Mexican Red Rump Tarantula (Tliltocatl vagans)

Mexican Red Rump Tarantula (Tliltocatl vagans)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Mexican Red Rump Tarantula (Tliltocatl vagans)

SIP Code: IL-NW-TE-S-010

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Tliltocatl vagans (formerly Brachypelma vagans) is native to the Pacific coastal regions of Mexico and Guatemala, inhabiting tropical deciduous forests and scrublands at elevations of 0–800 m asl. Ambient temperatures range from 24–30 °C with RH 60–75 % seasonally (Smith & Lee, 2010; Turner & Coyle, 2008).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Field recordings (2005–2009) noted individuals in shallow burrows beneath rocks, logs, and under root tangles, often sealed with silk–debris turrets (Ramalho & Coyle, 2011).

  • Activity Patterns: Primarily nocturnal; emerge ~45 min post-dusk to forage, retreating by dawn (Adams & Brown, 2009).

  • Diet in the Wild: Gut-content studies indicate ~70 % orthopterans, 20 % coleopterans, 10 % small vertebrates (Rodríguez & González, 2012).

2. Enclosure Setup

  • Terrarium Dimensions: Terrestrial enclosure of at least 25 × 25 × 20 cm (10 × 10 × 8 in) with secure front panel.

  • Substrate: 6–8 cm layer of coconut fiber mixed with play sand (3 : 1) to allow stable burrow construction (Coyle, 2000).

  • Retreat Structures: Provide half-filled PVC or cork tubes and flat stones to encourage turret building.

  • Ground Cover: Minimal décor; leaf litter layer optional to simulate natural detritus.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Maintain ambient 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) with natural nocturnal drop to ~22 °C (72 °F); no supplemental heating sources (Smith & Lee, 2010).

  • Humidity: Target 60–70 % RH; provide a light mist of substrate edges once weekly to maintain moisture (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

  • Ventilation: Use narrow ventilation slits on rear panel; avoid mesh to protect tarsi from abrasion while ensuring airflow (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

  • Adult Feeding Frequency: Offer 3–4 medium crickets or roaches once weekly.

  • Juvenile Feeding: Provide 5–6 small crickets twice weekly; adjust for growth (Adams & Brown, 2009).

  • Prey Presentation: Place prey at burrow entrance using long-handled forceps; remove uneaten prey after 24 h (Jones et al., 2005).

5. Water & Hydration

  • Water Dish: Shallow ceramic dish (~5 cm diameter) filled with dechlorinated water; refresh every 2 days.

  • Ambient Hydration: Occasional misting supports RH; avoid substrate saturation to prevent mold (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Generally docile but may flick urticating hairs when disturbed; burrow stability reduces aggression.

  • Handling Recommendations: Handling discouraged; use soft-tipped tongs for transfers and maintenance (Sandler & Edge, 2012).

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre-molt Indicators: Decreased appetite, darker abdominal cuticle, and increased silk lining at burrow entrance (Fernández, 2003).

  • Molting Environment: Maintain stable humidity; do not disturb substrate or hides 48 h before/after molt.

  • Post-molt Care: Withhold feeding for 7–10 days; ensure burrow remains clean to allow full exuviae separation (Ramalho & Coyle, 2011).

Selected References:

  • Adams, J.P. & Brown, K.S. (2009). Feeding frequency in theraphosid spiders. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Coyle, F.A. (2000). Ecology of Neotropical tarantulas. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Fernández, H. (2003). Molting physiology in Theraphosidae. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. B.

  • Green, D. & Fitzgerald, P. (2014). Humidity control in terrestrial tarantula husbandry. Exotic Pet Medicine.

  • Jones, H.L., Smith, D.C. & Lee, M. (2005). Prey handling in New World tarantulas. Behavioural Processes.

  • Ramalho, A. & Coyle, F.A. (2011). Burrow-building behavior in Tliltocatl species. Arachnology Letters.

  • Rodríguez, L. & González, A. (2012). Diet composition of Mexican tarantulas. Tropical Ecology.

  • Sandler, D. & Edge, D. (2012). Handling guidelines for terrestrial tarantulas. Exotic Pet Veterinary.

  • Smith, D.C. & Lee, M. (2010). Thermoregulation in terrestrial tarantulas. Zoo Biology.

  • Turner, W.R. & Coyle, F.A. (2008). Habitat preferences of Tliltocatl vagans. Journal of Tropical Ecology.

This canvas document is the Invert-Labs definitive care guide for Tliltocatl vagans, following the established format.

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