Mexican Black Velvet Tarantula

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Endemic to southern Mexico, specifically the state of Guerrero. It inhabits dry deciduous forests, living in deep burrows excavated in the soil.

Taxonomy and Genetics: Belongs to the Theraphosidae family, genus Tliltocatl. It is distinguished from other members of its genus by the complete absence of red or orange hairs.

Behavior and Habits: Fossorial and nocturnal. Spends most of its time inside its burrow lined with silk. It has a calm, slow temperament, but may kick urticating hairs if threatened.

Morphology: Legspan reaches 12.0 to 14.0 cm. Body and legs are covered in a uniform jet-black velvety hair. Adult males are slimmer and have tibial spurs.

Terrarium Setup: Terrestrial terrarium of about 30x30x30 cm. Provide a deep substrate of 10 to 15 cm composed of peat or coco-coir to facilitate burrowing. Add a cork bark hide.

Lighting and Heating: Keep daytime temperatures between 24°C and 27°C, dropping to 20-22°C at night. UVB lighting is not required. Avoid overhead heat lamps.

Humidity and Hydration: Moderate humidity of 50-60%. Mist one corner of the enclosure weekly, keeping the rest dry. Provide a small, shallow water dish.

Feeding and Supplementation: Feed live insects (crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms). Feed spiderlings twice a week, adults once every 10-14 days.

Compatibility: Strictly solitary. House individually. Any attempt to cohabit will result in cannibalism.

Health and Common Diseases: High fall risk; ensure the distance between substrate and terrarium lid is small to prevent abdominal rupture. Remove prey during molting.