The Mexican Red Rump Tarantula is a highly sought-after type of tarantula kept as a pet.
These spiders are highly intelligent and relatively low-maintenance animals, and with the right care, they can make a great addition to any home.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with all of the information you need to keep Tliltocatl vagans healthy and active.
Read on for everything you need to know about caring for your new eight-legged friend!
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Mexican Red Rump Tarantula |
| Family Name | Theraphosidae |
| Scientific Name | Tliltocatl vagans (synonym Brachypelma vagans) |
| Use | Pets |
| Temperament | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan | Males: 4-5 years / Females: 18-20 years |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Adult Size | 6.5 inches |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Minimum Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| pH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Temperature | 78 - 87°F |
What Are Mexican Red Rump Tarantulas?
Mexican Red Rump Tarantulas, also known scientifically as Tliltocatl vagans or Brachypelma vagans, are a species of large and docile spiders from the family Theraphosidae.
The spiders are distinguished by their dark coloration and red highlights on their back legs, hence their common name.
They are an excellent option for a pet spider and are actually quite friendly, often interacting with their owners on their own terms.
With proper care, these tarantulas can live for many years in captivity.
What Do Mexican Red Rump Tarantulas Look Like?
Tliltocatl vagans are medium arachnids with an attractive orange-brown color.
They are one of the most popular species of tarantula in the pet trade due to their gentle disposition and stunning colors.
The females reach 6.5 inches in size, while the males are slightly smaller at 5-6 inches.
Mexican Red Rump Tarantulas have a typical arachnid anatomy, with four pairs of legs, two body sections, and a pair of large chelicerae (fangs).
They also have eight eyes that are arranged in two rows of four.
Additionally, their red rump feature gives them their name, as their abdomen is a darker red than the rest of their body.
Benefits Of Using Mexican Red Rump Tarantulas
Tliltocatl vagans make fantastic additions to vivariums, as they can help to both liven up the decor and provide interesting visual stimulation.
Unlike other varieties of tarantulas, Mexican Red Rumps generally have very docile tendencies, which makes them ideal for enclosures as they won’t be uncomfortable if their space is shared with other creatures.
Thanks to their long-legged appearance and stunning natural colorations, these tarantulas make attractive inhabitants to house.
Mexican Red Rump Tarantula Facts
Mexican Red Rump Tarantulas are a species of ground-dwelling spider native to Central America.
They have a gentle temperament, and their small size makes them an excellent choice for beginner arachnid keepers.
Their natural diet consists of live insects; when properly cared for, they can live for several years.
Breeding is possible, although it can be challenging due to the spider’s size and their need for careful environmental control.
Habitat
Tliltocatl vagans is a species of tarantula native to Mexico and other parts of Central America.
They live in warm, dry climates such as pine forests, desert regions, dry scrubland, and even in urban areas like cities.
Mexican red rump tarantulas are typically found in burrows or under rocks and logs.
They also tend to congregate in areas with sandy or gravelly soils.
Mexican red rump tarantulas are fossorial (borrowers), so over time they can build intricate systems of tunnels in the ground.
Diet
In the wild, Tliltocatl vagans can be found dining on a wide variety of prey.
This includes insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and cockroaches, as well as other small creatures like lizards and frogs.
They will also occasionally feed on carrion (dead animals) and even small mammals if they can find them.
Mexican Red Rump Tarantulas are relentless in pursuit of their meals, allowing them to successfully hunt large prey items like birds.
When it comes to getting their energy, the tarantulas prefer to munch on protein-rich food first and foremost.
This helps them to stay healthy and grow to their fullest size potential.
They have also been known to consume small amounts of vegetation from time to time, although it is not their preferred food source.
Temperament
Tliltocatl vagans is a fairly docile species of spider, so they don’t typically respond aggressively to humans.
These spiders are relatively calm and can make great pets for those who take an interest in them.
However, it’s still wise to respect their boundaries and remind yourself that these spiders are wild animals, no matter how “tame” they might seem.
It’s also good to note that these spiders are solitary animals, so they should be kept separate from each other and other animals such as cats or dogs.
These spiders aren’t generally curious about other animal species, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution and keep them away from other pets in your home.
Lifespan
Mexican Red Rump Tarantulas’ life expectancy depends largely on the species’ sex and can range anywhere from five to twenty years.
Males will typically live for around 4 to 5 years and females will live for 18 to 20 years. It isn’t uncommon for females to even live for as long as 40 years.
Generally, they will follow a typical cycle of growth and molting. This can take longer during colder months and be accelerated during warmer months.
Each molt will leave the tarantula larger and more mature until they eventually reach maturity.
As you can tell, Tliltocatl vagans have quite an intricate and varied life cycle.
Breeding
One of the fascinating behaviors of Mexican Red Rump Tarantulas is their mating ritual.
Males use dance to attract a female before engaging in courtship behaviors, like drumming their feet and waving their pedipalps.
The male will then attempt to mate with the female and, if successful, will deposit his sperm in a web near her oviduct.
Once fertilized, the female will lay her eggs in a sac of silk and remain close to ensure they are safe and well-supplied with food.
While the mating rituals of T. vagans are quite complex, practicing proper breeding and mating care is key to having successful and healthy spiderlings.
Keeping the right temperature and humidity levels, as well as providing a secure and safe home, is essential for successful breeding.
Where To Find Mexican Red Rump Tarantulas
Finding a Mexican Red Rump Tarantula for sale can be quite a challenge, depending on where you are in the world.
Though they are native to parts of Central America, they can be found in the pet trade in Europe, Australia, and the United States.
It’s best to purchase your tarantula from a reputable dealer, where you’ll be able to ensure that you’re getting a healthy and well-cared-for specimen.
If you would prefer to find a wild tarantula, they are found in tropical forests and humid caves in Central America.
However, wild-caught specimens can carry diseases and parasites, so if you choose to go this route, make sure that you exercise proper caution and only handle your spider with protective clothing.
Additionally, make sure to consult with local authorities where you plan on searching, as some species may be protected, and collecting them may be prohibited.
Mexican Red Rump Tarantula Care
Caring for Tliltocatl vagans requires creating a comfortable habitat, providing the correct terrarium substrate, temperature, and humidity levels, and sticking to a feeding schedule.
It’s vital to handle them carefully, provide regular vet checkups, and address any potential health issues that may arise.
When given the right care, they can live long, content lives.
Tank Requirements
The best type of vivarium for Mexican Red Rump Tarantulas should be large enough to provide plenty of space for your pet.
A 10-gallon terrarium with a lid makes a great tank for these tarantulas.
The optimal pH levels for Tliltocatl vagans range from 6.5 – 7.5, and the hardness should be between 2-8.
The temperature should be between 78-87ºF, and the humidity level should stay between 50-90%.
Additionally, the substrate should be coconut coir, peat moss, vermiculite, or a combination of the three.
Lastly, the terrarium lighting requirements depend on the setup, but for most enclosures, low-wattage fluorescent lights or LED lights will work best.
What Do Mexican Red Rump Tarantulas Eat?
Feeding Tliltocatl vagans correctly is essential to its health and well-being.
These spiders primarily feed on roaches, crickets, and other small insects.
You should aim to provide them with two to three meals per week, although you may need to increase or decrease this depending on their size and individual needs.
In addition, you should avoid feeder insects that have been exposed to pesticides, as these can be harmful to your spider.
Here is a list of popular foods that you can feed to the Mexican Red Rump Tarantula:
• Roaches
• Crickets
• Mealworms
• Superworms
• Phoenix Worms
• Silkworms
• Fruit Flies
• Wax Worms
If you’re looking for a more detailed approach to feeding these arachnids, be sure to check out my ultimate DIY tarantula food guide. I give a more in-depth explanation of the best foods and my favorite recipe.
Best Tankmates For Mexican Red Rump Tarantulas
It’s important to remember that any potential tankmate should be smaller than your tarantula.
Animals should not be housed in the same enclosure as a Mexican Red Rump Tarantula if they are thought to be a potential food source.
Additionally, choosing tankmates for your tarantula that have similar beneficial qualities can be beneficial.
For instance, mealworms and superworms, small millipedes, and some species of land snails are all known to help keep an enclosure clean by consuming leftover food and waste.
Allowing these animals to cohabitate with Tliltocatl vagans will ensure a healthy, clean environment for your pet.
Conclusion
Caring for a Mexican Red Rump Tarantula can be a rewarding experience.
With proper housing, diet, and maintenance, it’s possible to provide your new buddy with a comfortable and safe environment.
While these spiders can make excellent pets, it’s a good habit to remember to treat them with respect and caution.
With the tips and advice from this guide, you should be well prepared to give Tliltocatl vagans the best possible care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Mexican Red Rump tarantulas can be handled, but it’s generally recommended to avoid handling them as they can be skittish and may bite or flick urticating hairs as a defense mechanism.
Yes, Mexican Red Rump tarantulas are often considered suitable for beginner tarantula keepers due to their hardiness, ease of care, and relatively docile nature compared to some other tarantula species.
Mexican Red Rump tarantulas typically have a leg span of around 4 to 5 inches when fully grown, although some individuals can reach sizes of up to 7 inches (18 centimeters) or more.