Sarawak Red Tiger Tarantula (Phormingochilus everetti) – Live Tarantula for Sale

The Sarawak Red Tiger Tarantula (Phormingochilus everetti) is a rare and visually striking arboreal tarantula native to the rainforests of Borneo. Known for its dramatic tiger-like abdominal striping and dark body coloration, this Old World species has become highly sought after by experienced tarantula keepers and collectors.

The Sarawak Red Tiger Tarantula belongs to the Phormingochilus genus, a group of fast and powerful arboreal tarantulas admired for their impressive size, vibrant coloration, and heavy webbing behavior. The bold orange or reddish tiger-striping across the abdomen of Phormingochilus everetti creates a striking contrast against its darker body tones.

Because of its speed and defensive temperament typical of Old World tarantulas, the Sarawak Red Tiger Tarantula is best suited for experienced tarantula keepers.

Species Overview

Scientific Name: Phormingochilus everetti
Common Name: Sarawak Red Tiger Tarantula
Type: Arboreal
Origin: Borneo (Sarawak region)
Adult Leg Span: 7–8 inches
Temperament: Fast and defensive
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Lifespan: Females 12–15+ years, males shorter

Natural History

In the wild, Phormingochilus everetti inhabits tropical rainforests in the Sarawak region of Borneo where it lives in tree cavities, bark crevices, and hollow trunks. These arboreal tarantulas create silk-lined retreats within vertical structures where they remain hidden during the day.

The Sarawak Red Tiger Tarantula typically becomes active at night when it emerges from its retreat to hunt insects and other small prey moving through the forest canopy.

The warm temperatures and high humidity of its rainforest habitat should be replicated in captivity to maintain optimal health.

Like other Old World tarantulas, this species lacks urticating hairs and relies on speed and defensive behavior for protection.

Appearance

The Sarawak Red Tiger Tarantula is admired for its bold and dramatic coloration.

Typical characteristics include:

• striking orange or reddish tiger-like striping on the abdomen

• dark body coloration creating strong contrast

• long slender legs adapted for climbing

• elegant arboreal body structure

After molting, the tiger striping and color contrast often appear especially vivid.

Temperament

Phormingochilus everetti is known for being extremely fast and alert. When disturbed, the spider typically retreats quickly into its hide or moves rapidly across vertical surfaces.

Because the Sarawak Red Tiger Tarantula lacks urticating hairs, it may rely on defensive biting if cornered. For this reason, it is recommended for hobbyists with experience maintaining fast arboreal tarantulas.

Enclosure Setup

As an arboreal species, the Sarawak Red Tiger Tarantula requires a tall enclosure with vertical climbing surfaces.

Recommended enclosure features include:

• vertical cork bark or hollow wood retreats

• moderate to high humidity

• excellent ventilation

• anchor points for webbing

• a shallow water dish

Providing vertical structures allows Phormingochilus everetti to build webbed retreats similar to those found in tree cavities in its natural habitat.

Feeding

Like most tarantulas, Phormingochilus everetti feeds primarily on insects such as crickets, roaches, and other feeder insects.

Juveniles may be fed once or twice per week, while adult specimens typically feed every 7–14 days depending on size.

The Sarawak Red Tiger Tarantula often displays a fast and powerful feeding response when prey is introduced.

Molting and Growth

Tarantulas grow through a process known as molting, where they shed their old exoskeleton and emerge slightly larger.

Before molting, the spider may refuse food and remain hidden within its retreat. After molting, the tarantula should be left undisturbed while its new exoskeleton and fangs harden.

As Phormingochilus everetti matures, the tiger-like abdominal striping often becomes more pronounced.

Why Keep the Sarawak Red Tiger Tarantula?

The Sarawak Red Tiger Tarantula (Phormingochilus everetti) is highly prized among tarantula enthusiasts for several reasons:

• dramatic tiger-striped abdominal pattern

• impressive arboreal size and presence

• fascinating climbing and webbing behavior

• rare and desirable Old World tarantula species

For experienced keepers seeking a striking and unusual arboreal tarantula, the Sarawak Red Tiger Tarantula makes a remarkable addition to a tarantula collection.

Learn More About Tarantula Care

If you're new to keeping tarantulas, see our complete Tarantula Care Guide to learn about enclosure setup, feeding schedules, molting, and species selection.

You can also browse our full selection of Tarantulas for Sale to explore other fascinating tarantula species available at The Defiant Forest.