This is a generalised care sheet for Brachypelmas, a genus titled (Brachypelma). For more in this femily see Category:Theraphosidae, or for a more detailed species care sheet see Category:Brachypelma.
|
The genera Brachypelma, of family Theraphosidae, contains 20 species of tarantula native to parts of Central America such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Guatemala. It’s the only tarantula genus as whole that’s protected under the international CITES laws, because of the destructions of it’s habitats and pet-trade collection. The most famous species in this genus are the Mexican redknee tarantula (Brachypelma smithi), Curlyhair (Brachypelma albopilosum), Mexican fireleg (Brachypelma boehmei), and the Mexican redrump (Brachypelma vagans.
Tarantula Information (for a more detailed Tarantula care review see Tarantula Care Sheets | |
Regions Found: | Central America such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Guatemala |
Class: | Terrestrial |
Longevity: | Slow growing and long lived, with females living up to 25 years. They mature in three to four years |
Adult Size: | 12-16cm (5-6 inches) |
Temperament: | |
Urticating Hairs: | Yes |
Venom Potency: | |
Brachypelma Housing Requirements | |
Tarantula Housing: | Floor space is more important than height, a deep substrate should be provided for burrowing. A good retreat is also required. |
Temperature: | |
Humidity: | |
Special Requirements: | |
Breeding Brachypelma Tarantulas | |
Breeding Difficulty: | |
Egg sac size: | |
Danger to Male: | |
Brachypelma Diet | |
Livefood insects such as crickets, locust, butter worms, meal worms, superworms, houseflies and cockroaches. | |
Recommended Pet Supplies for Brachypelma | |
|
Breeding Brachypelma
Breeding tarantulas can be extremely difficult but can also be extremely rewarding. From a successful mating, anywhere from 50 to 2000 eggs can be produced, depending upon the size and species of the female. The Brazilian Salmon Pink (Lasiodora parahybana) are of the larger species and have been known to produce some 1500-2000 eggs in one sac. Another popular species The Goliath Bird Eater (Theraphosa blondi) however, has been known to produce as little as 50 eggs despite its “goliath” size.
The basic steps involved in breeding tarantulas are discussed further:
- Preparation for breeding
- Tarantula breeding
- Looking after an egg sac
- Birthing
- Caring for the female
- Caring for the spiderlings