Defining Characteristics:

• This species has a slow growth rate
• This species has gone through many revisions in taxonomy, dating all the way back to 1897
• Brachypelma can have up to 500 eggs in their sacs

Name: Brachypelma albiceps is also commonly known as the Golden Red Rump Tarantula.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Brachypelma albiceps is a terrestrial species. Surface area of the enclosure should be no less than two times the spider's diagonal leg span in one direction and three times the diagonal leg span in the other.

The enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate 2-3 inches of substrate for slings and 4+ inches for adults. ABG mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way!

We recommend against allowing your terrestrial spider more than two times their diagonal leg span as head space above their substrate as a fall from any higher could result in serious injury.

Want to spice up your enclosure with live plants? Our experts have curated kits of easy-to-care-for and SAFE plants for your tarantula. Check them out here!

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s, so a temperature of 75 degrees is ideal. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 degrees, or spiking above 85 degrees should be avoided.

A thermometer is recommended to keep an eye on temperatures in the enclosure.

Humidity: These spiders thrive in a humid environment. The recommended ambient humidity should stay between 60% and 70% This can be achieved by making sure the substrate is always at least slightly moistened. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to achieve this environment. A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments.

The enclosure sides and décor should be spritzed lightly around twice a week to provide your animal droplets to drink from and keep humidity up, but do not spray your spider directly.

Size: At the time of sale, this animal will be at least 2 inches. Females can grow to be up to 8 inches, and typically the males are a bit smaller.

We use diagonal leg span to measure our spiders.

Age: Before making this species available to our customers, we ensure that they are well-established. This means our spiders are generally molted to a minimum of third instar and will have hatched two to three months prior to being listed for sale.

For spiders that we have not produced in house, we like to get 2 to 3 solid feedings in as well as the aforementioned minimums. They go through a 2-week minimum quarantine process to ensure the health of the animal.

For this species, the average lifespan is 4-5 years in males, and 15-30 years in females when provided the adequate environment.

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating two to three 1/2 inch crickets, once a week. There are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms. We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement.
Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well-rounded nutrition.

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting.

Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on its age, the hardening process could take anywhere from 48 hours all the way up to a week.

Sexing: Due to age, Brachypelma albiceps sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed.

Coloration/Patterning: As spiderlings, they are a typical brown spiderling. As they mature, The carapace becomes a light golden color, while the abdomen stays dark with red hairs.

Social Behavior: Brachypelma albiceps is not a sociable animal and should be housed as an individual. Attempts at cohabitation can result in cannibalism.

Natural Range: Brachypelma albiceps are endemic to the central highlands of Mexico. They have been mostly described in Guerrero and south of Morelos.

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards: a community of spider enthusiasts that will be able to or have already answered almost any question you can think of with regards to tarantulas.

Still not sure if Brachypelma albiceps from Josh's Frogs is the right pet bug for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!