Contributed by Insectary and Outreach Program Director, Jeni Ruisch
Tliltocatl vagans, formerly known as Brachypelma vagans, commonly known as Mexican Red Rump
Habitat/Range: Shrublands in the Yucatan Peninsula. These spiders are the most tropical in the genus Tlitocatl.
Diet: Small arthropods such as crickets, cockroaches, other spiders. Occasionally small reptiles or rodents.
Lifespan: Males live two to five years, while females can live as long as 20 years. There are anecdotal reports of some females living into their 40s.
Fun Facts: These tarantulas are commonly kept in the pet trade. Though the entire Tliltocatl and Brachypelma genus’ are known to be docile, vagans has a reputation for having a bit of an attitude. Like most tarantulas, they are very unlikely to bite. These guys and gals have what are called urticating hairs. These are special hairs on their abdomen that easily detach and embed in the mucus membranes of potential predators, almost like tiny porcupine quills.
