A Mexican Red Rump tarantula has a velvety black body with characteristic bright red hairs covering its abdomen. These spiders are covered in urticating setae, which are defensive barbed hairs. Adults typically reach a leg span of 12 to 15 centimeters, making them a medium-to-large species.
The lifespan of a Mexican Red Rump tarantula varies significantly by sex. Females have a very long lifespan, often living for 20 to 25 years in proper conditions. Males, in contrast, have a much shorter life, typically lasting only about 8 years after they reach maturity.
Mexican Red Rump tarantulas are not considered fatally dangerous to humans. While their venom is mild, a bite can be painful. Their primary defense involves flicking urticating hairs from their abdomen, which can cause significant skin and eye irritation. Always consult a medical professional after a bite.
In their natural habitat, Mexican Red Rump tarantulas are opportunistic predators with a varied diet. They primarily consume insects, but their diet also includes other small animals they can overpower, such as lizards and small rodents. They use their webbing to detect the movement of nearby prey.
An adult Mexican Red Rump tarantula typically reaches a diagonal leg span of 12 to 15 centimeters (approximately 5 to 6 inches). This classifies them as a medium-to-large-sized tarantula species, making their size a notable feature alongside their distinct coloration and velvety black body.
A female Mexican Red Rump tarantula typically lays between 100 and 300 eggs, which she encases within a protective silk egg sac. While this is the common range, some larger females have been observed to produce sacs containing as many as 500 eggs under optimal conditions.
The maturation time for a Mexican Red Rump tarantula depends on its sex. Males mature much more quickly, reaching sexual maturity at around 4 years of age. Females grow more slowly and take significantly longer to mature, typically reaching sexual maturity when they are about 7 years old.
Dr Richard J. Pearce (PhD) on June 21, 2022.
Spider Team
