Home / Tarantulas / Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula (Brachypelma albiceps)

Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula (Brachypelma albiceps)

Meet the Mexican golden red rump tarantula! This colorful spider is a star in the tarantulas family and loves calling Mexico its home. We’ve put together some cool facts about this golden wonder for you to read.

Scientific Classification

Brachypelma Albiceps

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: A substantial body length of about 12.5 cm.

Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula Size

  • Color: The carapace varies greatly, ranging from sandy grey to rose to yellow, while the abdomen is dark and covered with reddish setae.
  • Other Characteristic Features: The first two pairs of this spider’s legs are lighter than the last two.

Eggs

After two months of mating, female spiders lay cocoons of webbing containing 500-900 eggs.

Spiderlings

Once 8-10 weeks pass, the spiderlings emerge from the eggs.

Mexican Golden Red Rump Spiderling

The Web

They do not construct webs as they are ambush predators.

Are Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Mexican Golden Red Rump tarantulas have venom. They use it mainly to snag their favorite bugs. For humans, it’s usually not a big deal.

Can Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantulas Bite?

They sure can! While they’re generally calm creatures, they might give a bite if they’re startled or surprised. But often, they’re happy just showing off their shiny colors.

Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula

The Mexican golden red rump tarantula is a key predator in its habitat, helping control populations of insects and other small creatures. Their hunting method, which involves patiently waiting for prey before striking, is a fascinating behavior that benefits the ecological balance.

Natural Predators: While they are top invertebrate predators, these tarantulas are not at the top of the food chain. They fall prey to larger animals, such as birds, mammals, and reptiles, which keeps their population in check.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: By consuming insects and other arthropods, the Mexican golden red rump tarantula assists in pest control, which can benefit agricultural activities and reduce the spread of disease.

Relationship with Humans: Humans and Mexican golden red rump tarantulas have a relatively neutral relationship. While their venom is not highly toxic to humans, it is essential to handle them with care. They are sometimes kept as pets by enthusiasts who admire their striking appearance.

Brachypelma Albiceps Picture

Quick Facts

Other namesAmula red rump tarantula
LifespanMales: 5 years, Females: 15-20 years
DistributionMexico, especially Guerrero and south of Morelos
HabitatHighlands
DietBeetles, cockroaches, crickets, and grasshoppers

Did You Know

  • British zoologist Reginald Innes Pocock F.R.S. first described this tarantula in 1903.

Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula Image

In summary, the Mexican golden red rump tarantula is an enthralling creature that plays a significant ecological role in its natural highland environment.

Meet the Mexican golden red rump tarantula! This colorful spider is a star in the tarantulas family and loves calling Mexico its home. We’ve put together some cool facts about this golden wonder for you to read.

Brachypelma Albiceps

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: A substantial body length of about 12.5 cm.

Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula Size

  • Color: The carapace varies greatly, ranging from sandy grey to rose to yellow, while the abdomen is dark and covered with reddish setae.
  • Other Characteristic Features: The first two pairs of this spider’s legs are lighter than the last two.

Eggs

After two months of mating, female spiders lay cocoons of webbing containing 500-900 eggs.

Spiderlings

Once 8-10 weeks pass, the spiderlings emerge from the eggs.

Mexican Golden Red Rump Spiderling

The Web

They do not construct webs as they are ambush predators.

Are Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Mexican Golden Red Rump tarantulas have venom. They use it mainly to snag their favorite bugs. For humans, it’s usually not a big deal.

Can Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantulas Bite?

They sure can! While they’re generally calm creatures, they might give a bite if they’re startled or surprised. But often, they’re happy just showing off their shiny colors.

Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula

The Mexican golden red rump tarantula is a key predator in its habitat, helping control populations of insects and other small creatures. Their hunting method, which involves patiently waiting for prey before striking, is a fascinating behavior that benefits the ecological balance.

Natural Predators: While they are top invertebrate predators, these tarantulas are not at the top of the food chain. They fall prey to larger animals, such as birds, mammals, and reptiles, which keeps their population in check.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: By consuming insects and other arthropods, the Mexican golden red rump tarantula assists in pest control, which can benefit agricultural activities and reduce the spread of disease.

Relationship with Humans: Humans and Mexican golden red rump tarantulas have a relatively neutral relationship. While their venom is not highly toxic to humans, it is essential to handle them with care. They are sometimes kept as pets by enthusiasts who admire their striking appearance.

Brachypelma Albiceps Picture

Quick Facts

Other namesAmula red rump tarantula
LifespanMales: 5 years, Females: 15-20 years
DistributionMexico, especially Guerrero and south of Morelos
HabitatHighlands
DietBeetles, cockroaches, crickets, and grasshoppers

Did You Know

  • British zoologist Reginald Innes Pocock F.R.S. first described this tarantula in 1903.

Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula Image

In summary, the Mexican golden red rump tarantula is an enthralling creature that plays a significant ecological role in its natural highland environment.