Phormictopus cancerides, commonly known as the Hispaniolan giant tarantula or Haitian brown tarantula, is a large, hardy, New World terrestrial species native to Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic). It is well-regarded for its impressive size, fast growth, and feisty temperament. 
 
Key Characteristics
Size: A true giant, adults typically reach a diagonal leg span of 7 to 9 inches (18–22 cm).
Appearance: Spiderlings (slings) are a vibrant metallic blue. As they mature, they transition through shades of gold and bronze, eventually becoming a dark brown or purple-black with metallic highlights on the carapace.
Lifespan: Females are long-lived, reaching 15 to 20 years, while males typically live between 4 and 6 years.
Temperament: Known for being defensive and skittish. They are prone to giving threat displays and may flick urticating hairs or bite if provoked, making them better suited for intermediate keepers rather than absolute beginners. 
 
Care and Husbandry
Enclosure: A terrestrial setup with ample floor space (at least 4x the spider's leg span) and 4–6 inches of substrate to allow for burrowing.
Environment: They thrive in temperatures between 24°C and 28°C (75–82°F) with humidity levels around 65–75%.
Feeding: They are voracious eaters with a strong feeding response, readily taking crickets, roaches, and other large insects.