Phlogius Hirsutus Australian Tarantula
The Phlogius Hirsutus is a striking Australian tarantula known for its dense hairing, velvety black appearance and robust build. With thick, long hairs covering its legs and abdomen, this impressive terrestrial tarantula has a distinctive appearance that makes it a fascinating addition to an Australian tarantula collection.
Females can reach a leg span of approximately 17 cm, making mature specimens particularly impressive. Combined with its powerful legs, prominent fangs and nocturnal hunting behaviour, the Phlogius Hirsutus is an engaging species for tarantula enthusiasts and collectors.
Scientific Classification
- Scientific Name: Phlogius hirsutus
- Genus: Phlogius
- Type: Australian terrestrial tarantula
- Distribution: Australia
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands and other terrestrial environments
- Adult Female Size: Up to approximately 17 cm leg span
Appearance
Phlogius Hirsutus has a predominantly velvety black appearance with dense, long hairs covering the body, legs and abdomen. This heavy hairing gives the species a particularly impressive and textured appearance.
Its strong, muscular legs provide excellent mobility, while its substantial fangs are adapted for capturing and subduing prey.
As specimens mature, their dense hairing and dark colouration become increasingly prominent, making adult females especially impressive display animals.
Colouration, hair density and overall appearance can vary between individual specimens and may change following successive moults.
Natural Habitat & Distribution
The Phlogius Hirsutus is an Australian tarantula associated with a variety of terrestrial environments, including forests and grassland habitats.
These environments provide natural shelter, suitable soil and access to a wide range of insect and invertebrate prey. Fallen timber, leaf litter, vegetation and ground-level debris can all provide potential shelter for terrestrial tarantulas.
In captivity, a secure enclosure with appropriate substrate and hiding areas can help replicate some of these natural conditions.
Behaviour
Phlogius Hirsutus is primarily nocturnal, meaning it is generally most active during the evening and nighttime hours. During daylight hours, it may remain concealed within its shelter or burrow.
As an opportunistic predator, it feeds on insects and other appropriately sized small invertebrates. Its powerful legs and fangs allow it to capture prey efficiently.
Individual temperament can vary between specimens. Although Phlogius Hirsutus is often described as having a relatively calm or docile temperament, all tarantulas should be treated with respect and considered display animals rather than pets for routine handling.
Care Requirements
Phlogius Hirsutus should be maintained in a secure terrestrial enclosure with suitable substrate, ventilation, shelter and access to fresh drinking water.
A suitable enclosure should include:
- Appropriate terrestrial substrate
- Sufficient substrate depth for burrowing
- Cork bark or another secure hide
- A shallow water dish
- Good ventilation
- Suitable moisture levels
- Adequate floor space
- A secure, escape-resistant lid
The substrate should not remain constantly saturated. Providing an appropriate moisture gradient with good ventilation can help create a stable enclosure environment.
As the tarantula grows, its enclosure should be upgraded to accommodate its increasing size.
Feeding
Phlogius Hirsutus is an opportunistic predator and can be offered a range of appropriately sized feeder insects.
Suitable prey can include:
- Crickets
- Roaches
- Woodies
- Other appropriately sized feeder insects
Feeding frequency depends on factors including age, size, metabolism, temperature and individual appetite. Younger specimens generally require more frequent feeding while mature tarantulas can usually be fed less often.
Any uneaten prey should be removed where appropriate, particularly if the tarantula begins showing signs of an upcoming moult.
Fresh drinking water should always be available.
Moulting
Like all tarantulas, Phlogius Hirsutus periodically moults its exoskeleton as it grows. A specimen approaching a moult may become less active, refuse food or spend increased amounts of time inside its shelter.
During this period, the tarantula should be left completely undisturbed. Live feeder insects should not be left inside the enclosure while the tarantula is moulting, as they can potentially injure a vulnerable specimen.
Maintaining suitable environmental conditions and providing access to clean water are important aspects of successful husbandry.
Growth & Adult Size
Female Phlogius Hirsutus can reach a leg span of approximately 17 cm, making mature females impressive additions to a tarantula collection.
Growth rates can vary depending on genetics, feeding, temperature, sex and overall husbandry. Like many tarantulas, males and females can differ considerably in mature size and lifespan.
Why Keep Phlogius Hirsutus?
Phlogius Hirsutus is an excellent choice for collectors interested in distinctive Australian tarantulas. Its combination of velvety black colouration, dense long hairs, powerful build and impressive adult size gives it a particularly striking appearance.
Its primarily nocturnal lifestyle also provides keepers with the opportunity to observe natural hunting, feeding and exploratory behaviour, particularly during the evening.
With appropriate care and a secure enclosure, Phlogius Hirsutus can be a fascinating long-term addition to a specialist tarantula collection.
Phlogius Hirsutus Tarantula for Sale
The Phlogius Hirsutus is a striking Australian tarantula featuring a velvety black body, dense long hairs, powerful legs and an impressive adult size of up to approximately 17 cm for females. Primarily nocturnal and predatory, this fascinating Phlogius feeds on insects and small invertebrates and can make an excellent display species for tarantula enthusiasts. Its distinctive appearance, robust build and Australian origin make Phlogius Hirsutus a highly appealing addition to a specialist Australian tarantula collection.
