Purple Earth Tiger (Phormingochilus hati hati)

A breathtaking arboreal Old World species from Indonesia, the Purple Earth Tiger (Cyriopagopus sp. “Hati Hati”) is admired for its deep iridescent purple hues and lightning-fast temperament. It’s beautiful, secretive, and powerful — a perfect challenge for experienced keepers who love bold behavior and vivid coloration.

 Quick Facts

Common Name: Purple Earth Tiger

Scientific Name: Phormingochilus hati hati

Origin: Indonesia (Sulawesi)

Size: 5–6 inches (12–15 cm) leg span

Lifespan:

• Females: 10–12 years
• Males: ~3–4 years

Temperament: Defensive, extremely fast, and secretive — not for handling

Coloration

Deep purple carapace and legs with metallic blue tones under light

Abdomen is darker brown or black, with subtle striping

Underside of legs often shows iridescent blue-purple flashes

One of the most visually striking Old World arboreals

Housing & Care

Enclosure Type: Arboreal — tall setup with good ventilation

Substrate: 3–5 inches of moist substrate (coco fiber/topsoil mix)

Humidity: 70–80% (keep one corner slightly moist)

Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

Decor:

• Vertical cork bark tube or hollow log (for webbing and retreat)
• Leaf litter, moss, and climbing surfaces
• Water dish near base

Will create dense webbing around its hide and remain largely hidden during the day.

Feeding

Diet: Crickets, roaches, locusts

Feeding Schedule:

• Slings: 2–3x/week
• Juveniles: Weekly
• Adults: Every 10–14 days

Fast, confident striker — excellent feeding response

Why Keep One?

Unbelievable purple sheen — among the most beautiful tarantulas in the world

Unique arboreal burrowing behavior (semi-arboreal web tunnels)

Fascinating to observe in a naturalistic setup

Ideal for collectors of rare and exotic Old Worlds

Notes

Extremely fast and defensive — not suitable for beginners

Potent venom — zero handling recommended

Prefers to stay hidden and webbed up; not always visible

Requires steady humidity and airflow to avoid mold