MEXICAN FIRELEG TARANTULA
- Native to the dry thorn forests of the Pacific coast of southern Mexico. They are a New World species.
- Very colorful with bright red legs and carapace with a black abdomen, making them one of the most popular pet tarantulas.
- Docile but quick to flick urticating hairs.
- Terrestrial, meaning they spend most of their time on the ground but will make burrows.
- Adults range in size from 5” – 5 1/2” in leg span. With males being smaller than females.
- Life span is estimated to be 3-4 years for males and up to 20 years for females.
Diet
Small spiderlings (slings) will eat pinhead crickets. As they grow they can eat larger sized prey. Dubia, and other types of feeder roaches, are good feeder options as well. Small slings (1/4-1/2” or less) can be fed as often as two to three times per week. Larger slings (1/2” and above) can be fed once per week, while adults can be fed as few as every three to four weeks.
Depending on your feeding schedule, be sure to feed an appropriately sized meal and remove any uneaten insects the following day. A good general rule of thumb to deternine appropriate meal size is the insect should be about the same size as the tarantula’s abdomen. As with any pet, never feed any insects that have been found. Use only insects specifically bred as feeders. A healthy weight for a tarantula is same size abdomen as carapace.
Housing
Slings can become very stressed if kept in too large of an enclosure and will often die if they are moved to a larger enclosure too soon. Slings should be housed in small condiment cups or deli cups until they nearly outgrow it. When they outgrow their enclosure they should be moved to a slightly larger one until they reach at least a few inches in leg span, then they can be moved into their final adult sized enclosure. Adults of this species can comfortably be housed in a 5-10 gallon. Enclosure size should be three times the tarantula’s body length.
The bedding should consist of a minimum of a thick layer of either peat moss, coco-fiber &/or a soil-type substrate. Their humidity should range from 40% - 60%. The enclosure should be misted once every few days as needed for sling enclosures too small for a water dish. The substrate should never be swampy and should be allowed to dry completely in between misting. Do not spray the tarantula directly, as it can agitate and stress them. Any tarantula should be given a very shallow water dish as soon as their enclosure will allow it. Juveniles and adult’s bedding should be kept dry. Offer a hiding spot &/or begin a burrow, as this species is an opportunistic burrower.
Temperatures should be maintained between 70-85 degrees during the day with a slight drop at night.
Handling & Care
Mexican Fireleg tarantulas are considered very docile and are not likely to bite. Like other terrestrial species, they will flick urticating hairs off of their abdomen when stressed. These hairs can have a varied effect on people ranging from no reaction to itching and burning lasting a few days. If you notice your Tarantula lying on its back, it is molting. At this time, remove any uneaten insects and do not touch the tarantula. Molting is a very stressful time for a tarantula where they become very vulnerable. When they are ready to molt they will become lethargic, stop eating, become timid and may begin building a web.
Venom
All tarantulas have some sort of venom. Mexican Firelegs have very mild venom, much like a bee. Everyone has a different reaction and some people may be allergic. Caution should always be exercised when handling any tarantula.
