Mexican Pink Tarantula (Brachypelma Klassi)
The Mexican Pink Tarantula (Brachypelma Klassi) is a very pretty medium sized new world tarantula. They are commonly found in Mexico in tropical forest areas. The physical appearance of this rare spider is what makes it so appealing to enthusiasts. With a dark body with a hue of pink bristly hairs it is no wonder it is called the Mexican pink beauty. Unlike many species; there is very little difference in appearance between the sexes. This tarantula is a tree dweller but known occasionally to partake in burrowing. The female of the species can grow to a hefty six inches. Not really recommended for a total beginner, but suitable for an independent owner. They are quite docile but can be aggressive if they feel threatened. Also due to their care needs; this is not suitable for a beginner or someone new to the hobby.
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Mexican Pink Scientific name:
Brachypelma Klassi
Distribution:
Mexico
Natural habitat:
Tropical rainforests.
Food:
The Mexican pink tarantula appreciates a varied diet of flies, meal worms and other live insects.
Lifespan:
The female of the species can live up to some would say 20 years while others say 14. The male living a much shorter 4-5 years.
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Mating:
Like many species of tarantulas the female mexican pink is far larger than the male. She can be temperamental to her potential suitor and has been said by enthusiasts that her making a meal of the male signifies a successful mating. The female which be more tolerable of the males attempts to mate with her after she has moulted. The male will drum with his petapalps to get the attention of the female. If she is read to mate she will allow him to raise her up and inseminate her. If successful he will be able to move away before the female chooses to attack him. The male in this species has been known to leave webbed silk close to the females burrow after mating. This is in order to stop potential other suitors coming across or accessing her burrow after he has left.
Housing:
A vertical tank is more suitable to this species due to their fondness of climbing. Due to them being fond of creating a web at the top of their enclosure, it would be favourable to have a front facing door to the enclosure rather than removing the lid. Doing s would destroy the tarantula’s web and it would not be appreciated and could cause it stress.
If you need help buying an enclosure why not check out our enclosure review. Click here for the article.
Habitat layout:
A tall enclosure with plenty of branches, logs, bark and other objects to climb on would be suitable for this species. They have been known to burrow occasionally so up to 6 inches of substrate should be adequate. A hideout whether used or not could also be placed in the enclosure.
Development rate:
The Mexican Pink tarantula is a slow grower, but can live a long life if cared for well.
Temperature:
The temperature needs of this species are fairly basic. They are a study and can be comfortable in temperatures kept around 25 degrees centigrade.
Personality:
Generally agreed to be a fairly docile species. Even though they are calm in nature they can be easily spooked, so not really suitable for a complete beginner.
Reproduction:
If mating has been successful the female will lay an egg sac containing up 800 eggs. It is argued how soon after mating a female will lay her sac. However after 8 – 12 weeks the slings (babies) should break free from the sac.
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