| Special Notices |
I keep this species simple and secure: a terrestrial setup with enough substrate to dig, a hide, good ventilation, and a moisture gradient that is not swampy or bone-dry. This species often appreciates a slightly deeper substrate area, especially as it grows.
For care, setup, feeding, and show-and-tell videos showing how we keep and feed our tarantulas, check out my channel here:
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| Care Details |
| 🌡️ Temperature |
75–85°F (24–29°C). Warmer temperatures usually mean faster growth because they molt more often. |
| 💧 Humidity |
Around 50–60% with a lightly moist corner for younger specimens. Keep good ventilation and avoid swampy or bone-dry substrate. Water dishes are optional; I usually skip them except for larger species. |
| 🏠 Housing |
| Babies |
1–4 oz deli cup with needle ventilation. FREE container at checkout IF requested; not included otherwise. |
| Juveniles |
Use a secure terrestrial enclosure about 2–3x the tarantula’s body size, with several inches of substrate, a hide, and ventilation. |
| Adults |
A floor-focused terrestrial enclosure works best, usually around 2–3x body size. Provide a hide, sturdy water dish if desired, and enough substrate for light digging or burrow shaping. |
| General Diet |
| 🍽️ Feeding |
Crickets + roaches work great, including Dubia, Red Runner, and Lobster roaches. Babies take baby crickets or baby roaches. If prey is too big, pre-kill by crushing the head, leave it, then remove leftovers or bolus. For super large specimens, a pinky/hopper mouse or feeder lizard can be offered very sparingly as an occasional treat; excess calcium can cause constipation/pooping issues. We never use pinhead crickets because they do not provide enough protein. |
| In-depth Facts |
| 🕷️ Latin name / Scientific name |
Tliltocatl vagans |
| 📛 Common name(s) |
Mexican Redrump Tarantula, Mexican Red Rump |
| 🌡️ Temperature |
75–85°F (24–29°C) |
| 💧 Humidity |
About 50–60%; keep a lightly moist corner for younger specimens and avoid extremes. |
| 📍 Locale |
Mexico, Central America, and nearby regions where established populations occur. |
| 🏷️ Category |
Terrestrial; opportunistic burrower; moderate webbing around the hide and burrow entrance. |
| 📏 Size |
Females commonly reach about 5–6 inches DLS; males are usually a bit smaller and leaner. |
| 🪶 Urticating hairs |
Yes. This New World species can kick urticating hairs when stressed. |
| ⏳ Growth rate |
Medium, with steady growth when kept warm and fed consistently. |
| 🧭 Life span |
Females can live around 15+ years; males typically live around 4–6 years. |
| 🍽️ Feeding |
Usually a reliable eater. Offer appropriately sized crickets or roaches, and remove leftovers after feeding. |
| 🎯 Recommended levels |
Anyone can own this species. It is hardy, beautiful, and rewarding, though it can be a little bold or hair-kicky, which makes it best appreciated as a display tarantula. |
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| Safety Disclaimer |
Safety Disclaimer: Tarantula bites are extremely rare, and there are no recorded human fatalities. Venom strength varies by species; Old World tarantulas are usually more potent than New World tarantulas, with Poecilotheria known for especially strong venom. Larger tarantulas may also deliver more venom.
If bitten, stay calm. Most symptoms fade within minutes to hours, though potent species may cause discomfort for up to a week. In 13 years, I’ve only been bitten once, and symptoms were gone after one week.
Handling is at your own risk. I’m not responsible for bites or injuries. Always prioritize your safety and the tarantula’s well-being. |
