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Barbados Whip Spider

Phrynus barbadensis

PhrynusPhrynidae

intermediate

Overview

A flat, fast, utterly harmless whip spider — no venom and no sting; the long antenniform front legs are sensory 'whips', not weapons. Extremely shy: it freezes or bolts when disturbed (often mistaken for tameness). Give it a vertical enclosure with cork bark to cling to, 72-80°F, and high humidity (70-90%) with strong ventilation — dehydration is the number-one killer. Often kept communally with enough vertical space and hides. A water dish and regular misting keep it hydrated.

Husbandry Requirements

Temperature & Humidity

Temperature

72-80°F

Humidity

70-90%

Enclosure Sizes

Adult:vertical enclosure with cork bark/flat hides

Substrate

Type:moist coco fiber; vertical cork bark for clinging; water dish; strong ventilation
Depth:2-3 inches

Feeding Schedule

Adult:1-2 prey per week

Prey size: crickets, roaches

Quick Stats

Type

arboreal

Adult Size

body ~1.5 in; wide legspan

Growth Rate

medium

Native Region

Caribbean, Central/South America

Temperament

extremely shy; freezes or flees

Behavior

Webbing
BurrowingNo
Water DishRequired

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