Kahlenberg's tarantula
Tliltocatl kahlenbergi
A docile and hardy Mexican tarantula, featuring reddish abdominal hairs and a stocky build. Excellent choice for beginners in the tarantula keeping hobby.
Environnement
Terrestre
Humidité
60 - 75 %
Température ambiante
24 - 26 °C
Température diurne
25 °C
Température nocturne
20 - 22 °C
Profondeur du substrat
>= 10 cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Endemic to the state of Veracruz in eastern Mexico. It inhabits dry forest zones and semi-humid scrublands, excavating burrows or seeking shelter under fallen logs and rocks.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belongs to the family Theraphosidae, genus Tliltocatl (formerly grouped under the genus Brachypelma). It is closely related to the popular Tliltocatl albopilosus.
Behavior and Habits: Terrestrial, very docile, and slowly-moving species. It is rarely defensive and does not easily bite, preferring to retreat into its burrow or kick urticating hairs when threatened.
Morphology: A medium-sized tarantula, reaching a body length of 5-6 cm and a leg span of 12-14 cm (around 5 inches). Features a velvety black coloration on its carapace and legs, with distinctive red or orange hairs covering the abdomen.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Terrarium Setup: A standard terrestrial terrarium of 12x12x12 inches (30x30x30 cm) is perfect. Provide a deep substrate layer (3-4 inches / 8-10 cm) of dry coconut fiber or peat moss to facilitate burrowing. Include a cork bark hide.
Lighting and Heating: Maintain temperatures around 24-26°C (75-79°F) during the day, with a drop to 20-22°C (68-72°F) at night. No specialized lighting is necessary.
Humidity and Hydration: Moderate humidity (60-70%). Mist one corner of the enclosure weekly and let it dry out before misting again. Provide a small, shallow water dish.
Feeding and Supplementation: Feed appropriately sized crickets, roaches, and mealworms. Adults should be fed once a week; spiderlings require more frequent feeding. No supplements are needed.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary. House individually to prevent fatal cannibalism.
Health and Common Diseases: Exceptionally hardy species. The primary danger is physical damage to the abdomen from falls, so do not provide high climbing areas. Keep the substrate dry to avoid mold.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Endemic to the state of Veracruz in eastern Mexico. It inhabits dry forest zones and semi-humid scrublands, excavating burrows or seeking shelter under fallen logs and rocks.
Origine
Amérique centrale et Caraïbes
Profil d'invertébré terrestre
- Régime alimentaire
- Carnivore
- The Kahlenberg's tarantula is an opportunistic ambush predator that feeds on a variety of small insects and arthropods. In a captive environment, they thrive on a steady diet of appropriately sized crickets, roaches, and mealworms. They detect their prey primarily through vibrations in the ground and strike with impressive speed to deliver a venomous bite. Once the prey is immobilized, the tarantula uses digestive enzymes to liquefy the victim before consumption.
- Taille adulte
- 14 cm
- Mode de vie/microhabitat
- Terrestrial
- A robust terrestrial spider. They appreciate deep substrate to construct burrows, although they frequently sit out in the open.
- Cycle d'activité
- Nocturnal
- As with most tarantulas, they are primarily nocturnal, emerging from their hides at dusk to wait for passing prey.
- Sociabilité
- Solitary
- Like almost all tarantulas, Tliltocatl kahlenbergi is a strictly solitary and cannibalistic creature. They must be housed individually to prevent deadly encounters, as they will readily perceive other tarantulas as potential food. They spend the vast majority of their lives alone in their burrows or hides, interacting with others only briefly for mating purposes. A heavily decorated, single-occupant terrestrial enclosure is essential for their well-being.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding in this species involves the male creating a sperm web to deposit his genetic material, which he then absorbs into his pedipalps. He approaches the female cautiously, drumming to signal his intentions and avoid being mistaken for prey. If receptive, the female allows him to insert his pedipalps; she will later produce a large egg sac containing hundreds of eggs. She fiercely guards this sac for several weeks until the fully formed spiderlings emerge and disperse.
- Venimeux
- Yes
- Tolérance aux manipulations
- Tolerant
- Generally slow-moving and docile. While handling is possible, it carries a risk of falls which can be instantly fatal to the tarantula.
- Brumation
- Non requise
- No brumation period is needed. Standard room temperatures are perfectly adequate for them year-round.
- Mue
- Regular
- Molting requires the spider to flip onto its back. Humidity should be slightly increased, and live prey must be strictly removed during this vulnerable time.
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