The Mexican red rump is the common name for the tarantula species Tliltocatl vagans (also known as Brachypelma vagans). The Yucatán Peninsula is part of its range in Mexico, although it is also present in Central America. They are ground-dwelling spiders. The moniker “red rump” refers to the animal’s prominent red hairs on its abdomen. They will ingest everything they can overpower, which is typically insects but can also include small lizards and rodents, like the majority of tarantulas. Males tend to be smaller and thinner than females, and they can reach a maximum leg span of 6.5 inches. They favor environments in shrubland.
Although their numbers have been declining since many T. vagans eat insects poisoned by pesticides, it is believed that the species was accidentally or purposefully released from specimens imported through the pet trade. It is currently recognised as an established non-native species in that state.
Feeding
Depending on the size of the spider and its prey, adults feed every 6 to 14 days. Every 5 to 10 days, spiderlings should eat more often. Adults may be fed roaches, crickets, or mealworms. Under.75″ spiderlings can only eat stuff that they can easily overwhelm. This includes newly hatched “pinhead” rusty red roaches, flightless fruit flies, and pinhead crickets.
What kind of spider is a Mexican Red Rump Tarantula?
The primary color of this species is black, and it has long red hairs covering its belly. They have a 7cm (3 inch) body length and a 10–13 cm leg span (4-5 inches). This placid but occasionally wary spider makes a great first pet. If touched, exercise caution because they have a tendency to flip hair.
It is ideal to schedule Red Rumps breeding for about a month after the female molts. The reproductive material provided by the male will be lost if a molt occurs after mating before eggs can be laid. Prior to the pairing, the female should also receive a good meal. If everything goes well, the female will eventually create an egg sac that needs to be removed four weeks later for incubation.
From where do Mexican Red Rump Tarantulas originate?
Found in damp parts of southern Mexico up to Honduras, often in burrows or under logs.
Lifespan
Males have an average lifespan of 8 years and sexual maturation occurs at roughly 4 years. Females have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years and mature sexually after around 7 years.
Keeping as Pet
How should a Mexican Red Rump Tarantula be cared for?
To enable the Tarantula to dig, provide a deep substrate of 2-4 inches of potting soil, coconut fiber, or vermiculite. Offer covers in the form of reptile hides, cork bark, or flower pots. For this species, a temperature of 25–27C (73–80F) and a high humidity of 65-75% are ideal. Eat a variety of insects, including crickets, locusts, mealworms, and in the case of certain adults, mouse pinkies. A small water dish can be put within the enclosure if the spider has legs that are 3 inches or longer.
