Phormictopus cancerides (Haitian Brown)
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Phormictopus cancerides is a large new world tarantula from the island of Hispaniola, split between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It goes by the common name Haitian Brown, which honestly undersells it a bit. Under the right lighting, this spider shows a beautiful iridescent sheen that shifts between purplish and bluish tones over an otherwise dark brown body. It is a genuinely striking animal when you catch it at the right angle.
This is a fast-growing species that reaches a large adult size. Females can hit 7 to 9 inches in legspan, putting it in the upper tier for commonly available new world species. It eats enthusiastically and grows noticeably between molts when fed well.
Temperament: More Than a Standard New World
P. cancerides is more defensive than a typical beginner new world species. It is faster and more assertive than a curly hair or a rose hair, and adults in particular can be quite reactive when the enclosure is disturbed. It is not in the same league as an old world baboon spider, but you should go into keeping one with the expectation that routine maintenance will require more care and deliberateness than you might be used to with calmer species.
It does have urticating hairs, as a new world species, and its venom is relatively mild compared to old world options. The main thing to manage here is speed and willingness to engage its defenses.
Is This a Good Fit for You?
If you have kept a few tarantulas, are comfortable working with a more reactive animal, and want something large and interesting, the cancerides is worth serious consideration. It is rewarding to keep and its size and growth rate make the experience feel more dynamic than a slow-growing beginner species.
It is also an underappreciated species in hobby discussions, which is a little surprising given how impressive it is. If you want something that is not on everyone's shelf but deserves to be, this is a good candidate.
If you are new to the hobby or have only kept calm, slow-moving species, I would not recommend starting here. Not because it is dangerous, but because its speed and defensiveness benefit from a keeper who already has a feel for working around a reactive spider. Get a year or two of experience first and this becomes a natural and satisfying next step.
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FAQs
How big does Phormictopus cancerides get?
Females can reach 7 to 9 inches in legspan, occasionally toward the upper end of that range. It is a legitimately large tarantula, and adults require an appropriately sized enclosure with enough floor space to move comfortably.
How defensive is Phormictopus cancerides?
It can be assertive when threatened, particularly as an adult, but it is not a species that goes out of its way to engage. With calm, deliberate husbandry practices you can manage it reliably. It is not in the same category as the most defensive old world species available.
Is this a good first tarantula?
I would not recommend it as a first tarantula. The speed and defensive behavior are better managed by a keeper who already has a baseline of experience with how to move around reactive spiders. After a few calmer species, the cancerides makes a great addition to a collection.
What is the iridescent coloring people mention?
Under certain lighting, particularly natural light or a direct lamp, the spider's body shows a shimmer that shifts between purple and blue over the dark brown base color. It is not as immediately obvious as a Chromatopelma or a Brazilian Blue, but it is real and genuinely beautiful once you see it. Adults show it more prominently than juveniles.