Phormictopus sp. Dominican Purple

[Muffinforall]

Hello all!
I have searched quite a bit on this board and the internet in general for info about this species but it appears to be scant and in some cases contradictory?
Since I have a sling of one(and I know we aren't allowed to play favorites but it might be mine). I wanted to see about consolidating the information we as a community have about the species(and genus in general) so we can better discuss what is more or less correct.

The first thing I want to nail down is the natural habitat. I've read they're from a more rocky area and thus less likely to burrow. But also they're described as fossorial?
My sling has not dug once. And as far as humidity goes, does not seem to like moisture at all.

What do all of you think? What can we learn together?

 

[viper69]

There are quite a few Ts that live in rocky areas, and burrow a bit too. It’s too dangerous for a T to live out in the open exposed.

 

[IntermittentSygnal]

Mine is still an older sling/young juvie, but never dug, avoids moisture, is mostly out, investigates disturbances and attacks anything that moves. Did not use the initial hide, but occasionally does in the new set up. Seems to appreciate space.

 

[Mustafa67]

Hello all!
I have searched quite a bit on this board and the internet in general for info about this species but it appears to be scant and in some cases contradictory?
Since I have a sling of one(and I know we aren't allowed to play favorites but it might be mine). I wanted to see about consolidating the information we as a community have about the species(and genus in general) so we can better discuss what is more or less correct.

The first thing I want to nail down is the natural habitat. I've read they're from a more rocky area and thus less likely to burrow. But also they're described as fossorial?
My sling has not dug once. And as far as humidity goes, does not seem to like moisture at all.

What do all of you think? What can we learn together?

It depends on setup, most slings are “fossorial” and if encloures are too large they’ll tend to hide more.

I’m not saying to make too small enclosures, but your setup does play a big part if your terrestrial Ts are in the open more or burrowed.

 

[Cmac2111]

Never raised a sling but have an adult & juvies. Echoing what has already been stated, none of mine burrow at all, only using their pre-made burrows on occasion. They avoid moisture like the plague, a basic terrestrial enclosure suits them fine.

 

[cold blood]

Not fossorial....they tend to hide under things more than burrow.

Don't worry about natural habitat, captivity is a much easier place....humidity isn't relevant to keeping. Just keep it predominantly dry, only dampening an area on occasion.

 

[Stu Macher]

Their tough as nails. Very fun sp to raise. Like pamphos but hardier and prettier imo.

I've always kept a corner moist and still do periodically. I've put them in the simplest setups, dirt and a hide sometimes with a piece of foliage near the hide. They've been fine. It's almost an advantage that you don't clutter it up because of the growth rate.

 

[Brewser]

Provide enough structure and substrate to allow Phormictopus to establish a Den / Lair of sorts.

 

[Charliemum]

I have a saf about 6inches dls she is pretty skittish has dug a hole but I can't call it a burrow as it has no roof before that she lived in a web castle at the top of her viv dispite having a good 7/8 inches of sub to dig in (she was only 4.5 inches when she came) a nice hide and several plants ect she chose to live up top for ages . She filled in the hide I gave her , then after her last moult she dug about 4 inches away from where it was down the outside of the bark and made her hole. She doesn't like it when I dampen the sub but I do it anyways like a quarter of her viv and she hits food like a truck, not much else to them except their exceptional colours. My girl is in premoult atm so she isn't as vibrant as normal but still a beautiful t.

Any excuse to show her pic off Lolanthe in her hole entrance lol.