10 Phormictopus Species with Notes

[@mythse7en805]

Timestamps for coming back: 2:00 - P. atrichromatus 4:15 - P. auratus 7:00 - P. canderides 9:05 - P. cancerides male 9:47 - P. sp. blue 11:20 - P. sp. Dominican Violet/ Dominican Purple 12:40 - P. sp. Dominican Violet #2 13:20 - P. cochleasvorax sling 14:40 - P. sp. green femur 16:40 - P. sp. full green 17:30 - P. sp. full green #2 18:45 - P. sp. purple (cancerides?) 20:29 - P. sp. Salinas sling

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much!!!

[@mythse7en805]

@@TomsBigSpiders No problem! I do not own a Phormictopus yet but have considered getting one. I live in the EU and my favorite seller has atrichromatus, auratus, cancerides and dominican purple in stock. I think I wanna get one of the first two, since they are also rather inexpensive with only 10 bucks for a sling. And when all that corono bs is over they will hopefully be able to ship again. They also have a variety of Pamphobeteus sp but I am really hesitant with those because only the males get super colorful. But whatever.. great video! Maybe not the most "entertaining", but very informative. Really helpful for those in the hobby who want to look into new species. Thank you!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@mythse7en805 You definitely should check them out. And, man...I'm jealous! We don't have nearly that many species available here right now. You can't go wrong with any of those. Please let me know if you pick some up. And thank you!

[@pedambr199]

very nice

[@kejammin]

A+

[@user-teresastarantulas]

Because of your knowledge and professionalism, I just ordered my Phormictopus sp tarantula. I have a Dominican purple, a Cuban bronze, and a green-gold on the way. I am so excited. I started with my first T in February my Arizona Blonde Luna. I now have 41 T's. I just recently received 2 old worlds and they are awesome. I thought I would be nervous but was totally calm. After all, you can get a crazy New World. I have 4 nutty ones. In my opinion, I value your advice more than any other person. Thank You so much for your videos. They truly helped me a ton.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's fantastic! And those are all gorgeous species (the Cuban golds are particularly stunning). And I'm glad to hear that it's going well with the old worlds!

[@1968tmb]

What a beautiful genus and I loved how calm they all were.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Toni! Yeah, Billie and I were laughing at how calm they were during the whole thing. She was getting quite close with the camera, and they weren't reacting at all!

[@pajakoswinKa]

i've first saw Phormictopus on your channel. Now i have 6 species on my main shelf, so i could watch them easily. Love, how they're always hungry. I wish you and your family good health, stay safe!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Oh, man...that's awesome! Yeah, these guys are eating machines! And thank you! I hope you and yours are well!

[@PsyDexOfficial]

I absolutely love Phormictopus so I'm with you mate, a completely underappreciated species

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Agree completely! They are so underappreciated! :)

[@andrewplace2217]

I love thee guys thank u so much for this amazing footage!!! My arurautus just molted and she is Stunning hoping u and ur family are well

[@TomsBigSpiders]

How's it going, Andrew! :) They are such stunning spiders...those colors are just amazing!

[@andrewplace2217]

We are all doing well have moved to a huge appartment the inverts have there own room and it was such a process!!!! Merry christmas stay warm this snows crazy

[@aphiliarachno]

Wow, you have so many of them! I actually have never heard of Phormictopus before. So, they really must be underrated. Yours are quite stunning and I loved the two big violet ladies, beautiful.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Aphilia! Yeah, many folks don't know about them, and others hear that they are just big, brown, ornery spiders! I try to spread the word on them when I can. :) Thank you!

[@SilverNoMakeVideos]

hope you and your loved ones stay safe Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! Same to you and yours! :)

[@ramik5423]

My green femur female is a hesitant eater as well. Locusts go down well but roaches are a bit more difficult. She tends to bite them and follow them around for several minutes, waiting and biting until she deems it subdued enough to eat. Last time it lasted 30 minutes. It's really fascinating.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Rami! Okay, I'm glad that it's not just me! And I've seen similar behavior from mine! One nipped a cricket, let it go, then stalked it around the enclosure. So odd! Thanks so much for chiming in!

[@andymundie6894]

Amazing video and fantastic info on care and sp advice. Best wishes from Scotland UK.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Andrew! Thank you so much! I hope that you and yours are well!

[@ethangarard4746]

I love the attitudes on my Phormictopus species. They have beautiful colors, great feeding response, and incredibly hardy. Definitely one of my favorite genus out there

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Ethan! There is just so much to love about them! :)

[@ethangarard4746]

My second T ever was a Phormictopus Sp. Hispaniola or “Green Femur” and in just about a year she has gone from a half inch sling to a 4 inch beauty.

[@wheezyvettech8781]

Thanks for this video! I have a cancerides sling (1.5in) and love him/her so much! You have great content in your videos, so thank you for updating about your Phormictopus genus Ts. My sling doesnt burrow often although he has more than enough substrate for it. Behavior for him is more chill at first but gets startled easily and retreats to his burrow immediately. Never has given me threat posture or stomped its legs at me. One time he rushed at the forceps when I was removing his dirt filled water dish, but I think its because he thought I was feeding a cricket. Again, thank you and Billie/Billy (unsure of spelling) for making these videos!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome! I've been trying to spread the word on these guys for years. haha I just think that they get overlooked. Yeah, the feeding responses for them are amazing! I'll usually give them a few crickets so that they are occupied before doing maintenance. They tend to ignore me that way. And it's "Billie"! haha She's used to getting both spellings. Thank you, and stay well!

[@wheezyvettech8781]

@@TomsBigSpiders thank you for that tip! That is a great idea! I hope more people keep them ❤🕷 I love you Cannibal Corpse tshirts and jackets by the way!

[@Animatedserpent]

These are hands down my favorite species! The Auratus is what originally got me into keeping tarantulas. I have cancerides, auratus, and sp "salinas" absolutely an underrated species the colors are stunning and the feeding response is incredible. I am currently on the hunt for any of the green species they are amazing looking.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

So sorry for the delay! Yes, I absolutely LOVE my Phormictopus sp. They don't get enough attention as far as I'm concerned!

[@justinellis8864]

Nice one Tom, great camera footage and really interesting. I'd love a sp Green femur but they're not so common in England.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Justin! Billie did an amazing job with the camera...she got really close to them! Hopefully, you get some there soon. I haven't seen them around the US lately either. :(

[@joeyguerrero5163]

I really LOVE your videos! You have helped me overcome my fear of tarantulas to the point i have two G. pulchras, T. albopilosum, and a OBT. thanks

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Joey! That truly means a lot! I first got into the hobby years ago in part to help me get over my fear of spiders. :) And you have some awesome species there!

[@thesilentmothtrapper4373]

Thank you Tom Another very informative video and Hope you and your family stay safe, best of luck Tim.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! I hope that you and yours are safe as well!

[@thesilentmothtrapper4373]

@@TomsBigSpiders very welcome Thank you

[@sigispider]

I picked up an atrichromatus yesterday, and I knew I was going to have to spend today binging some Tom's Phormictopus. 😁

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha. That's awesome...congrats! :)

[@alunlambert7456]

Great Vlog man. We love our Phormictopus atrichromatus, it always entertains me and me son, she’s a real grumpy girl. She really attacks anything that goes near her, it’s always fun changing the water.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Alun! I don't know why mine are so laid back! I'd like to see some of that attitude! I feel like I'm misleading people when I talk about how calm mine are! haha Thanks for chiming in, bud! :)

[@SaraJean85]

Yay thanks for the new video!! I need em.. who else is board!? I wouldnt mind longer videos- anyone else?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Sara! Yeah, being trapped at home hasn't been particularly exciting!

[@markstumpystephenson]

Great in for thank you, I started 2 years ago with my first T being a phormictopus cancerides

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Man, tha'ts awesome! Thank you!

[@drdoolittlefishhobbyist6055]

Hi Tom. Hope you and your family and friends are keeping safe and well during these strange times. Watching all these t vids is keeping me sane whilst locked up at home . I was looking forward to looking for my first tarantula in may at the BTS but understandably it's postponed until further notice but hey that gives me more time to consider which to get. Anyway stay safe and well my friend and my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone around the world.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

And I hope that you and yours are doing well! Yeah, the world sure has been a strange place lately. Well, hopefully things get back to normal sooner than later and you get to finally grab your first tarantula. Stay well!

[@BillPerryBCPythons]

Awesome species Thanks for the great information Tom! Definitely need add one to my collection. I'm loving those violets🕷

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I can't wait for those violets to finally molt. Those colors are even more amazing after a recent molt! Thanks!

[@nala7394]

I have a 2.5" P atrichomatus and its always coming out as soon as I walk in the room looking for food. Never threat pose or anything just always a strong feeding response but its definitely my favorite in my collection

[@TomsBigSpiders]

She sounds like a beauty, Nala!

[@jeffjohnson2958]

Tom, thank you very much for the content! Appreciate it at this time of isolation. Phormictopus are absolutely the best!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Jeff. I hope that you and yours are doing well. And I agree completely!

[@meganzheng4659]

Couldn't have come at a better time. I have two cancerides arriving Tuesday for my birthday :) PS my female auratus is a huge eater also . She ate up til 3 days before her molt gained insane size also

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Megan! P. cancerides is the one that got me started...love them! What size is your P. auratus? Mine are piggies now, too. :)

[@meganzheng4659]

@@TomsBigSpiders she was about 2.5" so not a sling anymore , still expected some digging but nope !! Just grabbed one pile of dirt put it on top her cork and hangs out on top of it or under one leaf lol , truly shocked me. She is SHY though. This molt I would really peg her at close to 3.75-4 inches now. Her legs got insanely long

[@A1Arachnids]

I just ordered a pamphobetus ‘mascara’! I’m jumping into more intermediate and advanced species! it will be 2.5 in so it will be the biggest spider I’ve ever owned… don’t worry I’ll make sure to absorb as much of your info as possible! Can’t wait to watch it grow!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats! You'll do just fine! Pamphos are a blast to raise up; just keep an eye on the speed. They can boogie!

[@whatsthetemma1308]

Your right they are lovely going to add them to list.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Emma!

[@werner1]

Tom, stay safe. I seem to have a lot of my tarantulas using the water-dishes as a bathroom lol as you mentioned you clean them!. But for some reason I find it hilarious that they do their business in the water-dish mostly my Brachypelma and X-Brachypelma tarantulas. Other terrestrial "T's" uses the container's walls. Take care!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Werner! I hope that you and yours are safe as well! Yes! Many tarantulas will use their dishes as toilets or for garbage disposal. The thought that is in the wild, streams and water would wash away the mess. This actually makes it easier to keep the enclosure clean (although cleaning the poo can be annoying. haha).

[@SpiritsEnchantments]

My T albopolisum, Itsy, likes to bathe in his water dish. He will sit in it and hang out. I keep his enclosure moist on one side and dry on the other. All of my T's are checked several times a day so it's not like he's dehydrated. He just seems to love that water dish. lol

[@kylekubaskaaz]

Great vid, awesome information! Thanks again guys for another great addition! It's much appreciated.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Kyle!

[@timcollins4036]

Fantastic insight to a genus that's largely forgotten. Stay safe best wishes Tim

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Tim! You and yours stay safe as well!

[@TheJadedFrogg]

I finally got my first phormictopus! A 2 inch cancerides sling from FNT. I had to name it Tom Moran!! 😂 so excited to watch it grow

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha! That's awesome, Justine! Thank you!

[@ernestaquino1649]

Love this genus! Stay safe sir. #stayathome

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Earnes! You and yours stay safe as well!

[@callumjohnson9433]

I love these more genus related videos over individual species. Do sericopelma or lasiodora next. All the other species with in those genus. Great video

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Callum! I did a Lasiodora one a while back, but I can do an update. Unfortunately, all I have for Sericopelma right now is my species Santa Catalina. I LOVE that spider and definitely want to get other species! : )

[@callumjohnson9433]

@@TomsBigSpiders I must of missed that one I'll be taking a look tonight. I have just the sericopelma boquette it's a little arsehole to be fair. Its given me more threat poses than my obt and that's just taking the lid off lol

[@klaskristian1]

Amazing! As you may know, my favourite terestrial genus to is Phormictopus! The speicies of Phormictopus i have had have been generally very defenssive. But very extreamly nice looking speicies you got there!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Indeed...you have great taste in spiders. ;) Yeah, mine have been so laid back, and I'm always waiting for the defensiveness! I rehoused two 7+" specimens yesterday, and I got a half-hearted threat pose from one that lasted about two seconds; the second just calmly walked over into its new enclosure! haha Thanks!

[@klaskristian1]

@@TomsBigSpiders yes, i have a P auratus juvenile and it is not that bitey and i have had 2 green femurs that was not that defenssive eigher. But the P cancerides and P atrichomatus i have and have had have been very bitey. The P atrichomatus i have now likes to bite its waterdish for some reason?

[@discospiders]

I love this species! Great video!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Michelle!

[@tarantulaark3182]

Wonderful video Senpai! A beautiful species for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, bud! :)

[@NoahBlades]

I only have 1 p. cancerdies but I love it. now your video has put a few on my wish list now. thanks buddy

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Noah! How's it going, bud? I hope you and your family are doing well! And thank you. Hopefully, you end up picking up some more.

[@bugloverspiderlover8490]

I have one too,and she's amazing!

[@214Springfield]

Haven't forgotten you Tom. I've been letting your videos build up so I can binge on them lmao. Just caught up. Great as always. Informative as always and look forward to more. I unfortunately still haven't gotten a T I really want to but with the way everything is going. I figure it might be best to just wait. If I change my mind you'll definitely be the first to know however. Also happy late birthday. I know I missed it but I hope it went well. I would love to see your aphonopelma Chalcodes. I feel it's been forever since they were featured in a video. Absolutely beautiful phormictopus you have. I definitely added them to my wish list. Hope everything is well for you. Hope you remain safe.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Cesar! Hahaha That's awesome! I've been staying pretty consistent for the past few months! lol Yeah, you'd might as well wait at this point. And I will try to get crazy Nicki (my A. chalcodes) on soon for you! I hope that you and yours are well! :)

[@ragnarlothbrok490]

Thank you for this video. I learned more about this Phormictopus Genus 👌

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome...thanks, Ragnar!

[@Lisssssard]

I have a juvenile male P auratus. He is one of my most chill. Really sweet and pretty little guy.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Mine have calmed down quite a bit now that they have some size on them. They used to be such shy little ones! :)

[@tommyjiminez8186]

Hi Tom great video my best goes out to you and your family. 👊🤘🕷

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Tommy! I do hop you and yours are doing well! :)

[@wayneunderwood3886]

Awesome video Tom they are gorgeous spiders they look even more colourful that female pamphobeteus species gorgeous Ts I've been looking for some phormictopus species ever since I seen them on your channel but dont see them that often here in the UK but will be adding some to my collection soon as I do see some.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Wayne! That's the best part about the Phormictopus sp. Most of the females keep their bright colors! :) Hopefully, you can find some of these. We don't get a lot of them in the States, either.

[@amgtarantulas]

Great now my wish list has gotten even longer! Great looking tarantulas!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahahaha Sorry about that! ;)

[@XxHybridFreakxX]

Man, how did I miss the phormictopus species? Some gorgeous looking spiders. Going to try and squeeze a sling into my order this Friday now. Awesome video as always.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Brian! A lot of folks overlook them. Hopefully, you can grab a couple up!

[@daFrimpster]

I did my first P.Cancerides rehouse. Shes about 2.5" except for a little hair kicking she did well. I was able to get her to do a walkover. I don't expect to be so lucky the next time I rehouse her.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Sam! First off, so sorry for the later reply! Congrats on your first Phormictopus rehouse! Yours kicked? WOW! I have never seen one kick!!! hahaha That's awesome!

[@daFrimpster]

Tom Moran No problem brother. Teachers have a tough job that’s been made nearly impossible with the Covid restrictions. Be safe! she’s molted again and now she threat poses and rushes the water stream when I water the enclosure. I still love her though. I’d like another I think.

[@bugloverspiderlover8490]

I love my Canceredes! She's amazing and she's grown so much in the six months I've had her! She's approximately 8 or 9 months old and eats constantly! I named her Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors for her fast growth rate and insatiable appetite! She's gone from a half inch to nearly four inches in six months,it's crazy. She's now starting eating house geckos as well as her usual prey of crickets,roaches,hoppers,and moths. She loves those geckos!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That was the species that got me hooked on the genus...I LOVE the P. cancerides! And that is an AWESOME name (now I have the song "Suddenly Seymour" stuck in my head. haha). The growth rate during that first year is just astounding! Thanks for chiming in!

[@WintonNight]

Man that sp blue is totally my FAVOURITE!!! This is gonna be my new genus to research. Sick vid bro😏

[@TomsBigSpiders]

How's it going, Winton! Yeah, I was FLOORED when that one molted and I saw the colors! Thanks so much, bud! I do hope that you and the family are well!

[@tink2276]

Great video Tom. I don’t own any of this genus yet. But you’ve succeeded in making me want to add one. I think I need a cancerides, they are all stunning, but the cancerides was my favourite.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Tink! First off, I hope you and yours are doing well! And that's awesome! The P. cancerides will always be my favorite because it was my first. :)Thanks, Tink!

[@tink2276]

Tom Moran I have a 5-6cm P. Cancerides arriving on Thursday! I’ll try get a pic to show you. Had to see what all your fuss is about 😂 only joking, they are beautiful T’s and don’t know why I didn’t have one in my collection sooner.

[@justinlacas7866]

Tom, I hope you and your folks are doing safe. And yes, hoping things get figured out and this virus outbreak ends soon. People are at home and more are reaching to your content, that's for sure. I started out last early last year when I became interested after watching a feeding clip from the Dark Den. Then the feeding clips started to become boring so I became more curious on how the rules on T keeping would look like, which led me to your videos. I think it's a constant trend here that people who are after entertainment gets caught on these feeding videos and as they get serious and actually interested into keeping, they end up with you. Anyway, my first T was an OBT (yes, I know, I cheated and supposed to listen to folks saying I should start out with the docile ones but who cares? I watched your videos months before I acquired it so I somehow know the rules lol) and I was really surprised by how fast they grow. They went from half inch to more or less 4 inches in just a year. I love the threat postures and those occasional teleports they do which makes the rehousings something to look forward to, NOT. Well I did opted for G. Pulchipres and T. albopilosum as my 2nd and 3rd T respectively so somehow I listened. Now, with 1 year of experience under my belt, I have close to 70 T's and won't stop there. More than half of those are baboon species, as I am drawn to their looks and behavior. I have recently acquired some Phormictopus slings (Cancerides, Auratus, Atrichomatus and S. Hispaniola) and I couldn't agree more on what you've said. They are now my 2nd favorite genus, right next to Psalmopoeus (more vids of this genus please?), they will take down prey items bigger than them and am so amused with the takedowns. I am glad you update us with your Phormictopus as we don't get as much info anywhere else. As for me, I think the next step would be to try communals. Greetings from Manila, you sure have lots of followers here. Thanks for all you do. PIN THIS! 😁

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Justin! I hope that you and yours are well. Yeah, I think that the more entertaining channels like the Dark Den cast a wide net, so to speak, and stimulate a lot of interest in the hobby. As folks start thinking about keeping tarantulas themselves, many will stumble onto me. I love it, because it allows me to work with the more serious keepers. haha And although for man, the "beginner species" are a good place to start, some of us have no issue diving right in with the more advanced species. It's up to each individual to know what he or she is prepared for. I LOVE the Phormictopus species...that's one of my favorite genera of tarantulas. And they are so underrated. I'm working on a Psalmopoeus video as we speak. I currently have 7 species, and I'm just trying to get footage of each. Most are quite reclusive. I talk to a lot of keepers from the Philippines; you guys have always been so incredibly supportive! Thank you!

[@Novaaaa9]

I lol’d at ‘Phormictopus whisperer’......... my first T is the P. auratus.... love my lil guy Pablo (unsexed)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Awwww...what an awesome name! hahaha Great species, too, Celeste! :)

[@mattmorris5176]

Great video Tom

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Matt!

[@DuchessMyPony]

They are a very underrated genus. I personally love them and have a few different species as slings to grow on!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Beth! I love hearing that there are other fans out there! They just seem to get overlooked so often!

[@ProbableHobbit]

Love, love, LOVE this genus! ❤️

[@TomsBigSpiders]

JODI! How the heck are you? I do hope that you and yours are well! And I do, too! :)

[@Kennyhockey]

Two thums up great vidéo again and also my favorite sp so far i have 5 phormictopus now one auratus one cancerides and Three purple danm there are fun to keep

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Judy!

[@iced_berg]

Newer/newish keeper- I have two Phormictopus arriving in the mail tomorrow (atrichomatus and auratus); I had to pick some up since you're always hyping up the genus so much. I wanna find out firsthand what you love about them!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha! That's awesome! I do hope that you enjoy them!

[@nicoledonohoe2808]

They all look gorgeous to me I will keep an eye out I will try and pick some up as of now I don’t have any of these beauties thank again as always for all you do in this hobby! Hi Billie and please keep safe 🕷 Nicole

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Nicole! If you ever get around to picking one up, please let me know! They are such cool spiders! And thank you so much! I hope you and yours are well!

[@JRadForReal]

Awesome tom! I'm looking for a full green, but i just ordered my first Phormictopus, an auratus along with a pair of Xenethsis immanis because hes offering an insane deal ($75 ) from Michigan Arachnids. Cannot wait to set them up!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

The P. auratus is stunning; you won't be disappointed there! I NEED to get a Xenethsis species! Ugh! haha I'm going to have to check that out! Thanks for chiming in, Jared!

[@megfelsenthal1712]

LOVE. LOVE. LOOOOOOOVE Phormictopus. I've got the green femur, cancerides, Dominican Violet (or whatever), and auratus. I determined to eventually be able to say at some point my collection I had every one in the hobby. They're just these bundle of personalities and gorgeous and hardy. Loved this video. 😁😁

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You've got quite the Phormictopus collection going there! That's awesome! :) That's what I'm trying to do now. Every time I see a new one available, I freak. haha. Thanks, Meg!

[@MrTQuillen]

Amazing video man!!!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, bud...thank you so much! Hope you're doing well!

[@SpiritsEnchantments]

Tom I loved the explanation regarding T's filling their water dishes up with dirt....you take the dirt out and clean the water dish and put water in the water dish. Not verbatim, but you know, I never could understand why people can't get it. Fill the water dish back up and do it as often as your tarantula needs it. It's not like they can do it on their own. (smile)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That might have been a bit snarky, but I've been getting more people lately telling me that it's not worth the time. haha I have my limits. :) It drives me NUTS that people don't understand that they WILL drink out of them and that they should have access to water at all times. UGH Thanks for chiming in! :)

[@aaronblardony7780]

very informative a species note of pamphobetues, xenesthis, thrixopelma, megaphobema, and teraphosa would be a life saver🤝

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I thikn that I covered Theraphosa already, but I plan to revisit that genus this summer. And I have a Xensthis one planned for the near future. :)

[@Ferdy-c6w]

My blue azul molted again today.. 3 inches now.. its blues are getting more intense and darker... let's see it it keeps those lol

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Ferdy! Please keep me updated! It seems that species is the "true" blue one, and I'm dying to see photos! haha Thanks, bud!

[@jamesprice7470]

Hey Tom great information on this species. I dont have any at the moment not many in the UK but I'm sure there will be. I've just had a pamphobeteus sp cascada juvi the colours are stunning but when get bigger they loose that colour.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, James! Hopefully, you guys get some species in soon. We only have the P. cancerides readily available in the states. Oh, cascadas are gorgeous as juveniles! :)

[@andrewplace2217]

Amazing genus some beautiful spiders thank you sir

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, bud! Thanks so much! I hope you and your family are well!

[@andrewplace2217]

The family and i are doing well. Thank you i hope you and the fam are well in these crazy times!

[@danevans740]

Stunning genus 😍 Can't wait for my sp. Dominican violets to get their adult colours! Great work again man! 🤘🤘

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Dan! It shouldn't be too long for you! haha Thanks so much!

[@SuperLoops]

yay you got me into Phormictopi last year I only have two a cancerides and a auratus but they are such nice spiders and its so true what you say about ppl and their favourite genera, I have literally got weird looks and sniffy responses when Ive said eh I don't really care about Poecilotheria and dont particularly want a metallica. my obsession is african spiders/baboons etc I just adore them and want them all lol

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Super Loops! I love these guys. Yeah, people take it so personally. It drive me nuts sometimes. Different strokes for different folks, right? ;) Thanks!!!

[@jaredlevine2002]

FINALLY found a sp Green femur yesterday! Also picked up an E. murinus! Love this video! On Sunday when I finally get the T's I emailed you about I think (the p platyomma male, l klugi, obt, and 3 gigas), and I'm also being gifted a P. cancerides! So I will be at 4 sp. of Phormictopus! How is your immanis doing? Mine molted for the first time Sunday or Saturday!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Jared! Awesome! I'm so glad that people are picking up some of the Phormictopus! You've got quite the collection going there! The immanis is in premolt right now...her booty turned black three days ago. :)

[@jaredlevine2002]

@@TomsBigSpiders Awesome congrats! Mine honestly never even turned black. I just came in my room one day and it had molted! I'm now up to 4 Phormictopus sp (atrichomatus, auratus, cancerides and green femur).

[@MouseAgility]

My experiences with the feeding behavior of P. auratus are very different. I have a now subadult female which seems to be anything but (primarily) insectivorous! And it will eat small portions about 1-3 times... PER DAY (I feed her a broad variety of non-prey food ad libitum). So her metabolic rate seems to be quite fast and she is very active and curious, clearly prefering to forage (in contrast to P. cancerides which I keep too and is a classic ambusher). When it comes to insects, she prefers them small and/or prekilled or even freeze-dried, which perhaps could be the reason for their reputation of being "shy" eaters. Her temperament couldn't differ more from my P. cancerides, too. She is very, very docile and seems to even enjoy being handled because of her curiosity.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Wow. I have never heard of anything like that...three times a day? That's a truly unique spider you have there. My two have become much more voracious after their recent molts, and they now take down a 3-4 large crickets with ease. Very cool!

[@MouseAgility]

My experience is that as soon as they get used to having constant access to food, each species switches to the feeding habbit that's obviously best for them (depending on their age). I have the exact opposite too: one of my B. cabocla Slings used to only eat one time per molt (he eats more often since the fourth molt), mostly towards the end of the cycle and HUGE amounts at once.

[@lucnadeau2821]

I had considered P. cancerides in the past, but strayed away because of their sometimes defensive temperament. Individuals do vary, knowing it's a hobby classic, so I feel I would miss out if I didn't raise one of these down the road. One of these days. Stay safe and thanks for sharing :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Luc! You may get lucky and get ones like mine. I've seen almost none of the defensive temperament. Hopefully, you check them out one day. The growth rate early on really is astounding. Thank you!

[@toytiger8743]

No wonder I can't find more phormictopus Tarantulas. Tom bought them all! 🤣 Has become my favorite genus by far. I did get a P. Auratus and is definitely blue. 🤔

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Every...single...ONE. Hahahaha Hey, they got Dominican violets in recently, and I didn't buy any! haha And it was so tempting. haha Oh dear...keep me updated on the auratus. The cuban species should be brown. That would be something if you got a blue one!

[@ChantalsCritters]

Very nice. What size are the bins with purple handles?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Channy! They are 43 x 28 x 6 cm.

[@agentcarranzo]

So..i just gave into temptation again and bought x3 P. auratus and x2 P. dominican purple + 1 P. dominican purple freebie (all 2" in sizes) for fairly cheap price. I hope they grow faster than brachypelmas.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

If you're going to give into temptation, THAT is how it's done, Avisala! hahaha Oh yes...they will grow MUCH faster. At 2", you can expect them to be sporting their adult colors before long. :) Congrats!

[@webbersandpinchers2260]

Beautiful species.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Paul!

[@gerrinickolson2314]

How are yours so calm!! My girl is nick named the teleporting hooker for a reason! She is the Mr. Wilson of my spiders. You open her enclosure and she is screaming GET OFF MY LAWN. LOL but yes she is an AMAZING eater. I swear she is a left-field catcher... the prey doesnt ever have a chance to hit the sub.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Gerri! I don't know! I've totally lucked out with all of my Phormictopus species, as they are all quite laid back. Sounds like yours has quite the personality! haha

[@brezz6926]

Got 3 right now, cancerides, sp green and atrichomatus. My fav species by far, ferocious eaters stunning lookers and pretty fast growers (in the beginning haha). I will get more that im sure of. Second time i watched this video tom. has your purple molted yet?.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They are such awesome spiders. I'm so glad that some folks are giving them a shot, as this genus was overlooked for years. Yes, the purples did molt! :)

[@Vanessa_Simone_In_Toronto]

I knew that this one would be long enough for me to have some popcorn with it. Hope you and the family are doing okay.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahahaha! I do the longer ones every once in a while! :) I hope all is well you and yours, Vanessa! Stay safe! We're doing well, although we're getting a little stir crazy... :)

[@Vanessa_Simone_In_Toronto]

@@TomsBigSpiders Only because I know that they're your favourite and you have practically every species available. It was nice seeing them all put together in one video like that. You all stay safe too.

[@ceopet]

I actually also keep snails so hearing you say they are cute made me laugh. I keep Helix pomata (Burgandy snail) They are fascinating for sure. They were my first invertabrate and you could say what opened my mind up to tarantulas :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Charlotte! Yeah, I'm not going to be able to feed them snails; it occurred to me while I was saying that. They are too darned cute. lol I honestly don't even enjoy feeding them roaches. lol And I just googled Helix pomata...they are so cute! lol

[@pinupgirl9160]

9:26 whoa! Beautiful!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Pinupgirl! Some of these guys are real lookers. :)

[@tarantularamblings3149]

love this video , its what made me get my p.auratus . The reason i am back watching it again is mine has just gone purple after its last moult at around 5.5 -6 inches .I was expecting golden 😂I think he is a male but not mature yet . Great spiders ,curious and brave with an a.gen feeding response .

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ummmm...I have two females and a male, and they are all quite golden. You might have a different species there!

[@tarantularamblings3149]

@@TomsBigSpiders That c would be pretty cool actually 😎

[@timrobinson7273]

I need to know where to get all of those BIG TOM I LOVE ALL OF THOSE

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha! Thank you, Tim! :)

[@rarebreedmotorworks2995]

I'm actually disappointed in myself, usually I can guess the band tee under your hoodie, but I just can't see it! Awesome video, I actually am waiting to place an order for a P. auratas from Kelly Swift. Thanks again for your very informative videos. There's entertainment, then there's your videos for those who are actually very serious about collecting and caring for our beloved animals. Thanks again.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Brian! Haha The tee is for the band River Black! Their song "Low" is one of my favorites. Oh, man...you will love the P. auratus. The colors are just insane. And thank you so much for getting what I do. I truly appreciate that!

[@marklemay72]

I have the Phormictopus SP South Hispaniola after the last molt it is purple like the carapace of my Cancerides but all over its body. I know that you stated yours where later found to be SP Green Femur when did the femurs show the green?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Mark! What size is it? Mine didn't pick up the green until they hit around 5" or so.

[@marklemay72]

Tom Moran honestly I have not measured it as of yet it did jump in size with the last molt and gained the purple color. If I had to guess about four inches or so but I would say definitely less then five.

[@jeffreygolish3827]

If it is possible for a whole genus to be underrated, this might be the one. To be honest, I was familiar with the name, but knew nothing else about them. Cancerides is a name that sticks in my mind. So what draws you to them the most? The coloration or eating habits? Now I may have to get one against my will. Thanks for that!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I agree completely, Jeffrey! Everyone seems to know the P. cancerides, but most thing that they are just big, brown, angry spiders (which is NOT a fair description). I don't think folks realize how many gorgeous species are available. And that's awesome!

[@stuartbaillie3083]

Hey Tom I recently picked up my first Phormictopus Atrichomatus it’s still a sling. I just want to make sure I have the Atrichomatus. The sling is all blue with a peach/blonde patch on the tip of the abdomen!! Is this the Phormictopus Atrichomatus.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Stuart! Congrats! All Phormictopus slings from Hispaniola tend to start off blue and pick up some color as they go. It's really difficult to tell the difference between species at that size. It'll be more obvious once your spider starts to show its adult colors.

[@stuartbaillie3083]

@@TomsBigSpiders cheers Tom! I appreciate your time!!!

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

They are all so pretty Tom. How are the communities doing?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Joyce! I hope that you and yours are doing well! They're great, although we had our first death. The first mature male in the M. balfouri communal died of old age. :(

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

@@TomsBigSpiders That's sad. But males do not live long. I guess no slings or even mating then. Perhaps in the wild they mate with T's outside of their community. Fresh blood so to speak.

[@gabrielvicenteortiz9645]

Hi Tom. How are phormictopus as display Ts? And how are they with light?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Gabriel! They are awesome. All of my adults are always right out in the open! They aren't bad with light either.

[@thenorwegiantarantulakeeper]

Nice! Thanks to you now a have a phormictopus sp green and a phormictopus sp green femur! Thanks tom!🤣👌🤗

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, bud! I hope that you and the family are well! And that's awesome! I'm so glad that people are finally giving this genus a shot. :)

[@thenorwegiantarantulakeeper]

@@TomsBigSpiders we are all good! Safe and sound!😊 and crossing fingers for you and yours also!🤞🤞🤗

[@kadinmay]

Are the jars with smaller openings/lids (not usually meant for an animal) okay to use as enclosure for a tarantula? Considering substrates and hide and water etc,. Is it big enough? I see you used them

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Kadin! Which jars are you speaking of? I just want to make sure that I'm clear before I answer. You mean the little plastic vials? If so, then yes they are great for small slings to that you can keep track of them.

[@gavnat9991]

Hey Tom, question about GBB juvenile/sling behaviour vs adult behaviour. Do the juvies tend to hide, a lot? Mine has sealed up it's hide with webbing and dirt. Is this common for this species if they are not in premolt?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Gav! Yes, they tend to go through a stage where they are more secretive. I know that one of mine hid in its webbing quite a bit. Has yours molted recently?

[@gavnat9991]

@@TomsBigSpiders Thanks for your reply Tom. Has not molted that I know of. I would have to take the hide out and destroy the webbing to find out.

[@cottonmouth2198]

Hi Tom. Is P cubensis a real sp? Someone is selling it to me and says it's pretty rare. Got bayahibe and sierra phormics from the guy. The guy has almost complete phormics collection and is reputable in the scene here in our country. Would love your thoughts! Thanks!

[@cottonmouth2198]

Also Tom I sent a message to your Facebook page. I can send you some of the guy's collection of Phormictopus. Thanks!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! The P. cubensis IS real, but it hasn't been exported to the US as far as I know. It's a Cuban species, and those are difficult to come by. That said, it wouldn't shock me if other countries managed to get some.

[@cottonmouth2198]

@@TomsBigSpiders cool! Buying an mf one this next month. I just bought a pair of mature bayahibes as well. Wish me luck Tom! Sent you an email as well. I can send you some pictures if you want. Thanks Tom! Keep inspiring!

[@胡文健-m7v]

12:40 -P. sp. Dominican Violet #2

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks!

[@胡文健-m7v]

I especially like the blue and purple one. I like it very much. It's the only hobby for a teenager. I want it. I want it

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha. I hope that you can find one! :)

[@胡文健-m7v]

@@TomsBigSpiders But I don 't know where I can find it,

[@TheAlumentum]

Is the sp Dominican violet the same as the Dominican purple?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I believe that they are the same ones!

[@TheAlumentum]

Awesome! I want one so bad! And now a full green ^.^

[@pauls5745]

My little auratus, more shy, more burrowy than cancerides. my big female cancerides I named Glitter bcs the carapace was a shiny pink almost metallic. arachnoiden still has sp. Salinas if anybody wants to pick one up

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Paul! I'm glad to hear that others are having the same experiences with them! And, yes...they still have them! Thanks!

[@8izen]

I've been on the hunt for P. sp. Dominican, would love to have a reference if anyone knows a vender who has them currently. Ty!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Andru! Are you in the US? We haven't had them here in quite a few months unfortunately.

[@pedambr199]

beautiful spiders

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you very much!

[@tonymaika8168]

It occurs to me that these would be great beginner T's (with normal care by an informed newbie). Is it just price/availability that is the strike against them or am I missing something?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

In terms of ease of care...yes, absolutely. The fact that they get quite large and some can be very ornery might be a bit much for some newbies.

[@du_tarantula]

Last year there was a new Pho. species called Pho.sp.Azul sold in the hobby , whose color is full blue. What do you think about this species?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I wan't one badly, but they haven't come to the US yet. If the pictures that I've seen are accurate, they look like beauties.

[@FrankTelesca]

I love my P. sp. South Hispaniola but mine is still a juvenile so even the slightest movement of the enclosure and they're immediately kicking hairs. I'm hoping this tones down a bit with age. Either way, an absolute gorgeous T.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They may definitely calm down with age, Frank. I'm actually a little jealous as I have never had one of my Phormictopus kick! haha

[@胡文健-m7v]

我特别喜欢蓝紫色的，那款，超喜欢，对于一个十几岁的小孩子一个唯一爱好了，我想要，我想拥有