Phormingochilus sp. "Akcaya" — Golden Bat Eater (Sling)

A Rare Arboreal Treasure from Borneo

The Golden Bat Eater Sling is one of the hobby's most intriguing and sought-after arboreal tarantulas. Originating from the rainforests of Borneo, Phormingochilus sp. "Akcaya" is admired for its elegant appearance, impressive potential for size, and fascinating arboreal behaviour.

This species belongs to a genus often referred to as "Bat Eaters" due to their large size and tree-dwelling habits in the wild. While sightings in captivity can be infrequent, every appearance is memorable thanks to its graceful build and subtle golden tones.

For collectors seeking something rare, unusual, and undeniably impressive, the Golden Bat Eater is an exceptional choice.

Why You'll Want This Species

• Rare and highly desirable arboreal species

• Beautiful golden and bronze tones that develop with maturity

• Fast-growing compared to many tarantula species

• Fascinating webbing and retreat-building behaviour

• Impressive adult size

• A premium addition to any serious collection

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Phormingochilus sp. "Akcaya"

• Common Name: Golden Bat Eater

• Origin: Borneo (Indonesia)

• Adult Size: Approximately 15–18 cm leg span

• Temperament: Fast, defensive, and highly alert

• Lifespan:

  • Females: 12–15 years

  • Males: 3–4 years

Appearance

The Golden Bat Eater is known for its refined beauty:

• Dark brown to charcoal base colouration

• Subtle golden, bronze, or amber highlights

• Long, elegant legs typical of arboreal species

• Attractive velvety appearance under natural lighting

As the spider matures, its colours often become richer and more pronounced.

Enclosure & Setup Guide (By Life Stage)

Sling

• Enclosure: Small arboreal sling enclosure with height

• Substrate Depth: 3–5 cm

• Setup: Vertical cork bark and web anchor points

• Tip: Provide elevated hiding opportunities from an early age

Juvenile

• Enclosure: Small arboreal enclosure

• Substrate Depth: 5–8 cm

• Setup: Cork bark tube, foliage, and water dish

Sub-Adult

• Enclosure: Medium arboreal enclosure

• Substrate Depth: 5–10 cm

• Setup: Vertical retreats, anchor points, and adequate ventilation

Adult

• Enclosure: Tall arboreal setup with significant climbing space

• Substrate Depth: 8–12 cm

• Setup Essentials:

  • Cork bark tube or vertical retreat

  • Water dish

  • Artificial or natural foliage

  • Multiple web anchor points

Ideal Conditions:

• Temperature: 24–28°C

• Humidity: 70–80%

• Lighting: Low to moderate

• Ventilation: Excellent cross ventilation

Feeding Guide

Diet:
Crickets, roaches, locusts, and other appropriately sized feeder insects.

Feeding Schedule:

• Slings: 2–3 times per week

• Juveniles: Once per week

• Sub-adults: Every 7–10 days

• Adults: Every 10–14 days

This species typically exhibits a strong feeding response and will readily ambush prey from its retreat.

Behaviour & Handling

• Extremely fast and agile

• Primarily arboreal

• Creates webbed retreats high within the enclosure

• Defensive when disturbed

• Handling is not recommended

The Golden Bat Eater is best appreciated as a display species, where its natural behaviours can be observed safely.

Important Considerations

• Venom: Potent (Old World species) — medically significant

• Visibility: Moderate (often visible near retreat entrances)

• Experience Level: Intermediate to advanced

• Speed: Extremely fast

This species is best suited to keepers with experience managing arboreal Old World tarantulas.

Why Start With a Sling?

Starting with a sling allows you to:

• Watch its beautiful golden tones develop over time

• Observe its arboreal web-building behaviour from the beginning

• Gain experience with one of the hobby's rarer species

• Raise an impressive display specimen from its earliest stages

Ready to Add a Rare Arboreal Masterpiece to Your Collection?

The Golden Bat Eater Sling is perfect for collectors who appreciate rarity, elegance, and fascinating natural behaviour.

Secure yours today and experience one of Borneo's most captivating tarantulas as it grows into a truly remarkable adult.