Mexican Pink Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

hair

This tarantula has a black to very dark brown carapace and abdomen, covered in long, loose reddish-pink setae (hairs) that give it a shaggy, rose-pink glow, especially after a moult. The pink colour runs the length of the legs and is strongest on the upper segments, with a paler fringe around the carapace edge. Spiderlings are orange and develop the pink colour gradually with each moult.12

Personality what they are like

Generally docile and calm, but can be skittish. When stressed it may flick urticating (irritating) hairs from its abdomen or flee rather than bite. Handling is not recommended as the hairs can cause skin and eye irritation. Some individuals can be more defensive or food-responsive.35

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low. It is a nocturnal, terrestrial ambush hunter that spends most of the day hidden in its burrow or under a hide. It does not need exercise but benefits from a deep substrate for burrowing and a secure hide.15

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal. Keep the enclosure clean by removing uneaten prey after 3-12 hours. Provide a shallow water dish and rinse it out every time it is refilled. Lightly mist one corner of the enclosure if no water dish is present. Do not handle; avoid contact with urticating hairs.35

Home where they are happiest

A terrestrial enclosure roughly 30 x 20 x 20 cm for an adult, with more floor space than height. Provide deep, organic, chemical-free substrate (coconut fibre, peat moss, vermiculite or potting soil) at least 7-10 cm deep for burrowing. Include a secure hide (e.g. bark), good ventilation, and a shallow water dish. Temperature 70-85°F (21-29°C), humidity 65-80%. Keep one side of the substrate slightly moist and allow it to dry out between mistings. Avoid sand, pebbles, rocks or wood chips that could injure the tarantula. This species is listed on CITES Appendix II; it is illegal to collect from the wild without permits.3541

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivorous. Adults eat crickets, mealworms, cockroaches (e.g. dubia roaches) and other large insects every 6-14 days. Spiderlings need smaller prey such as pinhead crickets, flightless fruit flies or freshly hatched roaches every 5-10 days. Do not feed wild-caught prey as it may contain parasites or pesticides. Remove uneaten prey after 3-12 hours.354

Company who they like around

Solitary. This tarantula must be housed alone as it is not social and will cannibalise cage mates. It does not need or benefit from interaction with humans; handling is stressful and should be avoided.5

The story where it all began

The Mexican pink tarantula was first described scientifically in 1994 by Schmidt and Krause, who named it in honour of Peter Klaas of Cologne, who collected the first female specimen. It is considered the rarest species in the genus Brachypelma and is endemic to a small region of Mexico's Pacific coast. Its wild populations have been threatened by habitat loss due to agriculture and development, as well as illegal collection for the pet trade. It is listed on CITES Appendix II, which regulates international trade. In captivity it has become a prized species among tarantula keepers for its docile nature, striking pink colouration and exceptionally long lifespan.216