Phormictopus sp "Full Green" (Dominican Emerald Bird Eater) care guide

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The Dominican Emerald Bird Eater: A Care Guide to the Stunning Phormictopus sp. "Full Green"

The tarantula hobby is full of vibrant colors and fascinating species, and the Phormictopus sp. "Full Green," often referred to as the Dominican Emerald Bird Eater, is a true gem. This beautiful species hails from the Dominican Republic and is prized for its striking iridescent green sheen, particularly prominent in juveniles. While not as widely available as some other tarantulas, its captivating appearance makes it a desirable addition to any collection. However, responsible ownership requires proper knowledge and care. This guide will provide you with everything you need to successfully house and care for your Dominican Emerald Bird Eater.

Understanding Phormictopus sp. "Full Green"

Before diving into the specifics, it's important to note that "Phormictopus sp. "Full Green"" technically implies the species is still unidentified. While it's commonly accepted this tarantula is a Phormictopus, the exact species designation is yet to be officially confirmed. This doesn't affect its care requirements, but it's something to keep in mind.

Key Characteristics:

Appearance: As the name suggests, the "Full Green" boasts a stunning iridescent green hue, especially visible on the carapace and legs of juveniles. As they mature, the green may become more muted, with hints of brown and purple depending on the individual.

Size: This is a large species, reaching leg spans of 7-8 inches as adults.

Temperament: Generally considered to be moderately tempered, with a higher potential for defensiveness compared to some other beginner-friendly species. They are capable of a fast strike and possess urticating hairs.

Growth Rate: They exhibit a moderate growth rate, reaching adulthood in a few years depending on feeding frequency.

Lifespan: Females can live for 15-20 years with proper care.

Setting Up Your Emerald's Home:

Creating a suitable enclosure is crucial for the health and well-being of your tarantula. Here's what you'll need:

Enclosure Size: For juveniles, a small plastic enclosure or a 5-gallon tank will suffice. As they grow, you'll need to upgrade to a larger enclosure, ideally a 10-20 gallon tank for adults. The enclosure should be wider than it is tall, as they are terrestrial burrowers.

Substrate: A deep layer of substrate is essential. A mixture of coco fiber, peat moss, and vermiculite is ideal. The substrate should be at least 4-6 inches deep for juveniles and 6-8 inches for adults to allow for burrowing.

Humidity: Maintaining a humidity level of 65-75% is important for this species. You can achieve this by regularly misting the substrate. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent mold growth.

Temperature: Aim for a temperature range of 75-85°F (24-29°C). A heat mat placed on the side of the enclosure can be used to provide supplemental heat if necessary. Avoid placing the heat mat underneath the enclosure, as this can dry out the substrate and harm the tarantula.

Hides: Provide a hide such as a cork bark piece, half log, or commercially available hide. This will give your tarantula a sense of security and a place to retreat to.

Water Dish: A shallow water dish should be provided at all times. Ensure it's not too deep, as small spiderlings can drown.

Feeding Your Dominican Emerald:

Diet: Phormictopus sp. "Full Green" are opportunistic feeders. They will readily accept a variety of insects, including crickets, roaches, mealworms, and super worms. As they grow, you can offer larger prey items.

Feeding Frequency: Spiderlings and juveniles should be fed 2-3 times a week. Adults can be fed once a week or every other week.

Prey Size: The prey item should be approximately the size of the tarantula's abdomen.

Important Note: Remove any uneaten prey items after 24 hours to prevent them from stressing or harming your tarantula.

Handling and Temperament:

While the Dominican Emerald Bird Eater is visually stunning, it's important to remember that they are not pets to be frequently handled. They are generally considered to be moderately tempered and can be defensive if they feel threatened.

Urticating Hairs: They possess urticating hairs, which can cause skin irritation if they are kicked into your face or come into contact with your skin.

Bite: They are capable of delivering a painful bite.

Minimize Handling: Handling should be kept to an absolute minimum. If you must move your tarantula, use a catch cup or other safe method.

Molting:

Molting is a natural process where the tarantula sheds its old exoskeleton to grow. During this time, your tarantula will become reclusive and may refuse food.

Do Not Disturb: It's crucial to leave your tarantula undisturbed during the molting process.

Humidity: Ensure the humidity is maintained during molting to help the tarantula shed its exoskeleton successfully.

Soft Exoskeleton: After molting, the tarantula's exoskeleton will be soft. Do not feed it for at least a week or until the exoskeleton has hardened.

Conclusion:

The Phormictopus sp. "Full Green" is a beautiful and rewarding spider to keep. By providing the proper enclosure, diet, and care, you can enjoy the beauty of this species for many years to come. Remember to respect its capabilities, minimize handling, and enjoy observing its natural behaviors. With responsible ownership and dedication, you can provide a thriving environment for your Dominican Emerald Bird Eater. Good luck, and happy keeping!