Cuban Bronze Tarantula (Phormictopus auratus)

ReptileCommunity · October 20, 2026, 7:46pm

Cuban Bronze Tarantula (Phormictopus auratus)

Comprehensive Species Care Guide — The Vivarium Vault

Care Sheet 55 of 75 | New World Tarantulas

Quick Facts

Category	Information
Common name	Cuban Bronze Tarantula
Scientific name	Phormictopus auratus
Scientific authority	Ortiz & Bertani, 2005
Family	Theraphosidae
Subfamily	Theraphosinae
Native distribution	Cuba
Natural habitat	Terrestrial habitats in Cuba; detailed microhabitat requirements remain incompletely documented
Lifestyle	Large, terrestrial, retreat-associated
Adult size	Large-bodied tarantula; precise maximum leg span not reliably established
Colouration	Dark body with bronze or golden-toned hairs, varying with age, sex and moult condition
Diet	Predatory; primarily invertebrates
Activity	Predominantly crepuscular and nocturnal
Growth rate	Captive reports suggest relatively rapid growth; not scientifically quantified
Female lifespan	Potentially long-lived; species-specific maximum not established
Urticating hairs	Present
Venom	Present
Temperament	Potentially fast-moving and strongly defensive
Handling	Not recommended
Cohabitation	Solitary
CITES	No species-specific Appendix listing identified in standard tarantula listings; verify current status
Experience level	Intermediate to advanced

Important: Published species-specific captive husbandry data are limited. The numerical recommendations below are cautious starting points informed by the animal’s terrestrial ecology and general theraphosid husbandry, not experimentally established physiological limits.

1. Species Overview

The Cuban Bronze Tarantula, Phormictopus auratus, is a large New World terrestrial tarantula native to Cuba.

It was formally described by Ortiz and Bertani in 2005.

The species belongs to Phormictopus, a Caribbean genus containing several robust, often strongly built tarantulas.

Members of this genus are valued by specialist keepers for their substantial size, impressive appearance and interesting terrestrial behaviour.

However, they are not necessarily suitable for inexperienced keepers.

Phormictopus auratus can be quick to react when disturbed and should be managed using careful, low-contact husbandry methods.

Its appearance is characterised by dark underlying colouration with bronze or golden-toned hairs, particularly noticeable under suitable lighting.

The intensity of this colouration can change following moulting and may vary between individuals.

Although often described as a Cuban Bronze Tarantula, common names are not standardised scientific identifiers.

For reliable identification, the scientific name and documented provenance should always take priority.

In captivity, the species benefits from substantial horizontal space, a secure ground-level retreat, deep compactable substrate and access to a moisture gradient.

Unlike many desert-associated North American tarantulas, it should not automatically be maintained under uniformly dry conditions.

Equally, its Caribbean origin does not justify permanently saturated substrate or stagnant air.

The objective is a stable terrestrial environment that allows the spider to choose between sheltered, moderately moist and drier microhabitats.

2. Taxonomy and Identification

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Mygalomorphae
Family: Theraphosidae
Subfamily: Theraphosinae
Genus: Phormictopus
Species: Phormictopus auratus

Scientific authority

Ortiz & Bertani, 2005.

Original description

The species was described as Phormictopus auratus in a taxonomic study of Cuban theraphosid spiders.

Genus characteristics

Phormictopus contains large, terrestrial Caribbean tarantulas with specialised reproductive and morphological characteristics.

General appearance

P. auratus typically has:

A robust body.
Strong, well-developed legs.
Dark underlying colouration.
Bronze or golden-toned hairs.
A substantial, rounded abdomen.

Colour variation

Freshly moulted individuals may appear more vividly coloured than specimens approaching their next moult.

Adult females

Females are generally heavier-bodied and more robust than mature males.

Mature males

Mature males develop specialised reproductive structures and may have proportionately longer legs.

Similar species

Identification may be complicated by resemblance to other Cuban Phormictopus, including species such as:

Phormictopus cancerides.
Phormictopus cautus.
Other described Cuban congeners.

Identification warning

Colour alone is not sufficient to distinguish closely related Phormictopus species.

Provenance

Accurate locality and breeding records are valuable.

Breeding identification

Do not pair animals identified solely from photographs or informal trade names.

3. Natural Distribution and Ecology

Native country

Cuba.

Island ecology

Cuba contains a variety of terrestrial environments, including seasonal forests, scrubland and other habitats with differing moisture conditions.

Species-specific distribution

The precise geographical boundaries of P. auratus should be established from verified specimen records rather than inferred from the distribution of the genus as a whole.

Natural microhabitat

Detailed published measurements of occupied retreats, substrate moisture and burrow architecture are limited.

Terrestrial behaviour

The species is associated with ground-level activity and sheltering.

Retreat use

Captive specimens should be offered opportunities to excavate beneath secure cover.

Burrowing

Some individuals may construct substantial excavations, while others may prefer modifying an existing shelter.

Seasonal conditions

Cuba experiences seasonal rainfall and temperature variation.

However, a validated species-specific seasonal husbandry cycle is unavailable.

Natural diet

The species is expected to prey mainly on suitable terrestrial invertebrates.

Predators

Potential predators include vertebrates and other animals capable of attacking large ground-dwelling spiders.

Captive implications

Provide secure terrestrial accommodation, sufficient substrate, shelter, water and effective ventilation.

4. Adult Size, Growth and Lifespan

Adult size

Phormictopus auratus is a large-bodied terrestrial tarantula.

Leg span

Hobby accounts sometimes report adult leg spans around 7–8 inches (18–20 cm), but these figures should be treated as informal estimates rather than scientifically established species-wide maxima.

Sexual dimorphism

Females are generally more robust.

Mature males develop reproductive structures and may have proportionately longer legs.

Growth rate

Captive reports suggest relatively rapid growth under suitable conditions.

A validated species-specific growth schedule is unavailable.

Female lifespan

Females may live for many years, but a reliable species-specific maximum has not been established.

Male lifespan

Mature males generally have shorter remaining lifespans than adult females.

Monitoring

Record moults, feeding, body condition and reproductive development.

5. Housing and Enclosure Requirements

This is a substantial terrestrial species requiring adequate floor space, secure construction and suitable substrate depth.

Adult enclosure dimensions

A practical starting enclosure is:

24 × 18 × 18 inches (60 × 45 × 45 cm)

A larger option is:

30 × 18 × 18 inches (75 × 45 × 45 cm)

These are provisional recommendations, not scientifically validated minimum dimensions.

Floor area

Prioritise horizontal ground space over climbing height.

Substrate depth

Provide approximately:

6–8 inches (15–20 cm)

of compactable substrate.

Retreat

Provide a large, stable cork bark hide or comparable ground-level shelter.

Starter burrow

A shallow excavation beneath the hide may encourage retreat establishment.

Fall prevention

Keep the exposed distance between substrate and enclosure roof low.

A heavy-bodied terrestrial tarantula may suffer serious abdominal injury from a fall.

Ventilation

Provide effective cross-ventilation where enclosure design permits.

Security

This species may move rapidly when disturbed.

Ensure all doors and lids close securely.

Escape prevention

Inspect:

Lid fittings.
Door gaps.
Ventilation openings.
Cable access points.
Sliding-door tracks.
Feeding hatches.

Enclosure materials

Suitable plastic, acrylic or glass enclosures may be used.

Mesh safety

Avoid coarse mesh that may trap claws.

Furnishing stability

Support heavy decorations so excavation cannot cause collapse.

Juvenile housing

Juveniles require proportionately sized terrestrial enclosures with suitable substrate depth and secure retreats.

For a moderately sized juvenile, an enclosure around:

12 × 8 × 8 inches (30 × 20 × 20 cm)

may be appropriate, depending on the animal’s actual dimensions.

Spiderling housing

Use small, escape-proof containers with fine ventilation.

Provide enough substrate for sheltering and limited excavation.

Small spiderlings require closer monitoring of moisture and prey size.

Maintenance access

Arrange the enclosure so water and feeding can be managed without repeatedly disturbing the spider’s retreat.

Individual housing

Keep each animal separately.

6. Substrate and Burrowing

Suitable substrate

A compactable mixture may include:

Reptile-safe topsoil.
Soil-based tarantula substrate.
Topsoil blended with coco coir.
A modest proportion of clean sand where useful for structure.

Depth

Approximately 6–8 inches is a practical adult starting point.

Compaction

Lightly compact the substrate during enclosure setup.

Moisture gradient

Maintain a moderately moist lower section while allowing some surface areas to dry.

Burrow construction

Allow the spider to excavate and reinforce its retreat with silk.

Structural stability

Heavy decorations must not rest on unsupported substrate above burrows.

Avoid

Do not use:

Fertilised compost.
Pesticide-treated soil.
Sharp gravel.
Aromatic wood shavings.
Loose sand as the sole substrate.

Burrow closure

A closed retreat may accompany moulting or prolonged inactivity.

Avoid unnecessary excavation.

7. Furnishings and Environmental Enrichment

Suitable furnishings include:

Large cork bark hides.
Stable ground-level shelters.
Limited leaf litter.
Low, secure stones.
A substantial water dish.

Provide sheltered and more exposed ground-level areas.

Allow the spider to modify its substrate and silk.

Avoid tall climbing structures and heavy unsecured objects.

8. Temperature and Heating

No experimentally validated captive thermal range is available specifically for P. auratus.

Provisional starting temperatures

Condition	Suggested temperature
General daytime	23–27°C
Slightly warmer area	Up to approximately 28°C
Cooler retreat	Approximately 22–24°C
Night-time	Approximately 20–24°C

These are conservative captive starting points, not established physiological limits.

Thermal gradient

Provide a sheltered cooler area away from concentrated heat.

Heating in Ireland

Supplementary heating may be necessary during colder months.

Thermostats

Use thermostatic control with dedicated heating equipment.

Under-enclosure heating

Avoid concentrated heating directly beneath deep substrate.

Monitoring

Measure temperatures at representative locations.

Overheating

Do not place the enclosure in direct sunlight.

9. Lighting and UVB

Provide a regular light-dark cycle.

Indirect room lighting is generally adequate.

Dedicated UVB lighting is not routinely required for tarantulas.

Low-output display lighting may be used if it does not cause overheating.

Avoid intense basking lamps and direct sunlight.

10. Humidity, Ventilation and Hydration

The species is native to Cuba, but a validated species-specific relative humidity percentage is unavailable.

Drinking water

Provide a clean, stable water dish.

Substrate moisture

Maintain a moderately moist lower section.

Surface conditions

Allow some surface areas to dry between moisture applications.

Ventilation

Provide effective air exchange.

Spiderlings

Small containers may dry rapidly and require closer monitoring.

Misting

Routine heavy misting is unnecessary.

Warning signs

Persistent condensation, mould or waterlogged substrate require correction.

Retreats

Avoid flooding occupied burrows.

Seasonal adjustment

Any seasonal moisture changes should be gradual and based on the animal’s condition rather than an assumed fixed rainfall schedule.

11. Feeding and Nutrition

Phormictopus auratus is a carnivorous predator.

Suitable prey

Captive-bred crickets.
Appropriately sized feeder cockroaches.
Mealworms.
Other suitable feeder insects.

Spiderlings

Offer very small prey or appropriately sized portions of freshly killed insects.

Juveniles

Weekly feeding may be a reasonable starting point.

Adults

Offer suitable prey approximately every 7–14 days initially.

Adjust feeding according to appetite, body condition and moulting.

Prey size

Avoid prey that is excessively large or powerful.

Body condition

Avoid overfeeding that causes an excessively enlarged abdomen.

Uneaten prey

Remove uneaten insects promptly, particularly during premoult.

Wild-caught insects

Avoid wild feeders because of pesticide and parasite risks.

Vertebrate prey

Vertebrate feeding is unnecessary.

12. Calcium and Vitamin Supplementation

Routine reptile-style calcium or vitamin dusting is not required.

Tarantulas obtain nutrients from whole prey.

Maintain feeder insects appropriately.

No validated supplementation schedule exists for this species.

13. Moulting and Growth

Possible premoult signs

Reduced appetite.
Increased concealment.
Retreat closure.
Reduced activity.
Changes in abdominal appearance.

During moulting

Do not disturb the spider.

A tarantula lying on its back may be moulting normally.

Do not turn it over.

After moulting

Allow the exoskeleton and fangs to harden before feeding.

Complications

Do not forcibly remove retained exoskeleton.

Seek specialist advice if a moult appears seriously compromised.

14. Urticating Hairs and Defensive Behaviour

Phormictopus auratus possesses defensive urticating hairs.

A disturbed spider may retreat, release hairs, adopt a defensive posture or bite.

Possible effects

Itching.
Skin irritation.
Eye irritation.
Respiratory irritation.

Avoid touching the eyes after enclosure maintenance.

If hairs enter an eye, do not rub it; seek prompt medical assessment.

Defensive behaviour varies between individuals.

Husbandry implications

Because the species may react quickly to disturbance, use long tools and minimise direct interaction.

15. Venom and Bite Safety

The species possesses venom-bearing fangs.

A bite may cause puncture wounds, pain, redness or swelling.

Detailed species-specific clinical evidence is limited.

Wash a bite wound with clean running water.

Seek medical advice where appropriate.

Severe allergic symptoms or breathing difficulties require urgent medical attention.

16. Handling and Safe Rehousing

Routine handling is not recommended.

Main risks

Falls.
Escape.
Bites.
Urticating-hair exposure.
Rapid defensive movements.
Unnecessary disturbance.

Rehousing procedure

Prepare the receiving enclosure.
Work in a secure area without accessible gaps or drains.
Use a suitable catch cup and soft brush.
Gently guide the spider into the transfer container.
Move it into the prepared enclosure.
Confirm the spider is accounted for and all openings are secure.

Large specimens

Use appropriately sized transfer containers and maintain a safe working distance.

Avoid unnecessary excavation of established retreats.

17. Cohabitation

House Phormictopus auratus individually.

Communal housing creates risks of injury, cannibalism, competition and feeding interference.

Temporary supervised breeding introductions do not justify permanent cohabitation.

18. Cleaning and Routine Maintenance

Regular checks

Check water, temperature, ventilation and enclosure security.

After feeding

Remove uneaten prey.

Weekly

Clean the water dish, remove visible waste and inspect for mould.

Periodically

Inspect substrate condition and equipment.

Retreat preservation

Avoid unnecessary destruction of established silk-lined retreats.

Substrate replacement

Replace contaminated substrate when necessary rather than routinely stripping a stable enclosure.

19. Common Health Concerns

Dehydration

Ensure access to drinking water and suitable substrate moisture.

Moulting complications

Incomplete moults can cause serious injury.

Falls

Abdominal injuries may be life-threatening.

Mites

Not all small organisms in substrate are parasites. Persistent mites concentrated on the spider require investigation.

Mould

Persistent mould may indicate excess moisture or poor ventilation.

Feeding refusal

Consider premoult, seasonal inactivity and body condition.

Abnormal posture

Severe leg curling, weakness or unresponsiveness requires urgent specialist assessment.

Consult a suitably experienced exotic or invertebrate veterinarian.

20. Quarantine

Keep new acquisitions separate from established collections.

A precautionary observation period of approximately 60–90 days may be used, although this is not a validated disease-free interval.

Monitor feeding, moulting, body condition, visible mites and abnormal behaviour.

Use separate maintenance equipment where practical.

Retain identification and acquisition records.

21. Breeding and Reproduction

Breeding should only be attempted with reliably identified animals.

Species identification

Do not confuse P. auratus with other Cuban Phormictopus species.

Sex determination

Examine suitable moults where possible.

Mature males

Mature males develop specialised reproductive structures.

Seasonal timing

A validated species-specific captive breeding season is unavailable.

Pairing

Introduce adults only under close supervision.

Female aggression

Females may attack or consume males.

Egg sacs

Successful mating may result in egg-sac production.

Incubation

A validated species-specific captive incubation protocol is unavailable.

Spiderlings

Provide secure, appropriately sized accommodation and suitable small prey.

Records

Maintain parentage, pairing, moult and offspring records.

Hybridisation

Do not pair P. auratus with other Phormictopus species.

Legal compliance

Check wildlife trade requirements before transferring offspring across borders.

22. Conservation and Responsible Captive Breeding

Phormictopus auratus is native to Cuba.

Conservation assessment

A verified current species-specific IUCN category is not established in this guide.

Habitat pressures

Potential concerns include habitat conversion, land-use change and unsustainable collection.

Captive-bred acquisition

Prioritise legally sourced captive-bred animals with credible provenance.

Wild collection

Do not assume collection is permitted.

Cuban export requirements

Wildlife collection and export from Cuba may be subject to national controls independently of CITES.

Breeding responsibility

Maintain accurate identification, parentage and acquisition records.

Conservation value

Responsible captive breeding may reduce demand for wild-collected animals.

It does not replace habitat protection.

Release

Never release captive tarantulas into the environment.

23. Legal and CITES Information

CITES

A species-specific CITES Appendix listing for Phormictopus auratus has not been identified in the standard tarantula listings used for this guide.

This must be checked against the current CITES Checklist before international trade.

European Union

Verify current EU wildlife trade annexes before importing or exporting specimens.

Republic of Ireland

Irish keepers and traders must comply with applicable customs, animal welfare and wildlife trade legislation.

Import from outside the EU

Check import requirements, export documentation and any applicable restrictions.

Trade within the EU

Requirements may differ from those for imports originating outside the EU.

Captive-bred animals

Captive breeding does not automatically remove all legal obligations.

Documentation

Retain:

Correct scientific identification.
Supplier information.
Acquisition date.
Evidence of lawful origin.
Captive-breeding records.
Relevant permits or certificates.
Records of international movement.

Current legislation

Check the CITES Checklist, current EU regulations and guidance from Ireland’s National Parks and Wildlife Service before acquisition, import, export or commercial trade.

24. Common Husbandry Mistakes

Confusing P. auratus with other Cuban Phormictopus.
Identifying specimens solely from bronze colouration.
Assuming all Cuban tarantulas have identical environmental requirements.
Purchasing animals without adequate provenance.
Providing insufficient floor space.
Providing inadequate substrate depth.
Using unstable substrate.
Providing excessive enclosure height.
Leaving escape-sized ventilation openings.
Keeping the entire substrate permanently saturated.
Allowing the enclosure to become excessively dry throughout.
Providing no drinking water.
Overheating the enclosure.
Heating directly beneath deep substrate.
Offering excessively large prey.
Leaving live prey during moulting.
Disturbing established retreats unnecessarily.
Routine handling.
Underestimating rapid defensive movements.
Communal housing.
Breeding animals of uncertain identity.

25. Husbandry Summary

Requirement	Practical recommendation
Common name	Cuban Bronze Tarantula
Scientific name	Phormictopus auratus
Authority	Ortiz & Bertani, 2005
Native country	Cuba
Adult size	Large terrestrial tarantula
Lifestyle	Terrestrial, retreat-associated
Adult enclosure	Approximately 24 × 18 × 18 inches
Larger enclosure	Approximately 30 × 18 × 18 inches
Substrate depth	Approximately 6–8 inches
Daytime temperature	Approximately 23–27°C
Night-time temperature	Approximately 20–24°C
Moisture	Moderately moist lower section; partly dry surface
Ventilation	Effective, escape-proof airflow
Drinking water	Clean, accessible water dish
Lighting	Normal day-night cycle
UVB	Not routinely required
Diet	Captive-bred feeder insects
Urticating hairs	Present
Venom	Present
Handling	Not recommended
Cohabitation	Solitary
Experience level	Intermediate to advanced
CITES	Verify current listing
EU wildlife trade	Verify current annexes

These numerical husbandry recommendations are provisional captive starting points, not proven species-specific physiological limits.

26. References and Further Reading

Ortiz, D. & Bertani, R. (2005). Original description of Phormictopus auratus and taxonomic work on Cuban theraphosid spiders. Revista Ibérica de Aracnología.
World Spider Catalog. Phormictopus auratus Ortiz & Bertani, 2005. Natural History Museum Bern. https://wsc.nmbe.ch
CITES. Checklist of CITES Species. https://checklist.cites.org
CITES. Appendices I, II and III. https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php
European Commission. Wildlife Trade Regulations. Wildlife trade - Environment - European Commission
National Parks and Wildlife Service, Ireland. https://www.npws.ie
Foelix, R. F. Biology of Spiders. General reference for spider anatomy and physiology.

Evidence Note

The accepted scientific name, Cuban origin and 2005 description are supported by taxonomic literature.

The enclosure dimensions, temperature ranges, substrate depth, feeding intervals and moisture-management recommendations are provisional captive husbandry guidance.

Detailed species-specific captive longevity, natural burrow architecture, thermal preferences, maximum size and reproductive protocols remain insufficiently documented.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace species-specific research or veterinary advice. Individual requirements may vary.

Always check current legislation governing the acquisition, collection, import, transport, keeping, breeding or sale of reptiles and invertebrates in your jurisdiction.

If you have concerns about an animal’s health or care, consult a suitably experienced exotic or invertebrate veterinarian.

Information correct at the date of publication, subject to subsequent changes in scientific knowledge and legislation.

ReptileCommunity.com | Revised: October 2026