Tliltocatl epicureanum
New World, Terrestrial, Opportunistic Burrower
Habitat: savanna, scrubland
Geographic Range: Central America, Mexico
Size: Females up to 5 inches Males somewhat smaller
Growth Rate: Females mature in about 10 years males in about 5 years
Temperament: docile
Longevity: Females 30+ Years, Males 5+ years
Temperature: 75-80 Degrees Fahrenheit
Humidity: 60-70%
Substrate: 3+ inches, opportunistic burrower
Food and Water: A shallow water dish should be provided, these spiders and good eaters they will tackle prey almost as big as they are.
Unveiling the Yucatan Rust Rump: Your Guide to Caring for the Tliltocatl epicureanum
The tarantula world is vast and diverse, filled with creatures of all colors, sizes, and temperaments. Among these fascinating arachnids, the Tliltocatl epicureanum, commonly known as the Yucatan Rust Rump, stands out as a captivating species. Hailing from the warm, humid landscapes of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, this tarantula is gaining popularity in the pet trade for its striking appearance, relatively docile nature, and manageable care requirements.
If you're considering welcoming a Yucatan Rust Rump into your home, or are simply curious about this intriguing creature, this guide is for you. We’ll delve into the essentials of Tliltocatl epicureanum care, ensuring you can provide a thriving and enriching environment for your eight-legged companion.
A Glimpse into the Yucatan Rust Rump:
Before diving into care, let's appreciate what makes the Tliltocatl epicureanum special. This is a medium-sized, terrestrial tarantula known for its beautiful earthy tones. While often referred to as the "Rust Rump," the vibrant rust-orange hairs (setae) are more pronounced on the abdomen, creating a striking contrast against its darker carapace and legs. As juveniles, they often exhibit more vibrant coloration that tends to mature and deepen with age.
Tliltocatl epicureanum are known for their generally calm and docile temperament, making them a good choice for keepers of varying experience levels. They are burrowers in nature, creating silken retreats in the substrate, and are relatively hardy and long-lived, offering years of fascinating observation.
Creating the Perfect Habitat: The Enclosure
Mimicking their natural environment is key to ensuring your Yucatan Rust Rump thrives in captivity. Here’s what you need to consider for their enclosure:
Size Matters: For a juvenile, a 5-gallon enclosure will suffice, but adults will require a minimum of a 10-gallon tank. Floor space is more important than height, as they are terrestrial and not arboreal. A 12x12x12 inch or 12x18x12 inch enclosure is a good starting point for adults.
Material & Security: Glass or plastic enclosures work well. Ensure a well-ventilated and secure lid is in place. Tarantulas are surprisingly strong and escape artists! Cross-ventilation is crucial to prevent stagnant air and mold growth.
Substrate is Key: A deep layer of substrate is vital as Tliltocatl epicureanum are burrowers. A mix of coconut fiber (coir), peat moss, and vermiculite or topsoil works wonders. Aim for at least 4-6 inches deep to allow for comfortable digging and burrow construction. This substrate should be kept slightly moist but not waterlogged.
Hides and Decor: Provide your tarantula with hides such as cork bark, half-logs, or commercially available tarantula hides. These offer security and a starting point for burrow construction. You can also add rocks, branches, or fake plants for enrichment and to create a more naturalistic environment, but ensure they are securely placed and won’t collapse if the tarantula burrows underneath.
Water Source: A shallow water dish should always be available. Ensure it's shallow enough that even slings can access it easily without the risk of drowning. Clean and refill the water dish regularly.
Temperature and Humidity: The Tropical Touch
Replicating the Yucatan Peninsula's climate is crucial for your tarantula's well-being.
Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 70-80°F (21-27°C). A gentle heat mat placed on the side or back of the enclosure (never underneath) can be used to provide supplementary heat if needed, especially during colder months. Avoid overheating, and always monitor temperatures with a thermometer.
Humidity: Yucatan Rust Rumps thrive in moderate humidity, around 60-70%. This can be achieved by maintaining slightly moist substrate and occasionally misting the enclosure. Avoid over-misting, which can lead to mold growth. Good ventilation is essential. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer.
Dining Delights: Feeding Your Yucatan Rust Rump
Tliltocatl epicureanum are insectivores and readily accept a variety of feeder insects.
Food Choices: Crickets, roaches (dubia roaches are a popular choice), mealworms, and occasionally grasshoppers or other appropriately sized insects are all suitable.
Feeding Frequency: Juveniles should be fed 2-3 times a week, while adults can be fed less frequently, around once a week or even every other week. The size of the prey should be appropriate for the size of your tarantula's abdomen. Aim for prey that is roughly the size of the tarantula's abdomen or slightly smaller.
Observe and Adjust: Monitor your tarantula's abdomen size. A plump abdomen indicates they are well-fed. A shrunken abdomen suggests they may need more food.
Uneaten Prey: Remove any uneaten prey items after 24 hours to prevent them from stressing your tarantula or fouling the enclosure.
Molting and Feeding: Tarantulas will refuse food when they are in premolt (preparing to shed their exoskeleton). Do not offer food during this period, and wait for a few days after they have successfully molted and their fangs have hardened before offering food again.
Handling and Temperament: Observation is Key
While Tliltocatl epicureanum are known for their docile nature, it’s essential to remember that tarantulas are delicate creatures and are best enjoyed through observation.
Handling with Caution: Handling should be kept to a minimum and only when absolutely necessary (e.g., for enclosure maintenance). While they are generally calm, any tarantula can bite if threatened or stressed.
Defensive Mechanisms: If feeling threatened, they may flick urticating hairs from their abdomen as a defense mechanism. These hairs can be irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Avoid direct contact with the hairs and wash your hands thoroughly after any interaction with your tarantula or its enclosure.
Observation is Rewarding: Enjoy watching your Yucatan Rust Rump in its enclosure. Observe their burrowing behavior, feeding habits, and molting process. This is where the true joy of tarantula keeping lies.
Molting: A Rite of Passage
Molting is a crucial part of a tarantula's life cycle, allowing them to grow. Be prepared for this natural process:
Signs of Molt: Signs of premolt include decreased appetite, lethargy, darkening of the abdomen, and increased webbing around the burrow entrance.
Do Not Disturb: When your tarantula is in premolt or actively molting, do not disturb them. Stress can be detrimental during this vulnerable time.
Humidity Boost: Slightly increase humidity during molting to aid in a successful shed.
Patience is Key: Molting can take hours to days. Once complete, allow the tarantula time to harden its new exoskeleton (a few days for slings, a week or more for adults) before offering food.
Conclusion: Embracing the Yucatan Rust Rump
The Tliltocatl epicureanum is a beautiful and rewarding tarantula species to keep. Their manageable care requirements, combined with their captivating appearance and relatively docile nature, make them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.
By providing a suitable habitat, maintaining proper temperature and humidity, offering a varied diet, and respecting their natural behaviors, you can ensure your Yucatan Rust Rump thrives and provides you with years of fascinating observation into the captivating world of tarantulas. Remember to always research and stay informed about the specific needs of your Tliltocatl epicureanum to provide the best possible care for your eight-legged companion. Happy spider keeping!