Mexican redrump tarantula  (Brachypelma vagans)

Listed on Appendix II of CITES (1).

This species’ attractive appearance and usually docile nature make it one of the most popular pets for tarantula enthusiasts. The Mexican redrump tarantula is mainly black and can be distinguished from members of the same genus by the copper-coloured hair on the upper side of its body. With an impressive leg span of 13.5 centimetres, females tend to be larger than males and can be differentiated by the copper coloured hair on the hind legs (2).

This tarantula is native to Central America and has been found in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Costa Rica (3). More recently it has also been reported in central Florida (2).

The Mexican redrump tarantula, in contrast to many other tarantulas, tends to avoid forests and primarily lives in open areas, such as forest clearings and back gardens (4) (5). It has also been found in citrus groves (2).

The Mexican redrump tarantula is a fossorial species, living underground and digging complex burrows, which can have several chambers and be up to 45 centimetres deep (4) (5). The diameter of the burrow entrance usually reflects the body size of the inhabitant, so juvenile burrows are smaller than the burrow of fully grown adults (4).

This species produces large silken egg sacs, which may contain up to 300 eggs (4). The spiderlings initially stay with the female and eventually disperse after several weeks to build their own burrows (2). Mexican redrump tarantula males are mature at the age of seven to eight years, while females reach maturity after nine or ten years (4). This spider can reach an impressive age of 25 years in the wild (2).

The Mexican redrump tarantula is nocturnal, meaning it hunts during the night and rests during the day. Like all tarantulas, it is an active hunter, primarily feeding on insects and occasionally killing larger prey such as rodents (2).

Like other tarantulas of the genus Brachypelma, the Mexican redrump tarantula  is considered vulnerable to extinction due to collection for the pet trade, combined with destruction of its natural habitat and a high rate of mortality before individuals reach sexual maturity (4) (6).

To control and limit international trade in these spiders, the Mexican redrump tarantula, along with most other Brachypelma tarantulas, is included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which means that any international trade in this species should be carefully monitored. This should hopefully regulate the trade and prevent this species from becoming endangered (1) (6). In Mexico, permits are required to collect or remove any spider belonging to the Theraphosid family from the wild (7).

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

Learn more about tarantulas at:

• American Tarantula Society:
  http://www.atshq.org
• British Tarantula Society:
  http://www.thebts.co.uk