Tlitocatl vagans

Another classic hobby species! An attractive spider that is large heavily bodied with velvet jet black colouration with dense long red setae (hair) on the abdomen making it a stunning display species. A very easy to keep species which needs more humid conditions then other related species like Mexican Red Knee (Brachypelma smithi). They need access to a water dish and a thick layer of slightly moistened substrate in its enclosure. Also supply the Spider with a hide but you may find it is just as happy to be out in the open. Having the widest distribution range among American tarantulas: from Mexico through Central America to Honduras, it inhabits different types of bio topes – from tropical rainforests to grasslands. Also in 1996 a population (about 100 specimens of different ages) was found in Citrus Avenue in Saint – Lucy County, Fort Pierce. Florida (Edwards et al. 1999).

There is a lot of confusion with this species because of several very close related and similar looking species that are named Red Rumps: B. sabulosum, B.angustum and B.epicureanum which all look similar. There is one unique taxonomical character described for this tarantula – existence of two different types of spermathecae (Smith 1994).

This species is often bred in captivity and produces a large number of spiderlings (500-800) which are good eaters and medium to fast growers. At the earlier stages of development young tarantulas often have a paler coloured carapace than adults. This really is a beautiful species and is an ideal spider for the novice keeper.