A species of tarantula unique to Cuba is called Phormictopus auratus, also referred to as the Cuban bronze tarantula. Provinces where it can be found include Camagüey, Las Tunas, and Holguin. Auratus, which means golden in Latin, was given to the species after David Ortiz and Rogério Bertani initially described it in 2005.
Description
It is easily distinguished from other tarantulas of its genus, in large part because of the golden coloring. It has occasionally been confused with other members of the genus. Along with the legs, which are mostly coated in gray hairs, their carapace has a golden tint. The opisthosoma is black and coated in grayish hairs, yet under certain lighting these hairs, along with those on the legs, may appear blue.
Lifespan
Males only survive from four to five years whereas females can live up to 15 years.
Food Source
Crickets or roaches
Habitat
In Cuba, they can be found in Camagüey, Holgun, and Las Tunas; this section will focus on Camagüey. 26 oC is the average temperature and 587 mm of rain falls annually. With flora like Yagruma, Guasima, and Ceiba.
Behavior
This tarantula is terrestrial, burrows a lot, and is typically outside of its hide, cruising the area. They are a little scarier than other New World tarantulas because they are not at all timid and may move pretty quickly.
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