Phormingochilus arboricola (Borneo Black) 0.75"

The Phormingochilus arboricola (Borneo Black) is an Old World arboreal species for advanced keepers in the hobby. This species is a black so dark it looks purple in spots. It is a fast tarantula that will show its defensive posture if it is startled. This species is typically out at night for viewing.

Species: arboricola
Genus: Phormingochilus
Subfamily: Ornithoctoninae
Identified: Schmidt & Barensteiner
Common Name: Borneo Black
Origin: Borneo
Lifestyle: Arboreal
Max Size:  6”

Husbandry Recommendations

This is an arboreal spider, so it will require an enclosure which offers more vertical space than floor space. The rule-of-thumb is that the height of the enclosure is 3-4x leg span minimum. We recommend this spider be housed in the Spider Haus 3x3x6". This would be a suitable enclosure for several months up to a year. Our choice of substrate is a unique blend of coco and other organic materials - Hunter's Premium Substrate. This substrate will retain humidity, allow for construction of dirt curtains, and resist mold or fungal growth. Next, offering a cork bark flat leaned against a sidewall creates a natural aesthetic and a safe retreat for your spider. Finalize the enclosure by adding Sphagnum Moss, Mixed Leaf Litter, or Magnolia Leaves. 

We recommend maintaining some level of moisture in the substrate. Soaking a corner once a week should be sufficient. This spider may also drink from water on the surface of the cork or walls, so occasional spraying is good. The substrate should never be fully dried out. However, we also want to avoid sopping wet substrate or standing water. 

Common tools which would be helpful in caring for this spider include tweezers. These are used for feeding, cleaning, and rearranging the enclosure if needed. Another useful tool is a Mister. This allows for controlled and purposeful watering. 

Our suggestion for feeders is small crickets. At this size, this spider will eat a cricket up to 0.5", which is about 3-4 weeks old. Other small insect feeders also work - red runners, dubia roach, mealworms (smash the heads first).