Tliltocatl vagans Care Sheet
Welcome to the world of Eight Legged Beauties, where we turn fuzzy fear into fascination! Today we’re spotlighting one of the hobby’s classic gems the Tliltocatl vagans, better known as the Mexican Red Rump Tarantula. Whether you’re new to the hobby or just expanding your collection, this species is hardy, beautiful, and full of personality.
Meet the Species
Scientific name: Tliltocatl vagans
Common name: Mexican Red Rump
Type: Terrestrial / burrower
Native to: Yucatán Peninsula, Belize, Guatemala, and even parts of Florida
Adult size: ~3” body, 6–6.5” leg span
Temperament: Usually calm but can flick hairs when annoyed
Lifespan: Females up to 25 years, males around 5–8
Experience level: Beginner–Intermediate
Fun Fact:
Those striking red hairs on their abdomen aren’t just for looks they’re part of their defense! When threatened, this tarantula can kick those hairs into the air to irritate predators (and you, if you’re too close!).
Setting Up Their Home
In the wild, T. vagans lives in dry scrublands and forest edges where it digs shallow burrows. To keep your red rump happy, we’ll mimic that natural setup.
Enclosure Tips
For spiderlings: Small acrylic enclosure or sling box, about 3× leg span.
For juveniles: Medium enclosure, 3–4× leg span wide.
For adults: Large terrarium or critter keeper, 3–5× leg span wide.
Orientation: Keep it wider than tall to prevent falls.
Security: Tight-fitting lid and plenty of ventilation holes (they’re sneaky climbers).
Substrate
Use a deep layer (about 2/3 of the enclosure) of:
Organic topsoil, my go to is BioDude Terra Aranea bioactive substrate
Keep it firm but diggable
For slings, keep one corner slightly damp; for adults, mostly dry with a moist retreat
Add a hide like cork bark, a fake plant, or half a flowerpot. A shallow water dish is a must even if they rarely use it.
Temperature & Humidity
Setting Ideal Range Tips
Temperature 68–76°F Room temp is usually fine. Avoid heat lamps or direct sunlight.
Humidity 60–70% Lightly moisten one corner of the substrate. Don’t overdo it!
Ventilation High Proper airflow prevents mold.
Pro Tip:
Keep the bottom layer slightly damp and the top layer dry it mimics how they’d burrow into cooler, moist soil in the wild.
Feeding Time
Spiderlings
Feed 2× per week
Pinhead crickets, fruit flies, or tiny roaches
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours
Juveniles
Feed every 7–10 days
2–3 small crickets or one medium roach
Adults
Feed every 2–3 weeks
4–5 large crickets or one adult Dubia roach
Tip:
A healthy tarantula’s abdomen should be roughly the same width as its carapace.
Too plump = overfed. Too thin = time for a snack.
After a molt, always wait until the fangs are black again before offering food.
(Usually 24–48 hrs for slings, up to a week or more for adults.)
Behavior & Temperament
T. vagans are generally calm but can be a bit hair-kicky when annoyed.
They prefer to burrow and hang out near their hide rather than explore so don’t be surprised if you don’t see them every day.
Spiderlings: Fast and skittish
Adults: More chill, good display tarantulas
Handling: Best kept minimal — admire, don’t cuddle
Observation tip:
Watch for new burrow construction or a blocked entrance it often means a molt is coming!
Common Challenges
Too damp: Mold and mites increase ventilation
Too dry: Dehydration or failed molts
Overfeeding: Lethargy or injury from bloated abdomen
Frequent handling: Stress and hair kicking
Final Thoughts
The Mexican Red Rump is a bold, beautiful, and easy-to-care-for tarantula that’s earned its spot in the hobby for good reason. With its deep black legs and that fiery red rump, it’s both elegant and feisty the perfect mix of beauty and attitude.
Give it space, keep it comfortable, and this spider will be part of your collection for decades to come.