Brachypelma vagans – also named the Mexican Red-Rump because of the deep red hairs that cover it’s abdomen – is a beautiful tarantula can be found primarily in the scrublands of Mexico and down south through Central America into Guatemala.
This species of tarantula is also now considered an establish non-native resident of Florida, USA having been found wild there in the 1990s.
This spider is a burrower, they like to dig underground, and this particular species is renowed for producing amazing burrows.
They are widely kept as pets and have no special needs beyond those of any other pet tarantula.
Brachypelma vagans Details
Scientific Name: Brachypelma vagans
Also Known As: Mexican Black Velvet
Range: Mexico, Belize, El Salvador and Guatemala. Non-native establish species in Florida. Typically found in deep burrows.
Size: 5″
Life span: Females approx 15 years, maturing in 1 to 2 years.
Housing: A good fit for a 2.5 to 5 gallon enclosure, with a secure mesh covering.
Substrate: 5 to 6 inches of peat moss, or potting soil. As a burrower these spiders like to dig in deep.
Decor: Logs, driftwood, cork bark, etc. make good hiding places. Moss can be added for floor cover.
Temperature: 70F – 80F This species prefers a temperature gradient, so your heating pad should only cover half of the tank to allow the spider to move between warmer and cooler ends of the tank.
Humidity: 75% (Med/High) provide a small water dish and deliver the occassional misting.
Growth: Fast
Diet: Insects such as crickets, grass-hoppers, beetles, moths, meal worms and cockroaches. A staple diet of crickets is the only food a Tarantula needs besides water.
All tarantulas that have at least a 3″ legspan, including our Brachypelma vagans may drink from a shallow, wide water dish.
Temperament: Docile, skitish, occassionally aggressive.
Notes: n/a
For a comprehensive guide to Brachypelma vagans – Mexican Red-Rump Tarantula care, visit:
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