Mexican golden red rump tarantula

Mexican golden red rump tarantula
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Arachnida
Order:	Araneae
Suborder:	Mygalomorphae
Family:	Theraphosidae
Genus:	Brachypelma
Species:	B. albiceps
Binomial name
Brachypelma albiceps Pocock, 1903
Synonyms
Brachypelma ruhnaui Eurypelma pallidum Aphonopelma albiceps

The Mexican golden red rump tarantula, Brachypelma albiceps, is an arachnid, of the genus Brachypelma. The carapace is a light golden color with black legs and a black abdomen covered with red hairs. Females typically live for about 15 years (up to 20). Males usually live about 5 years or up to 12 months after the last molt.^[1][2]

Habitat

Brachypelma albiceps (formerly Brachypelma ruhnaui) is endemic to the highlands of central Mexico, especially in and near Morelos. In the wild they build long underground burrows, or inhabit nests abandoned by rodents or other animals. They are most active at night and dusk.^[1]

Food

A tarantula diet typically includes crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, moths, mealworms, cockroaches and pinky mice. In captivity, gut-loading crickets with greens and vegetables before feeding them to the tarantula is recommended. The crickets provide better nutrition for the spider and are better hydrated. Weekly feeding is recommended. Live food is typically required, as dead food may be ignored. The spider may often go without food for weeks or even months, without concern, unless the spider begins to appear thin or dehydrated. Uneaten food should not be left for more than two days as the tank may develop an unpleasant odor. Additional care should be taken when the spider has recently molted as some feeder insects may injure the spider, possibly leading to the spider's death. During feeding, a doubling in the volume of the spider's opisthosoma may occur.^[3]

Reproduction

Females lay cocoons containing roughly 500 (up to 900) eggs two months after mating. Nymphs hatch 8–10 weeks later.^[1]

Pets

B. albiceps are commonly available at pet stores. A terrarium of 30×20×25 cm with a 6 cm of coco peat substrate is sufficient for the animal. It is recommended that a seclusion area -- such as a flower pot, half coconut shell, or piece of bark -- be provided. The animal will require a shallow water dish. Temperature in the container should be kept at 22–26 °C (72–79 °F), with 60–70% humidity.

Lighting is not needed, as these spiders naturally prefer to live in darkness. However, a red 15 W light bulb will allow for nocturnal observation as the spiders are unable to see red light.^[1]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d} http://www.terrarium.com.pl/zobacz/brachypelma-albiceps-630.html
2. ^ http://brachypelma.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12:balbiceps&catid=7:bcaresheets&Itemid=50
3. ^ Muller-Esnault, Susan, DVM. "Rose Hair Tarantulas or Chilean Rose Hair" (2009). http://www.critterology.com/rose_hair_tarantulas_or_chilean_rose_hair-192.html