enclosure sides and decor should be spritzed lightly around 2 times a week to provide your animal droplets to drink from and keep humidity up, but do not spray your spider directly. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to achieve this environment.

A reliable hygrometer is strongly recommended to monitor humidity within the enclosure.

Size: At the time of sale, this animal will be at least 1 inch. Females can grow to be up to 6 inches, and typically the males are a bit smaller. 

We use diagonal leg span to measure our spiders.

Age: Before making this species available to our customers, we ensure that they are well-established. This means our spiders are generally molted to a minimum of third instar and will have hatched two to three months prior to being listed for sale.

For spiders that we have not produced in house, we like to get two to three solid feedings in as well as the aforementioned minimums. They go through a 2 week minimum quarantine process to ensure the health of the animal.

For this species, the average lifespan is 4-6 years for males, and 12-15 years for females when provided an adequate environment and diet.

Feeding: At the time of sale, this animal is eating 5-8 hydei fruit flies or 1/8 inch crickets once a week. Prey items should be no larger than the size of the spider’s abdomen, and grow in size as the animal does. 

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours as these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on the spider's age, the hardening process could take 48 hours to 1 week.

Sexing: Due to age, Phormingochilus sp. 'Rufus' sold by Josh’s Frogs are unsexed.

Coloration/Patterning: As spiderlings, they show pattern and color from a very young age. Their colors tend to be somewhat muted until they start getting some size. As they approach adult size, they gain a gorgeous peach sheen to their hairs.

Social Behavior: Phormingochilus sp. 'Rufus' are not a sociable animal and should be housed as individuals. Attempts at cohabitation will likely result in cannibalism.

Natural Range: Phormingochilus sp. 'Rufus' are native to the Indonesian Island of Java.

Still not sure if the Peach Earth Tiger tarantula from Josh's Frogs is the right pet arachnid for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!