Tarantulas natively inhabit a variety of different countries. One of the countries that many tarantulas call home is Mexico. In total, it’s estimated that the country is home to 66 different tarantula species, including some of the most famous ones.
Generally speaking, Mexican Tarantulas are relatively docile and have long lifespans, but that’s not always the case.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 tarantula species from Mexico!
The Top 9 Tarantulas from Mexico
9. Brachypelma baumgarteni
| Type | Terrestrial |
| Leg span | 5 to 6 inches |
| Growth speed | Medium |
| Lifespan | Females: 25 years / males: 5 years |
| Experience level | Beginner |
The Brachypelma Baumgarteni is better known by hobbyists as the Mexican Orange Beauty Tarantula. This spider is found near the Pacific coast of Michoacan.
It’s a docile species that is very unlikely to strike a threat pose or kick their urticating hairs. Biting is almost unheard of for this species. This, combined with their beautiful orange coloration makes them a very good choice for beginners.
This species is endangered, so if you buy one make sure that you do so from a reputable breeder who sells captive-bred specimens.
8. Aphonopelma mooreae
| Type | Terrestrial |
| Leg span | 4 to 5 inches |
| Growth speed | Very slow |
| Lifespan | Females: 20 years / Males: 8 years |
| Experience level | Beginner |
The Aphonopelma Mooreae is more commonly known as the Mexican Jade Fuego Tarantula. It’s a terrestrial New World tarantula that creates impressive burrows. This species can be found in the state of Senora, which lies south of Yécora.
This species is not very defensive and is generally described as being very docile. They’re also one of the more colorful tarantula species, as they have a stunning blue/green metallic carapace with metallic blue legs and long reddish hairs.
7. Brachypelma albiceps
| Type | Terrestrial |
| Leg span | 6.5 inches |
| Growth speed | Medium |
| Lifespan | Females: 20 years / Males: 5 years |
| Experience level | Beginner |
The Brachypelma albiceps goes by the common name Golden red rump tarantula. This is a terrestrial species that can be found in the central highlands of Mexico, specifically in Guerrero and the south of Morelos.
The Golden Red Rump is a docile tarantula that rarely kicks hairs or shows a threat pose. They also almost never bite, but even do you get bitten, they have weak venom that’s not a cause for concern. They’re described by many as one of the most peaceful species in the hobby.
6. Tliltocatl vagans
| Type | Terrestrial |
| Leg span | 6 to 6.5 inches |
| Growth speed | Medium |
| Lifespan | Females: 25 years / Males: 5 years |
| Experience level | Beginner |
The Mexican Red Rump Tarantula is known under the scientific name Tliltocatl vagans and is a terrestrial species that can be found near the Yucatan Peninsula.
As you might’ve guessed from their common name, this species is well known for its red rump. The rest of their body is a dark black color, giving them a very distinct and striking appearance.
Like most of the other Mexican tarantula species, the Mexican Red Rump is quite docile. They might strike a threat pose if they want to be left alone, but they do not do this often. You really have to push them for them to show any defensive behavior.
5. Brachypelma Boehmei
| Type | |
| Leg span | |
| Growth speed | |
| Lifespan | Females: up to 25 years / Males: 8 years |
| Experience level | Intermediate |
The Brachypelma Boehmei is known under the common name Mexican Fireleg Tarantula. It’s a terrestrial spider that’s found on the pacific coast.
This tarantula is relatively docile, but they are quite quick to kick their urticating hairs, which can be annoying. They do not bite often nor are they prone to striking a threat pose.
Their name is a good description of their appearance as they are dark in color with fiery-orange legs.
4. Aphonopelma chalcodes
| Type | Terrestrial |
| Leg span | 6 inches |
| Growth speed | Very slow |
| Lifespan | Female: 25 to 30 years / Male: 5 to 10 years |
| Experience level | Beginner |
The Aphonopelma chalcodes, or Arizona Blonde, is a tarantula that’s native to Arizona and the North of Mexico. Their name might suggest that they’re blonde or white in color, but that’s really only the case for females. Males are much darker.
This species is known not only for its color but also because of how long they live. Females can reach an age of up to 30 years.
This species is also very docile towards humans.
Their long lifespan, interesting coloration, and docile temperament make them great starter tarantulas.
3. Brachypelma Klaasi
| Type | Terrestrial |
| Leg span | 6 inches |
| Growth speed | Medium – Slow |
| Lifespan | Female: 25 to 30 years / Male: 4-5 years |
| Experience level | Beginner |
The Mexican Pink Tarantula, or the Brachypelma Klaasi, is a terrestrial species that has been in the hobby for many years. It’s well known for its dark body with beautiful pink hairs on the legs and parts of the cephalothorax. It can be found in the Jalisco and Nayarit regions of Mexico.
This spider is very docile, albeit a bit nervous sometimes, and is one of the best species to handle. They’d rather flee from what they perceive as a threat than stand their ground and defend.
Like all other tarantula species, they can inject venom with their fangs, but they almost never bite.
2. Psalmopoeus victory
| Type | Arboreal |
| Leg span | 5.5 to 6 inches |
| Growth speed | Fast |
| Lifespan | Female: 10 to 12 years / Male: 2 to 3 years |
| Experience level | Advanced |
The Psalmopoeus victori is a species that was first described very recently (2008) and has been given the name “Darth Maul Tarantula“. It’s an Arboreal species that was found in the forests of Veracruz.
This spider has a dark coloration all over its body, with setae in her legs which have two different colors.
The tarantula is covered with dark grey setae with hues of green olive over her front half, including her pedipalps, cephalothorax, and the first two pairs of legs.
While most of the species on this list are beginner-friendly, this one is not. The Psalmopoeus victori is fast, defensive, and packs much more potent venom than most of the other Mexican species.
1. Brachypelma hamorii
| Type | Terrestrial |
| Leg span | 5.5 inches |
| Growth speed | Slow |
| Lifespan | Female: 25 to 30 years / Male: 10 years |
| Experience level | Beginner |
The Brachypelma hamorii is known by hobbyists as the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula. It’s one of the most common species kept by hobbyists and is a great species for people who are new to keeping large spiders.
The Mexican Red Knee is docile, cheap, easy to care for, and beautiful to boot. As such, they’re many people’s first introduction to the world of tarantulas.
As their name suggests, they have red (although they’re really more of an orange color) on their knees. The rest of their body is primarily black in color.
This species does have urticating hairs but is not quick to release them and they almost never bite.
Final words
There are over 800 tarantulas identified worldwide, but Mexico takes the crown as the country with the most tarantula species. Some of these species are more popular among hobbyists than others, but they’re all unique with their own traits, characteristics, and appearances.
If you’re looking for a Mexican tarantula to add to your collection, any of the ones mentioned above will be a great choice!
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