Mexican Red Rump Tarantula

Tliltocatl vagans Care Guide

The Mexican Red Rump Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Tliltocatl vagans, commonly known as the Mexican Red Rump Tarantula, is a popular New World terrestrial species native primarily to the Yucatán Peninsula and surrounding regions (including parts of Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, and northeastern Costa Rica). Also introduced into parts of Florida, this opportunistic burrower is renowned for its deep black velvet body accented by vivid red setae on the abdomen. Although generally docile as an adult, it can be defensive, quickly kicking its Type I and III urticating hairs when disturbed. Its moderate growth rate and long lifespan make it an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate keepers.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Tliltocatl vagans (formerly Brachypelma vagans)

• Common Name: Mexican Red Rump Tarantula

• Type: Terrestrial

• Category: New World

• Endemic Location: Yucatán Peninsula (Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica), also in Belize; introduced in parts of Florida

• Body Length: Approximately 3” (8 cm)

• Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): Approximately 6.5” (16.5 cm)

• Urticating Hairs: Yes, Types I & III

• Growth Rate: Medium

• Life Expectancy:

  • Females: Up to 25 years

  • Males: Around 5–8 years

• Recommended Experience Level: Beginner

Taxonomy & Research Update

Tliltocatl vagans has been imported and sold under various common names such as Mexican Red Rump, Central American, Guatemalan, or Mexican Black Velvet Tarantula. Its native range centers on the Yucatán Peninsula, although populations have been documented in adjacent regions and introduced areas. The species is an opportunistic burrower found in dry scrublands, and its adaptability to captivity has contributed to its widespread popularity. Although there is some variability in appearance among populations, all are managed with similar care practices.

What Makes Tliltocatl vagans So Special?

The Mexican Red Rump Tarantula is admired for its dramatic color contrast, a deep, velvety black body highlighted by bright red setae on the abdomen. Males tend to be more slender with longer legs, while females are stockier. Its calm temperament as an adult, combined with its hardy nature, makes it a reliable species for new keepers, despite its tendency to become defensive if disturbed.

Natural Habitat & Enclosure Considerations

In the wild, T. vagans inhabits dry scrublands and forest edges in the Yucatán Peninsula, where it creates opportunistic burrows in well‑draining soil. In captivity, it is crucial to replicate these conditions by providing a deep, well‑draining substrate that supports natural burrowing while minimizing the risk of falls. Additionally, enclosures should be sized appropriately, generally no smaller than three times the tarantula’s leg span, to prevent escape and injury.

Housing & Substrate – Terrestrial Setup

Spiderlings

• Enclosure Size: Use a small acrylic enclosure (e.g., Sling Crib, 3" Tarantula Cube, Small Slider Crib, Small Cuboid, Terrestrial Sling Crib, Slider Crib Mini, or Cuboid Mini) that is no smaller than three times the tarantula’s leg span.

• Substrate: Fill at least 2/3rds of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Humidity: Maintain a slightly damp substrate (but not swampy) by offering a small water dish or gently dripping water on one corner about once a week.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size: Use a medium enclosure (e.g., Medium Slider Crib, 6" Tarantula Cube, 8" Tarantula Cube, or Medium Cuboid) that is at least 3–4× the tarantula’s leg span.

• Substrate: Fill the enclosure 1/2 to 2/3 full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude. This depth allows sufficient burrowing while minimizing the risk of injury from falls.

• Humidity: Keep the substrate mostly dry with a full water dish; occasionally overflow one corner to create a slightly damp area.

• Additional Features: Provide a half cork bark round for a secure hide and a shallow water dish.

Adults

• Enclosure Size: Use a large enclosure (e.g., Large Slider Crib, 12" Cube Switch, 12" Cube, 18" Cube, or Terrestrial XL) that is at least 3× the tarantula’s leg span (ideally 4–5× for enhanced natural behavior, while considering escape risks).

• Substrate: Fill the enclosure 1/2 to 2/3 full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude to provide ample depth for burrowing while reducing fall distance.

• Additional Features: Include a secure hide (preferably a half cork bark round), a shallow water dish, and decorations that are not sharp or heavy. Ensure the enclosure is a horizontal rectangle (wider than it is deep) with secure ventilation and a tight, secure lid to prevent escapes.

Note:
The general rule of thumb for tarantula enclosures is that the enclosure should be no smaller than three times the tarantula’s leg span for spiderlings, 3–4× for juveniles, and 3–5× for adults. This ensures sufficient space for natural burrowing while minimizing fall risk. Remember, tarantulas are escape artists, so always verify that ventilation holes, lids, and gaps are too small for your tarantula to squeeze through.

Affiliate: Please use Tarantula Cribs (affiliate code TTC10) and Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for substrate.

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: Maintain ambient temperatures between 68°F and 76°F (20°C to 24°C).

• Humidity: Aim for moderate humidity. Ensure that the substrate remains moist in the lower layers to support effective burrowing while allowing the top layers to dry between waterings to prevent mold growth.

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings

• Frequency:
  Feed twice a week.

• Prey:
  Offer small prey such as flightless fruit flies, confused flour beetles, or pre-killed tiny crickets/roach nymphs. Remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours. increase the size of the prey as the spider grows. Prekill any prey that is over 2/3 the size of the sling. For more detailed information on feeding spiderlings, watch this video: How To Feed Spiderlings & Scorplings (Baby Tarantulas & Scorpions)

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 24–48 hours after a molt before feeding. Ensure that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is not soft or shiny.

Juveniles

• Frequency:
  Feed every 7–10 days.

• Prey:
  Provide 2–3 small to medium crickets or a medium Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the widest part of the carapace, feed more prey more often.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, feed less prey, less often.
    This strategy helps prevent obesity, which can lead to molting complications or increase the risk of an abdomen rupture from even a small fall.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 3–7 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Adults

• Frequency:
  Feed every 2–3 weeks (or as needed).

• Prey:
  Offer 4–5 large crickets or one large Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the carapace’s widest part, increase feeding frequency.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, reduce feeding frequency.
    This is crucial to avoid obesity, which can interfere with proper molting or cause dangerous issues such as an abdomen rupture.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 5–10 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Behavior & Temperament

Tliltocatl vagans is celebrated for its dramatic appearance—a deep, velvety black body accented by bright red setae on the abdomen. As an opportunistic burrower, it generally remains close to its burrow, though spiderlings and juveniles are quick to retreat when disturbed. Mature specimens are typically docile and make excellent display animals. However, they can become defensive when provoked, quickly kicking their urticating hairs and bolting to safety. Their reliable temperament and ease of care have made them a favorite among beginner to intermediate keepers.

Breeding Tliltocatl vagans in Captivity

Breeding Tliltocatl vagans, commonly known as the Mexican Red Rump Tarantula, is a rewarding endeavor for enthusiasts. Native to the Yucatán Peninsula and surrounding regions, this species is admired for its striking black body and vibrant red abdomen setae.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Male Maturity: Males typically reach maturity within 2–3 years, developing longer legs and bulbous pedipalps for sperm transfer.

• Female Maturity: Females generally mature around 3–4 years, achieving a robust size indicative of reproductive readiness.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: We should ensure the female is well-fed before introducing the male to minimize the risk of cannibalism. Slightly increasing humidity prior to pairing may encourage receptiveness.

Mating Process

• Introduce the male into the female’s enclosure during the evening or nighttime when tarantulas are more active.

• The male will typically perform courtship behaviors, such as tapping or drumming, to signal his presence.

• If receptive, the female may respond similarly or remain still, allowing the male to approach and attempt copulation.

• After successful mating, promptly remove the male to prevent potential aggression from the female.

Egg Sac Production

• If fertilized, the female may produce an egg sac approximately 4–8 weeks after mating.

• Maintain temperatures around 75–80°F (24–27°C) with humidity levels between 65–75%, ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth.

• An egg sac can contain a substantial number of eggs, with reports indicating clutches ranging from 300 to 500 eggs.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

• Some breeders choose to remove the egg sac from the female after 30–40 days for artificial incubation.

• If left with the mother, spiderlings (slings) will typically emerge within 6–8 weeks and undergo their first molt to the second instar stage within 3–4 weeks thereafter.

Raising Spiderlings

• T. vagans spiderlings exhibit a moderate growth rate and require stable humidity with proper ventilation.

• Provide enclosures with sufficient depth to accommodate their burrowing nature, along with proper hiding spots.

• Feed them appropriately sized prey, such as pinhead crickets or flightless fruit flies, every 2–3 days to support healthy development.

Challenges & Considerations

• Temperament: T. vagans is known for its generally docile nature, though individual temperaments can vary. Caution is advised during maintenance to prevent escapes or accidental injury.

• Humidity and Ventilation: Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial, as spiderlings are particularly susceptible to desiccation. Ensure enclosures are well-ventilated to prevent mold growth.

• Urticating Hairs: T. vagans possesses urticating hairs, which can cause irritation. Handling should be minimized to reduce stress and potential exposure to these hairs.

With their striking appearance and manageable care requirements, Tliltocatl vagans has become a popular species among tarantula enthusiasts. Their moderate growth rate and relatively high reproductive output make captive breeding essential to maintain healthy populations in the hobby. By focusing on these efforts, we can reduce the need for wild-caught specimens, ensuring the sustainability of this remarkable species for future generations.

Final Thoughts

Tliltocatl vagans (Mexican Red Rump Tarantula) is a time‑honored species in the tarantula hobby. Its striking coloration, robust build, and long lifespan make it an excellent choice for keepers at the beginner to intermediate level. With proper husbandry, including an enclosure with substrate filled 1/2 to 2/3 full (to provide ample burrowing depth while minimizing fall risk), controlled temperature and humidity, and a balanced feeding routine adjusted based on abdomen size, you can ensure your tarantula remains healthy and vibrant for many years.

Additional Recommendations:
For enclosures, consider Tarantula Cribs with the affiliate code TTC10 for a 10% discount, and use Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for substrate. For tarantula supplies, check out Spider Shoppe (use code TTC10 for 10% off), and visit the Dealer & Discounts section on my website for a curated list of recommended dealers and discount codes.

Additional Scientific Information

• Ecological Adaptations:
  In its native dry scrublands of the Yucatán Peninsula, T. vagans creates opportunistic burrows in well-draining soil. This behavior helps it avoid extreme heat and conserve moisture. Replicating these conditions in captivity with an appropriately deep substrate is crucial for its health and safety.

• Sensory & Behavioral Adaptations:
  Like many New World tarantulas, T. vagans relies on chemotactile setae to detect vibrations and chemical cues in its environment. Although its vision is limited, this sensory adaptation allows it to respond quickly to potential threats. Its defensive behavior—rapidly kicking its urticating hairs—is a key survival mechanism, emphasizing the importance of secure enclosure design.

• Feeding & Health Management:
  Preventing obesity is critical to avoiding molting complications or even an abdomen rupture from minor falls. Monitoring the tarantula’s abdomen relative to its carapace is essential: if the abdomen is thinner than the widest part of the carapace, more frequent feeding is indicated; if wider, feed less often. Always ensure feeding occurs only after the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened (Spiderlings: 24–48 hours; Juveniles: 3–7 days; Adults: 5–10 days post-molt).

• Etymology & Genus Relevance:
  The genus name Tliltocatl is derived from the Nahuatl language and is often interpreted as meaning "black spider," reflecting the typically dark coloration of these tarantulas. The species epithet vagans means "wandering," which is fitting given its natural behavior of occasionally roaming beyond its burrow. Together, the name underscores both the evolutionary heritage and the behavioral tendencies of this species.

(For further reading, consult recent publications in the Journal of Arachnology and ZooKeys for detailed taxonomic and ecological insights on New World Theraphosidae.)