Puerto Rican Whip Spider

Phrynus longipes

Whip spiderintermediateHarmless

No venom, no sting

Whip spiders (amblypygids) are completely harmless to humans. They're fast and can deliver a harmless pinch with their pedipalps, but have no venom and no sting.

About

A large Caribbean whip spider (the 'guabá'), a dramatic display animal with a near-ten-inch leg span on a small body. Harmless — no venom, no sting. Keep warm (72-80°F) and humid (70-90%) with daily misting and good airflow, plus vertical cork to cling to and molt from. Nocturnal and shy, though territorial toward its own kind, so house individually unless very spacious.

Taxonomy

FamilyPhrynidae

GenusPhrynus

Native regionCaribbean (Puerto Rico, Hispaniola)

TypeArboreal

Temperamentshy but territorial; nocturnal

Size & growth

Adult sizebody ~0.75 in; legspan to ~10 in

Leg span15.00–20.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature72–80 °F

Humidity70–90%

Enclosure

Adult sizevertical enclosure with cork bark/flat hides

Substratemoist coco fiber; vertical cork bark for clinging; water dish; strong ventilation

Substrate depth2-3 inches

Water dishRequired

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizecrickets, roaches

Adult cadence1-2 prey per week

Times kept: 0