Mexican Orange Beauty Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton with dense bristles and urticating setae

The carapace has a dark, almost black central disc surrounded by a broad ring of orange to golden hairs, giving the front of the spider a halo effect. The abdomen is jet black, and the legs are black on the feet and lower segments, turning orange-red from the tibia inward toward the body. The result is a black spider with orange thighs and an orange collar.1

Personality what they are like

Docile and prefers to retreat rather than confront. When cornered it may kick urticating hairs or bite, but the bite is roughly equivalent to a bee sting. It is a good first tarantula for a keeper who accepts no handling and live prey.21

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Nocturnal; surface activity concentrated during and just after the summer rains. In captivity it spends daylight underground and emerges at the burrow mouth after dark.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming; the spider maintains itself. Keep the enclosure clean by removing uneaten prey after 3-12 hours to prevent mould, mites and pests.3

Home where they are happiest

A terrestrial enclosure that is wider than it is tall to prevent falls. Provide 10-15 cm of compact, mostly dry substrate for burrowing. Temperature 70-85°F (21-29°C), humidity low to medium (65-80%). Good ventilation is essential. A shallow water dish should be provided for larger specimens. This species is listed on CITES Appendix II, so international trade requires permits.2351

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Cockroaches, crickets, locusts, beetles and mealworms; occasionally small lizards. Adults eat every 6-14 days, spiderlings every 5-10 days. Do not feed wild-caught prey as it may contain parasites or pesticides.13

Company who they like around

Solitary and strictly nocturnal. It must be housed alone as it will cannibalise other tarantulas. It is not aggressive and poses no threat, but it is listed on CITES Appendix II, so international trade requires permits.1

The story where it all began

Brachypelma baumgarteni was described by Smith in 1993. It was once thought to be a captive hybrid of Brachypelma smithi and Brachypelma boehmei, but it is now recognised as a true species. It is endemic to a very small area on the Pacific coast of Michoacán, Mexico, and has become popular in the exotic pet trade for its striking colouration and calm temperament. Its restricted range and habitat loss make it a conservation concern.61

Recognised by the official bits

CITES

Listed on Appendix II, meaning international trade requires permits and documented legal origin.1