Guatemalan Red-rump Tarantula (Tliltocatl sabulosus)

The Vivarium Vault Invertebrates
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Guatemalan Red-rump Tarantula (Tliltocatl sabulosus)

Comprehensive Species Care Guide — The Vivarium Vault

Quick Facts

Category Information
Common name Guatemalan Red-rump Tarantula
Scientific name Tliltocatl sabulosus
Scientific authority (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897)
Former scientific name Brachypelma sabulosum
Family Theraphosidae
Subfamily Theraphosinae
Native distribution Guatemala
Historical collection area Tikal region, northern Guatemala
Habitat Tropical lowland terrestrial environments
Adult female body length Approximately 2.6–2.8 inches (6.5–7 cm) in published descriptions
Lifestyle Terrestrial; retreat-associated, with burrowing opportunities
Appearance Predominantly dark, with reddish abdominal hairs
Diet Invertebrates
Activity Predominantly low-light and nocturnal
Growth rate Not reliably quantified for the species
Female lifespan Species-specific maximum not established
Urticating hairs Present
Venom Present
Cohabitation Solitary
CITES Appendix II
EU wildlife trade Annex B
Experience level Intermediate

Evidence note: Taxonomy, Guatemalan distribution and CITES listing are documented. Enclosure dimensions, temperatures, moisture management and feeding intervals below are conservative husbandry recommendations rather than experimentally established requirements for T. sabulosus.

1. Species Overview

The Guatemalan Red-rump Tarantula, Tliltocatl sabulosus, is a substantial New World terrestrial tarantula native to Guatemala.

It belongs to the subfamily Theraphosinae, a group that includes many of the best-known Central and South American tarantulas.

The species was originally described in 1897 by Frederick Octavius Pickard-Cambridge as Eurypelma sabulosum.

For many years it was classified as Brachypelma sabulosum, and this older name remains common in historical literature and older hobby records.

Following the systematic revision of Brachypelma by Mendoza and Francke, the species was transferred to the genus Tliltocatl.

The accepted name is now Tliltocatl sabulosus.

Unlike the more vividly patterned Mexican red-kneed and red-legged Brachypelma, this species has a predominantly dark appearance, with reddish hairs on the abdomen.

It is not the same species as the Mexican Red Rump, Tliltocatl vagans.

That distinction is particularly important because both species have appeared in the pet trade under similar common names.

The Guatemalan Red-rump is also subject to international wildlife trade controls.

Captive keepers should therefore give particular attention to accurate identification, lawful sourcing and documentation.

2. Taxonomy and Identification

Scientific classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Arthropoda
  • Class: Arachnida
  • Order: Araneae
  • Infraorder: Mygalomorphae
  • Family: Theraphosidae
  • Subfamily: Theraphosinae
  • Genus: Tliltocatl
  • Species: Tliltocatl sabulosus

Scientific authority

(F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897).

Original combination

Eurypelma sabulosum F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897.

Important former combinations

  • Delopelma sabulosum
  • Brachypelma sabulosum

Current genus

Tliltocatl, established by Mendoza and Francke.

Appearance

The spider is generally dark brown to black, with scattered reddish hairs on the abdomen.

Adult females

Females are typically robust and heavy-bodied.

Mature males

Mature males develop specialised reproductive structures and may differ in proportions and appearance.

Similar species

The most important comparison is Tliltocatl vagans, the Mexican Red Rump.

Other dark Tliltocatl species may also be confused with it.

Identification

Colour alone is insufficient for reliable species identification.

Examination of published diagnostic characters, collection provenance and specialist identification may be necessary.

Sex determination

Examination of suitable moults can assist with sex determination.

Breeding precaution

Do not breed specimens whose identification is uncertain.

3. Natural Distribution and Ecology

Geographic distribution

The World Spider Catalog records Tliltocatl sabulosus from Guatemala.

Historical locality

The species is associated with the Tikal region in northern Guatemala.

Regional environment

Northern Guatemala includes tropical lowland forest, seasonal rainfall and areas with pronounced wet and dry periods.

Habitat uncertainty

A detailed species-wide habitat survey is not available for this guide.

The climate of northern Guatemala should not be treated as proof that the spider occupies every local habitat type.

Terrestrial lifestyle

The species is terrestrial and should be offered ground-level shelter and opportunities to excavate.

Retreats

Natural shelters may help buffer temperature and moisture fluctuations.

Exact species-specific burrow dimensions are not established here.

Rainfall seasonality

Regional wet and dry seasons are relevant to understanding its environment, but an exact captive seasonal moisture programme has not been scientifically validated.

Natural prey

The species is expected to feed on suitable terrestrial invertebrates.

A comprehensive wild prey inventory is unavailable.

Predators

Potential predators include vertebrates and other animals capable of attacking terrestrial spiders.

Captive implications

Provide a secure terrestrial enclosure with compactable substrate, shelter, reliable water and a controlled moisture gradient.

Do not maintain the enclosure as a constantly saturated tropical display.

4. Adult Size, Growth and Lifespan

Adult female body length

Published descriptions report adult females measuring approximately:

2.6–2.8 inches (6.5–7 cm) in body length.

This is not the same as diagonal leg span.

Leg span

A dependable species-wide maximum leg-span measurement has not been established in the references used here.

Sexual dimorphism

Females are generally more robust.

Mature males develop reproductive structures and may have proportionately longer legs.

Growth rate

Growth depends on food availability, temperature, sex and individual variation.

A validated species-specific growth schedule is unavailable.

Female lifespan

Females may be long-lived, but a reliable maximum for T. sabulosus has not been established.

Male lifespan

Mature males generally have shorter remaining lifespans than adult females.

Monitoring

Keep records of moults, feeding, body condition and reproductive development.

5. Housing and Enclosure Requirements

The enclosure should provide substantial floor space, a secure retreat and opportunities for excavation.

Adult enclosure dimensions

A practical starting enclosure is:

18 × 12 × 12 inches (45 × 30 × 30 cm)

A larger option is:

24 × 18 × 12 inches (60 × 45 × 30 cm)

These are provisional husbandry recommendations rather than scientifically validated minimum sizes.

Floor area

Prioritise usable horizontal space.

Substrate depth

Provide approximately:

5–7 inches (13–18 cm)

of compactable substrate.

Retreat

Provide a stable cork bark hide or comparable ground-level shelter.

Starter burrow

A shallow excavation beneath the hide may encourage retreat establishment.

Fall prevention

Keep the exposed distance between substrate and roof low.

Falls can cause serious abdominal injuries.

Ventilation

Provide effective airflow without creating excessive drying.

Escape prevention

Inspect:

  • Lid fittings.
  • Door gaps.
  • Ventilation openings.
  • Cable access points.
  • Sliding-door tracks.
  • Feeding hatches.

Enclosure materials

Suitable plastic, acrylic or glass enclosures may be used.

Mesh safety

Avoid coarse mesh that may trap claws.

Furnishing stability

Support heavy decorations so excavation cannot cause collapse.

Juvenile housing

Provide proportionately sized enclosures with compactable substrate, shelter and appropriate prey.

Spiderling housing

Use small, secure containers with fine ventilation.

Small spiderlings require closer monitoring of moisture and prey size.

Individual housing

Keep every animal separately.

6. Substrate and Burrowing

Suitable substrate

A compactable mixture may include:

  • Reptile-safe topsoil.
  • Soil-based tarantula substrate.
  • Topsoil blended with coco coir.
  • A modest amount of clean sand where useful for structure.

Depth

Approximately 5–7 inches is a practical adult starting point.

Compaction

Lightly compact the substrate during enclosure setup.

Moisture gradient

Maintain a slightly moist lower area while allowing the surface elsewhere to dry.

Retreat construction

Allow the spider to excavate and reinforce its retreat with silk.

Avoid

Do not use:

  • Fertilised compost.
  • Pesticide-treated soil.
  • Sharp gravel.
  • Aromatic wood shavings.
  • Loose sand as the sole substrate.

Burrow closure

A closed retreat may accompany moulting or prolonged inactivity.

Avoid unnecessary excavation.

7. Furnishings and Environmental Enrichment

Suitable furnishings include:

  • Cork bark hides.
  • Stable ground-level shelters.
  • Limited leaf litter.
  • Low, secure stones.
  • A shallow water dish.

Provide both sheltered and more exposed ground-level areas.

Allow the spider to modify its substrate and silk.

Avoid tall climbing structures and heavy unsecured objects.

8. Temperature and Heating

No experimentally validated captive thermal range is available specifically for T. sabulosus.

Provisional starting temperatures

Condition Suggested temperature
General daytime 22–26°C
Slightly warmer area Up to approximately 27°C
Cooler retreat Approximately 21–23°C
Night-time Approximately 19–23°C

These are conservative captive starting points, not established physiological limits.

Thermal gradient

Provide a sheltered cooler area away from concentrated heat.

Heating in Ireland

Supplementary heating may be necessary during colder months.

Thermostats

Use thermostatic control with dedicated heating equipment.

Under-enclosure heating

Avoid concentrated heating directly beneath deep substrate.

Monitoring

Measure temperatures at representative locations.

Overheating

Do not place the enclosure in direct sunlight.

9. Lighting and UVB

Provide a regular light-dark cycle.

Indirect room lighting is generally adequate.

Dedicated UVB lighting is not routinely required for tarantulas.

Low-output display lighting may be used if it does not cause overheating.

Avoid intense basking lamps and direct sunlight.

10. Humidity, Ventilation and Hydration

The species originates from Guatemala, but a validated species-specific relative humidity percentage is unavailable.

Drinking water

Provide a clean, stable water dish.

Substrate moisture

Maintain a slightly moist area within the lower substrate.

Surface conditions

Allow part of the surface to dry between moisture applications.

Ventilation

Provide effective air exchange.

Spiderlings

Small containers may dry rapidly and require closer monitoring.

Misting

Heavy routine misting is unnecessary.

Warning signs

Persistent condensation, mould or waterlogged substrate require correction.

Retreats

Avoid flooding occupied burrows.

Seasonal adjustment

Any seasonal moisture changes should be gradual and based on the animal’s condition rather than an assumed fixed rainfall schedule.

11. Feeding and Nutrition

Tliltocatl sabulosus is a carnivorous predator.

Suitable prey

  • Captive-bred crickets.
  • Appropriately sized feeder cockroaches.
  • Mealworms.
  • Other suitable feeder insects.

Spiderlings

Offer very small prey or appropriately sized portions of freshly killed insects.

Juveniles

Weekly feeding may be a reasonable starting point.

Adults

Offer suitable prey approximately every 7–14 days initially.

Adjust feeding according to appetite, body condition and moulting.

Prey size

Avoid prey that is excessively large or powerful.

Body condition

Avoid overfeeding that causes an excessively enlarged abdomen.

Uneaten prey

Remove uneaten insects promptly, particularly during premoult.

Wild-caught insects

Avoid wild feeders because of pesticide and parasite risks.

Vertebrate prey

Vertebrate feeding is unnecessary.

12. Calcium and Vitamin Supplementation

Routine reptile-style calcium or vitamin dusting is not required.

Tarantulas obtain nutrients from whole prey.

Maintain feeder insects appropriately.

No validated supplementation schedule exists for this species.

13. Moulting and Growth

Possible premoult signs

  • Reduced appetite.
  • Increased concealment.
  • Retreat closure.
  • Reduced activity.
  • Changes in abdominal appearance.

During moulting

Do not disturb the spider.

A tarantula lying on its back may be moulting normally.

Do not turn it over.

After moulting

Allow the exoskeleton and fangs to harden before feeding.

Complications

Do not forcibly remove retained exoskeleton.

Seek specialist advice if a moult appears seriously compromised.

14. Urticating Hairs and Defensive Behaviour

Tliltocatl sabulosus possesses defensive urticating hairs.

A disturbed spider may retreat, release hairs, adopt a defensive posture or bite.

Possible effects

  • Itching.
  • Skin irritation.
  • Eye irritation.
  • Respiratory irritation.

Avoid touching the eyes after enclosure maintenance.

If hairs enter an eye, do not rub it; seek prompt medical assessment.

Defensive behaviour varies between individuals.

15. Venom and Bite Safety

The species possesses venom-bearing fangs.

A bite may cause puncture wounds, pain, redness or swelling.

Detailed species-specific clinical evidence is limited.

Wash a bite wound with clean running water.

Seek medical advice where appropriate.

Severe allergic symptoms or breathing difficulties require urgent medical attention.

16. Handling and Safe Rehousing

Routine handling is not recommended.

Main risks

  • Falls.
  • Escape.
  • Bites.
  • Urticating-hair exposure.
  • Unnecessary disturbance.

Rehousing procedure

  1. Prepare the receiving enclosure.
  2. Work in a secure area without accessible gaps or drains.
  3. Use a suitable catch cup and soft brush.
  4. Gently guide the spider into the transfer container.
  5. Move it into the prepared enclosure.
  6. Confirm the spider is accounted for and all openings are secure.

Avoid unnecessary excavation of established retreats.

17. Cohabitation

House Tliltocatl sabulosus individually.

Communal housing creates risks of injury, cannibalism, competition and feeding interference.

Temporary supervised breeding introductions do not justify permanent cohabitation.

18. Cleaning and Routine Maintenance

Regular checks

Check water, temperature, ventilation and enclosure security.

After feeding

Remove uneaten prey.

Weekly

Clean the water dish, remove visible waste and inspect for mould.

Periodically

Inspect substrate condition and equipment.

Retreat preservation

Avoid unnecessary destruction of established silk-lined retreats.

Substrate replacement

Replace contaminated substrate when necessary rather than routinely stripping a stable enclosure.

19. Common Health Concerns

Dehydration

Ensure access to drinking water and suitable substrate moisture.

Moulting complications

Incomplete moults can cause serious injury.

Falls

Abdominal injuries may be life-threatening.

Mites

Not all small organisms in substrate are parasites. Persistent mites concentrated on the spider require investigation.

Mould

Persistent mould may indicate excess moisture or poor ventilation.

Feeding refusal

Consider premoult, seasonal inactivity and body condition.

Abnormal posture

Severe leg curling, weakness or unresponsiveness requires urgent specialist assessment.

Consult a suitably experienced exotic or invertebrate veterinarian.

20. Quarantine

Keep new acquisitions separate from established collections.

A precautionary observation period of approximately 60–90 days may be used, although this is not a validated disease-free interval.

Monitor feeding, moulting, body condition, visible mites and abnormal behaviour.

Use separate maintenance equipment where practical.

Retain identification and acquisition records.

21. Breeding and Reproduction

Breeding should only be attempted with reliably identified animals.

Species identification

Do not confuse T. sabulosus with T. vagans or other dark Tliltocatl species.

Sex determination

Examine suitable moults where possible.

Mature males

Mature males develop specialised reproductive structures.

Seasonal timing

A validated species-specific captive breeding season is unavailable.

Pairing

Introduce adults only under close supervision.

Females may attack or consume males.

Egg sacs

Successful mating may result in egg-sac production.

Incubation

A validated species-specific captive incubation protocol is unavailable.

Spiderlings

Provide secure, appropriately sized accommodation and suitable small prey.

Records

Maintain parentage, pairing, moult and offspring records.

Hybridisation

Do not pair T. sabulosus with other Tliltocatl species.

Legal compliance

Check wildlife trade requirements before transferring offspring across borders.

22. Conservation and Responsible Captive Breeding

Tliltocatl sabulosus is native to Guatemala and is subject to international wildlife trade controls.

CITES

The genus Tliltocatl is listed in CITES Appendix II.

Conservation pressures

Potential concerns include habitat loss, land-use change and collection for trade.

Population status

Do not assign a formal IUCN category without consulting an authoritative assessment.

Captive-bred acquisition

Prioritise legally sourced captive-bred animals with credible provenance.

Wild collection

Do not assume collection is permitted.

Breeding responsibility

Maintain accurate identification, parentage and acquisition records.

Conservation value

Responsible captive breeding may reduce demand for wild-collected animals.

It does not replace habitat protection.

Release

Never release captive tarantulas into the environment.

23. Legal and CITES Information

This species is subject to specific international wildlife trade controls.

CITES Appendix II

Tliltocatl sabulosus is included through the genus-level listing of Tliltocatl.

European Union

The genus is listed in Annex B of the EU wildlife trade regulations.

Republic of Ireland

Irish keepers and traders must comply with applicable EU wildlife trade requirements and relevant national legislation.

Import from outside the EU

CITES export documentation and applicable EU import documentation may be required.

Trade within the EU

Requirements differ from those for import from outside the EU, but lawful origin must still be demonstrable.

Captive-bred animals

Captive breeding does not automatically remove all wildlife trade obligations.

Documentation

Retain:

  • Correct scientific identification.
  • Supplier information.
  • Acquisition date.
  • Evidence of lawful origin.
  • Captive-breeding records.
  • Relevant permits or certificates.
  • Records of international movement.

Current legislation

Check the CITES Checklist, current EU regulations and guidance from Ireland’s National Parks and Wildlife Service before acquisition, import, export or commercial trade.

24. Common Husbandry Mistakes

  • Confusing the Guatemalan Red-rump with the Mexican Red Rump.
  • Using the outdated genus Brachypelma without recognising the current taxonomy.
  • Assuming the species is native to Mexico.
  • Purchasing animals without adequate provenance.
  • Ignoring CITES Appendix II and EU Annex B requirements.
  • Providing insufficient floor space.
  • Providing inadequate substrate depth.
  • Using unstable substrate.
  • Providing excessive enclosure height.
  • Leaving escape-sized ventilation openings.
  • Keeping the entire substrate permanently saturated.
  • Providing no drinking water.
  • Overheating the enclosure.
  • Heating directly beneath deep substrate.
  • Offering excessively large prey.
  • Leaving live prey during moulting.
  • Disturbing established retreats unnecessarily.
  • Routine handling.
  • Communal housing.
  • Breeding animals of uncertain identity.

25. Husbandry Summary

Requirement Practical recommendation
Common name Guatemalan Red-rump Tarantula
Scientific name Tliltocatl sabulosus
Authority (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897)
Former name Brachypelma sabulosum
Native range Guatemala
Adult female body length Approximately 2.6–2.8 inches
Lifestyle Terrestrial, retreat-associated
Adult enclosure Approximately 18 × 12 × 12 inches
Larger enclosure Approximately 24 × 18 × 12 inches
Substrate depth Approximately 5–7 inches
Daytime temperature Approximately 22–26°C
Night-time temperature Approximately 19–23°C
Moisture Slightly moist lower area; partly dry surface
Ventilation Effective, escape-proof airflow
Drinking water Clean, accessible water dish
Lighting Normal day-night cycle
UVB Not routinely required
Diet Captive-bred feeder insects
Urticating hairs Present
Venom Present
Handling Not recommended
Cohabitation Solitary
Experience level Intermediate
CITES Appendix II
EU wildlife trade Annex B

These numerical husbandry recommendations are provisional captive starting points, not proven species-specific physiological limits.

26. References and Further Reading

  1. Pickard-Cambridge, F. O. (1897). Original description of Eurypelma sabulosum. Biologia Centrali-Americana, Arachnida, Araneidea.
  2. Mendoza, J. & Francke, O. F. (2020). Systematic revision of Mexican threatened tarantulas Brachypelma (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Theraphosinae), with a description of a new genus, and implications on the conservation. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 188(1), 82–147. https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz046
  3. World Spider Catalog. Tliltocatl sabulosus (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897). Natural History Museum Bern. World Spider Catalog
  4. CITES. Appendices I, II and III. https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php
  5. European Union. Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1383, wildlife trade annexes. https://eur-lex.europa.eu
  6. Foelix, R. F. Biology of Spiders. General reference for spider anatomy and physiology.
  7. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Ireland. https://www.npws.ie

Evidence Note

The accepted scientific name, 1897 description, former placement in Brachypelma, Guatemalan distribution and CITES Appendix II status are supported by published taxonomic and regulatory sources.

The enclosure dimensions, temperatures, substrate depth, feeding intervals and moisture-management recommendations are provisional captive husbandry guidance.

Detailed species-specific captive longevity, natural burrow architecture, thermal preferences and reproductive protocols remain insufficiently documented.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace species-specific research or veterinary advice. Individual requirements may vary.

Always check current legislation governing the acquisition, collection, import, transport, keeping, breeding or sale of reptiles and invertebrates in your jurisdiction.

If you have concerns about an animal’s health or care, consult a suitably experienced exotic or invertebrate veterinarian.

Information correct at the date of publication, subject to subsequent changes in scientific knowledge and legislation.

ReptileCommunity.com | Revised: October 2026