Defining Characteristics:

• Generally known for having a docile nature
• Babies tend to hide, but adults are usually visible in their habitats
• Adult colors include copper, orange, blue, and black!

Name: Bonnetina minax is also commonly known as the Mexican Copperhead Tarantula

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Bonnetina minax 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. 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.

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!

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

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

Humidity: These spiders thrive in a slightly dry to slightly humid environment, the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 40% and 60%. This can be achieved by making sure that roughly 1/4 to 1/2 of the substrate is always at least slightly moistened with at least 1/2 of the substrate staying dry. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to maintain this environment.

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.  

A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments. 

Size: At the time of sale, this animal will be at least 2 inches. Females can grow up to 4-5 inches, and typically the males are a bit smaller. We measure our spiders using diagonal leg span. 

Age: These individuals are considered juveniles. They are approximately 1-2 years old.

For this species, the average lifespan is 4-5 years in males, and 8-12 years in females when provided an 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. Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well-rounded nutrition.

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.

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, Bonnetina minax sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed.

Color/Pattern: As adults, this species sports a shiny, metallic copper carapace, has coppery hairs over a black abdomen and blue/black legs.

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

Natural Range: Bonnetina minax can be found in Mexico in the state of Guerrero in the San Lucas Municipality.

History in the Hobby: Bonnetina minax is a newer species to the hobby. It was first described by David Ortiz and Oscar F. Francke in 2017.

 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 Bonnetina minax from Josh's Frogs is the right pet bug for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!