Not furry either, still lovely.
Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula
Brachypelma albiceps
Also called Amula Red Rump Tarantula, Golden Redrump Tarantula
From Endemic to the central highlands of Mexico, especially in Guerrero and south of Morelos.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Diagonal leg span (DLS). Body length is about 5-6 cm.
Looks how to spot one
hair (setae)
The body is covered in fine hairs. The carapace is a light golden colour, while the abdomen is dark with bright red long hairs. The legs are black, without the orange banding seen in other Brachypelma species.14
Personality what they are like
Generally docile and calm, even as spiderlings. Juveniles may be skittish and retreat into their burrows, but adults often stay out on display. Defensive behaviour is rare, though they may kick urticating hairs if threatened. Handling is not recommended.26
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Nocturnal and not very active. They do not need exercise beyond what their enclosure provides. A deep substrate for burrowing and a hide are important for natural behaviour.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Minimal grooming needed. Keep the enclosure clean, remove uneaten prey after 24 hours, and provide fresh water in a shallow dish. Avoid handling to reduce stress and risk of injury.63
Home where they are happiest
A terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height, at least 30 x 20 x 20 cm for an adult. Use a deep substrate (8-12 cm) of compacted coconut fibre or unfertilised soil for burrowing. Provide a hide, a shallow water dish, and keep one corner slightly moist. No special lighting is needed. Avoid tall setups and mesh floors. This species is listed on CITES Appendix II, so local regulations apply.712
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Carnivorous; feed live insects such as crickets, roaches, locusts, and occasionally mealworms or superworms. Adults eat every 7-14 days, spiderlings every 3-5 days. Prey should be no larger than the tarantula's carapace width.76
Company who they like around
Solitary; must be housed alone. They are not social and should never be kept communally. Handling is not recommended and can cause stress or injury.35
The story where it all began
First described in 1903, this tarantula was once known under the name Brachypelmides ruhnaui. It was moved into the Brachypelma genus in 2018. It is the only Brachypelma species that lacks orange leg banding. Captive-bred specimens have been widely available from dealers for many years and are reasonably priced, making them a popular choice among tarantula keepers.41
Recognised by the official bits
- CITES
- Appendix II7
Popularity Commonly available in the pet trade and popular among beginners.12
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Humidity checkevery 2 days
- Water dishevery 2 days
- FeedingDepends on species, size and moult stagevaries
- Spot cleanRemove leftover foodevery week
- Moult noteLeave them in peace while moulting and note it in the diaryvaries
- Substrate changeevery 6 months
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula?
Feed adults every 7 to 14 days and spiderlings every 3 to 5 days. Adjust based on your tarantula's size and moult stage, and always offer prey no larger than its carapace width. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed according to species, size and moult stage.76 Furry Diary plan
What does a Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats live insects such as crickets, roaches, locusts, and occasionally mealworms or superworms. Never feed prey larger than its carapace width, and avoid any dead or non-insect foods. Always provide live prey.76
How much space does a Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula need?
An adult needs an enclosure at least 30 x 20 x 20 cm with more floor space than height. Provide 8 to 12 cm of deep substrate for burrowing. Avoid tall setups and mesh floors.712
What temperature, light or water does a Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula need?
This tarantula does not need special lighting, but it does need a shallow water dish and one corner of the substrate kept slightly moist. Temperature requirements vary; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for the ideal range. Furry Diary's plan includes checking humidity every 2 days and refreshing water.712 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula's home?
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours and spot clean weekly. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a full substrate change every 180 days. Always keep the enclosure tidy to prevent mould.63 Furry Diary plan
Can a Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula live with others?
No, it must be housed alone. They are solitary and should never be kept with other tarantulas or animals.35
How long does a Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula live?
They typically live between 5 and 20 years, with females often living longer than males.12
Can I handle a Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula?
Handling is not recommended. They are generally docile but can become stressed or kick urticating hairs. It is best to admire them in their enclosure.2635
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- en.wikipedia.org: Brachypelma albiceps en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, lifespan years, coat or body, colours, activity needs, habitat needs, history, popularity, fun fact
- thetarantulacollective.com: brachypelma albiceps thetarantulacollective.comused for length cm, lifespan years, best traits, temperament, habitat needs, popularity, fun fact
- academy.herpeton.net: brachypelma albiceps academy.herpeton.netused for length cm, activity needs, grooming or care, social needs
- davethebugguy.org: species spotlight brachypelma albiceps the mexican golden red rump davethebugguy.orgused for coat or body, best traits, history, fun fact
- cites.org: Guide to CITES Tarantulas cites.orgused for colours, social needs
- grimoireexotics.com: brachypelma albiceps golden red rump care guide grimoireexotics.comused for temperament, grooming or care, diet basics
- academy.herpeton.net: brachypelma albiceps academy.herpeton.netused for habitat needs, diet basics
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.