Size and growth
Adult Phormictopus auratus reach about 16–19 cm (6.25–7.5 in) and are fast growers. Adult Phormictopus cancerides reach about 18–20 cm (7–8 in) and are fast growers. That affects how quickly Cuban Bronze Tarantulas and Hispaniolan Giant Tarantulas move through sling and juvenile enclosure sizes.
Do not use size alone to estimate age in either Phormictopus auratus or Phormictopus cancerides. Sex, feeding and individual variation can change the pace of growth even when two spiders began at a similar size.
Enclosure and lifestyle
Cuban Bronze Tarantulas are terrestrial, while Hispaniolan Giant Tarantulas are terrestrial. Build the Phormictopus auratus enclosure for a terrestrial spider and the Phormictopus cancerides enclosure for a terrestrial spider instead of assuming two tarantulas need the same shape of setup.
For Phormictopus auratus, substrate depth, retreat position and usable space should match its terrestrial lifestyle. Apply the same rule separately to Phormictopus cancerides; the enclosure should make normal behaviour easy rather than forcing either species into a generic layout.
Temperature, water and moisture
A practical temperature range for Phormictopus auratus is 22–27°C; for Phormictopus cancerides, it is 22–27°C. Stable room conditions are more useful for both species than chasing small fluctuations within those ranges.
For Phormictopus auratus, maintain moderate moisture gradient with a water dish and strong ventilation. For Phormictopus cancerides, maintain moderate moisture gradient with good airflow and constant water. In both enclosures, keep fresh water available and adjust substrate moisture to how quickly the setup actually dries.
Temperament and maintenance
Phormictopus auratus is a New World species, while Phormictopus cancerides is a New World species. That background is useful when planning maintenance, but individual Cuban Bronze Tarantulas and Hispaniolan Giant Tarantulas can still differ noticeably in speed and defensiveness.
With both Phormictopus auratus and Phormictopus cancerides, locate the spider before opening the enclosure, use long tools when they make the job safer and keep a catch cup ready for rehousing. Handling is not required for routine care.
Male and female lifespan
Male Phormictopus auratus generally live roughly 3–5 years, while females can live 12–18 years. Male Phormictopus cancerides generally live roughly 3–5 years, while females can live 12–18 years.
Those lifespan ranges make sex particularly relevant when comparing Phormictopus auratus with Phormictopus cancerides. A confirmed female of either species is normally a much longer commitment than a mature male, and the exact age of an older juvenile may be impossible to know.
UK availability and trade notes
In the UK hobby, Phormictopus auratus is currently classed as uncommon, while Phormictopus cancerides is classed as uncommon. Stock changes between specialist sellers, captive-produced batches and show weekends, so availability should be checked at the time of purchase.
For records and purchases, use the scientific names Phormictopus auratus and Phormictopus cancerides as the main identifiers. Current trade notes list Phormictopus auratus as 'Check current CITES rules before cross-border trade' and Phormictopus cancerides as 'Check current CITES rules before cross-border trade', so check current requirements before any international movement where controls may apply.
Practical difference in day-to-day care
The practical difference between Phormictopus auratus and Phormictopus cancerides comes from the combination of lifestyle, adult size, growth and moisture needs. Those factors change how much substrate, vertical space and maintenance access each enclosure needs.
Whichever species you keep, let the individual spider settle into an enclosure designed for its own biology. That applies equally to Phormictopus auratus and Phormictopus cancerides: fresh water, secure housing and patient observation matter more than trying to make the two species behave the same way.