Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Tliltocatl vagans

Common name: Mexican Redrump

Indigenous: Central America, Mexico

Habitat: savanna, scrubland

Temp/humidity: 70°-85°(21.1°-29.4°C) degrees/65%-80% humidity; I keep this species temperature at 80° (26.6°C) and the humidity at 65-70%. I wet one half side of the terrarium where the water dish is then allow it to dry out completely.

Enclosure: Use a spiderling vial that will allow at least three inches of substrate for burrowing and four inches as sub-adult-adult.

Substrate: I use three inches of substrate in vial and four inches in terrarium. (I use a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber and dirt for firmness, as the substrate).

Retreat/Hide: Place a bark for a starter burrow hide. This is an opportunistic burrower. When they reach three inches (7.62cm) , they stay out in the open more than in their hide, which make them a good display tarantula

Food Consumption: I first fed her fruit flies, than when she reached 1/2" (1.27cm) I introduced baby crickets. I give my Mexican Redrump (2) B. dubia roaches or seven (7) - adult crickets weekly. This species is an excellent eater.

Water Requirements: I keep a water dish in the tank. I have never seen mine drink.

Growth Rate: The growth rate of this species is medium. I purchased my girls as spiderlings of 1/4" (0.635cm) in size. After the first year she had grown to one and a half inch (3.81cm). With constant feeding and with temperatures in the low to mid 80's, they reached a size of three inches (7.62cm) within three years.

Adult Size: I read that they grow to six inches (15.24cm). After ten years my girls are a solid six inches (15.24cm)

Temperament: I own all of the Tliltocatl species that are on the market and this is the feistiest of them all. This tarantula has mood swings and will rear up at you. One day my girl is passive as can be, and another day she has an attitude. I guess no one told her that she is supposed to have a personality of a New World tarantula. It has never kicked hair at me.

Comments: This is a very attractive tarantula. The velvet black body with the ruby red hairs on the abdomen is a beautiful contrast. It is always in view and is hardy. You want go wrong in acquiring one. I LUV my VAGANS!

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