Cuban Bronze Tarantula

Phormictopus auratus Care Guide

Cuban Bronze Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Phormictopus auratus, commonly known as the Cuban Bronze Tarantula, is a striking New World terrestrial species endemic to Cuba. Renowned for its fine, dense golden hairs adorning its carapace (with “auratus” meaning “gilded” or “adorned in gold” in Latin), this species stands out among its congeners. Although taxonomic confusion has arisen—sometimes with specimens being misidentified as P. cubensis or P. platus, P. auratus is now recognized for its unique coloration. A favorite among hobbyists, it is known for its hardy nature, impressive feeding response, and active display behavior, making it a prized addition to any collection.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Phormictopus auratus

• Common Name: Cuban Bronze Tarantula

• Type: Terrestrial

• Category: New World

• Endemic Location: Cuba

• Body Length: Approximately 3.5” (9 cm)

• Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): Approximately 7” (18 cm)

• Urticating Hairs: Yes

• Growth Rate: Medium

• Life Expectancy:

  • Females: Up to 15 years

  • Males: 4–5 years

• Recommended Experience Level: Intermediate

Taxonomy & Research Update

Phormictopus auratus was described by Ortiz & Bertani in 2005. Although the scientific name has at times been applied to several Cuban tarantula species—with some specimens mistakenly sold as P. cubensis or P. platus, current efforts by reputable breeders help ensure you receive an authentic specimen. Its distinct, fine golden hairs on the carapace set it apart from related species, emphasizing the importance of accurate identification in both research and the pet hobby.

What Makes Phormictopus auratus So Special?

The Cuban Bronze Tarantula is celebrated for its striking appearance: a light gold carapace complemented by fine, dense golden hairs, paired with a dark, velvety body. Its unique coloration, combined with its active nature and robust feeding response, makes it a true standout in any collection. Despite occasional reports of a more feisty demeanor compared to other New World species, P. auratus is generally hardy and adaptable, and many keepers appreciate its tendency to spend significant time on display.

Natural Habitat & Enclosure Considerations

In the wild, Phormictopus auratus is endemic to Cuba, where it inhabits tropical forests with moderate humidity and consistent warmth. In captivity, replicating these conditions is key. The enclosure should provide a deep, well‑draining substrate for natural burrowing while also offering sufficient surface area to allow the tarantula to roam and display. Given that this species is terrestrial, enclosures should be designed with more width than height to minimize the risk of falls.

Housing & Substrate – Terrestrial Setup

Spiderlings

• Enclosure Size:
  Use a small acrylic enclosure (e.g., Sling Crib, 3" Tarantula Cube, Small Slider Crib, Small Cuboid, Terrestrial Sling Crib, Slider Crib Mini, or Cuboid Mini) that is no smaller than three times the tarantula’s leg span. We recommend enclosures by Tarantula Cribs for quality and safety.

• Substrate:
  Fill at least 2/3rds of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Humidity:
  Maintain a slightly damp substrate (but not swampy) by offering a small water dish or gently dripping water on one corner about once a week.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size:
  Use a medium enclosure (e.g., Medium Slider Crib, 6" or 8" Tarantula Cube, or Medium Cuboid) that is at least 3–4× the tarantula’s leg span. Consider Tarantula Cribs for consistent quality.

• Substrate:
  Fill the enclosure 1/2 to 2/3 full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude. This ensures ample depth for burrowing while minimizing fall risk.

• Humidity:
  Keep the substrate mostly dry with a full water dish; occasionally overflow one corner to create a slightly damp area.

• Additional Features:
  Provide a half cork bark round for a secure hide.

Adults

• Enclosure Size:
  Use a large enclosure (e.g., Large Slider Crib, 12" Cube Switch, 12" Cube, 18" Cube, or Terrestrial XL) that is at least 3× the tarantula’s leg span (ideally 4–5× for enhanced natural behavior while minimizing escape risks). Enclosures by Tarantula Cribs are highly recommended.

• Substrate:
  Fill the enclosure 1/2 to 2/3 full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude to provide sufficient depth for burrowing while reducing the risk of falls.

• Additional Features:
  Include a secure hide (preferably a half cork bark round) and a shallow water dish. Ensure the enclosure is a horizontal rectangle (wider than it is deep) with secure ventilation and a tight, secure lid to prevent escapes.

Note:
The general rule of thumb for tarantula enclosures is that the enclosure should be no smaller than three times the tarantula’s leg span for spiderlings, 3–4× for juveniles, and 3–5× for adults. This setup ensures ample space for natural burrowing while minimizing fall risk. Remember, tarantulas are escape artists—always verify that ventilation holes, lids, and gaps are too small for your tarantula to squeeze through.

Affiliate: Please use Tarantula Cribs (affiliate code TTC10) and Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for substrate.

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature:
  Maintain ambient temperatures between 68°F and 76°F (20°C to 24°C).

• Humidity:
  Aim for moderate humidity. Ensure that the substrate remains moist in the lower layers to support effective burrowing while allowing the top layers to dry between waterings to prevent mold growth.

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings

• Frequency:
  Feed twice a week.

• Prey:
  Offer small prey such as flightless fruit flies, confused flour beetles, or pre-killed tiny crickets/roach nymphs. Remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours. increase the size of the prey as the spider grows. Prekill any prey that is over 2/3 the size of the sling. For more detailed information on feeding spiderlings, watch this video: How To Feed Spiderlings & Scorplings (Baby Tarantulas & Scorpions)

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 24–48 hours after a molt before feeding. Ensure that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is not soft or shiny.

Juveniles

• Frequency:
  Feed every 7–10 days.

• Prey:
  Provide 2–3 small to medium crickets or a medium Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the widest part of the carapace, feed more prey more often.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, feed less prey, less often.
    This strategy helps prevent obesity, which can lead to molting complications or increase the risk of an abdomen rupture from even a small fall.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 3–7 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Adults

• Frequency:
  Feed every 2–3 weeks (or as needed).

• Prey:
  Offer 4–5 large crickets or one large Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the carapace’s widest part, increase feeding frequency.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, reduce feeding frequency.
    This is crucial to avoid obesity, which can interfere with proper molting or cause dangerous issues such as an abdomen rupture.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 5–10 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Behavior & Temperament

Phormictopus auratus is known for its active, outgoing nature and striking appearance. This species tends to spend much of its time on display, actively exploring and even rearranging its enclosure by burrowing into the substrate or moving plants. Although it is generally hardy and exhibits a robust feeding response, it can be somewhat feisty at times. Defensive behaviors, such as kicking its urticating hairs, are rare in my experience. However, as with all tarantulas, handling should be minimized to prevent stress or accidental injury.

Breeding Phormictopus auratus in Captivity

Breeding Phormictopus auratus (Cuban Bronze Tarantula) in captivity can be a rewarding endeavor, given their impressive size and striking appearance. With proper preparation and attention to environmental conditions, enthusiasts can successfully propagate this species.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Male Maturity: Males typically reach maturity within 1.5–2 years, developing longer legs and bulbous pedipalps for sperm transfer.

• Female Maturity: Females generally mature around 2–3 years, achieving a robust size indicative of reproductive readiness.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: We should ensure the female is well-fed before introducing the male to minimize the risk of cannibalism. Slightly increasing humidity prior to pairing may encourage receptiveness.

Mating Process

• Introduce the male into the female’s enclosure during the evening or nighttime when tarantulas are more active.

• The male will typically perform courtship behaviors, such as tapping or drumming, to signal his presence.

• If receptive, the female may respond similarly or remain still, allowing the male to approach and attempt copulation.

• After successful mating, promptly remove the male to prevent potential aggression from the female.

Egg Sac Production

• If fertilized, the female may produce an egg sac approximately 4–8 weeks after mating.

• Maintain temperatures around 75–80°F (24–27°C) with humidity levels between 70–80%, ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth.

• An egg sac can contain a substantial number of eggs, with reports indicating clutches ranging from 100 to 300 eggs.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

• Some breeders choose to remove the egg sac from the female after 30–40 days for artificial incubation.

• If left with the mother, spiderlings (slings) will typically emerge within 6–8 weeks and undergo their first molt to the second instar stage within 3–4 weeks thereafter.

Raising Spiderlings

• Phormictopus auratus spiderlings exhibit a fast growth rate and require stable humidity with proper ventilation.

• Provide enclosures with sufficient substrate to accommodate their burrowing behavior and include structures for web attachment.

• Feed them appropriately sized prey, such as pinhead crickets or flightless fruit flies, every 2–3 days to support healthy development.

Challenges & Considerations

• Feeding Response: Phormictopus auratus are known for their strong feeding responses, so caution is advised during maintenance to avoid accidental bites.

• Humidity Sensitivity: Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial, as spiderlings are particularly susceptible to desiccation.

• Size and Space Requirements: Given their potential size, ensure enclosures are spacious enough to accommodate their growth and activity levels.

Final Thoughts

There’s a lot to love about Phormictopus auratus. Their golden sheen, bold feeding response, and rapid growth make them a fantastic species to raise. Watching them go from small slings to hefty adults with an attitude is an experience in itself. If you enjoy large, food-driven tarantulas with striking colors, this species is a solid choice for any collection.

Additional Recommendations (a small commision comes back to help support the Tarantula Collective):
For enclosures, consider Tarantula Cribs (affiliate code TTC10 for a 10% discount), and use Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for substrate and check all their other bio active supplies. For tarantulas, check out Spider Shoppe (use code TTC10 for 10% off), and visit the Dealer & Discounts section on my website for a curated list of recommended dealers and discount codes.

Additional Scientific Information

• Ecological Adaptations:
  Native to Cuba, Phormictopus auratus thrives in tropical forest habitats with a mix of humidity and seasonal dryness. In the wild, it inhabits environments where lush vegetation and moderate moisture levels support its burrowing lifestyle, allowing it to remain concealed and conserve moisture while foraging. Captive husbandry that replicates these conditions—using well‑draining substrates and controlled humidity—ensures the tarantula maintains its striking appearance and natural behaviors.

• Sensory & Behavioral Adaptations:
  Like many New World tarantulas, P. auratus relies on sensitive chemotactile setae distributed across its body to detect minute vibrations and chemical cues in the environment. Although it possesses eight eyes, its vision is limited, and it primarily depends on these setae to locate prey and monitor for potential threats. This adaptation is crucial for its ambush hunting strategy and contributes to its active, exploratory behavior when out of its hide.

• Feeding & Health Management:
  Maintaining a proper body condition is essential for successful molting and overall health. As with other tarantulas, monitoring the abdomen relative to the carapace is key—if the abdomen is thinner than the widest part of the carapace, more frequent feeding is warranted; if it is wider, feedings should be reduced. This helps prevent obesity, which can lead to molting complications or, in severe cases, an abdomen rupture. It is critical to wait until the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened post-molt before offering food (Spiderlings: 24–48 hours; Juveniles: 3–7 days; Adults: 5–10 days).

• Etymology & Genus Relevance:
  The species name auratus is derived from Latin, meaning "gilded" or "adorned in gold." This is highly relevant to Phormictopus auratus, as the species is distinguished by its fine, dense golden hairs on the carapace. This nomenclature not only highlights its beautiful, gilded appearance but also reflects its unique position within the Phormictopus genus, which has been clarified by recent taxonomic studies.

(For further reading, consult recent publications in the Journal of Arachnology and ZooKeys for comprehensive taxonomic and ecological insights on New World Theraphosidae.)