Mexican Golden Red Rump

GEO-LOCATION

Central Highlands of Mexico.

HABITAT

Scrubland to desert habitat.

CHARACTERISTICS

a) Common Name

Mexican Golden Red Rump.

b) Type

Terrestrial.

c) Temperament

Docile.

d) Colouration

Strikingly red hairs cover the abdomen, and the rest of the tarantula is covered in black hairs except for the carapace, which has golden hairs.

e) Growth

Slow.

f) Full Grown Size

13cm – 16cm (5 - 5.5 inches).

g) Lifespan

Females: 20+ years. Males generally live to about 5 years and up to 12 months after their last moult.

KEEPING THIS SPIDER IN CAPTIVITY

a) Cage setup

Spiderlings can live in a clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 1ft (10-gallon) tank. Floor space is more important than height.

b) Substrate

At least 5 - 7.5cm (2 - 3 inches) of peat.

c) Decor

No decorations are really needed, but you can add plastic plants, rocks and driftwood.

d) Temperature

24 – 32°C (75 - 90°F)

e) Humidity

75 to 80%

f) Water source

Sub-adults – adults may drink from a shallow, wide water dish.

g) Feeding

Spiderlings can be fed on pinhead crickets and other small insects. Adults can be fed on large crickets and other large insects, as well as an occasional pinkie mouse.