Mexican Black Velvet Tarantula (Tliltocatl schroederi)

ReptileCommunity · October 20, 2026, 7:42pm

Mexican Black Velvet Tarantula (Tliltocatl schroederi)

Comprehensive Species Care Guide — The Vivarium Vault

Quick Facts

Category	Information
Common name	Mexican Black Velvet Tarantula
Scientific name	Tliltocatl schroederi
Scientific authority	(Rudloff, 2003)
Former name	Brachypelma schroederi
Family	Theraphosidae
Native country	Mexico
Known region	Central Valleys of Oaxaca
Habitat	Terrestrial environments of the Oaxaca valley region
Adult female body length	Approximately 1.9 inches (4.8 cm) in published descriptions
Adult male body length	Approximately 1.3–1.4 inches (3.4–3.6 cm)
Appearance	Predominantly dark brown to black
Lifestyle	Terrestrial, retreat-associated; provision for burrowing recommended
Diet	Primarily invertebrates
Reproductive distinction	Relatively few, large eggs and comparatively large offspring reported
Urticating hairs	Present
Venom	Present
Cohabitation	Solitary
CITES	Appendix II
EU wildlife trade	Annex B
Conservation	Reported as Endangered in IUCN-linked records; verify current assessment
Experience level	Intermediate to advanced

Evidence distinction: Taxonomy, published body measurements, distribution and unusual reproductive characteristics are supported by available descriptions. Enclosure dimensions, temperatures, feeding intervals and moisture management are provisional husbandry recommendations rather than experimentally established species-specific requirements.

1. Species Overview

The Mexican Black Velvet Tarantula, Tliltocatl schroederi, is a terrestrial New World tarantula endemic to Mexico.

It was originally described by Jan-Peter Rudloff in 2003 under the name Brachypelma schroederi.

The species was subsequently transferred to Tliltocatl during the revision of Mexican Brachypelma by Mendoza and Francke.

Its dark appearance distinguishes it from several more colourful members of the former Brachypelma grouping.

Unlike species with conspicuous orange or red abdominal hairs, T. schroederi is predominantly dark brown to black, giving rise to the common name Mexican Black Velvet Tarantula.

It is also notable for its reproductive biology.

Published accounts report that females produce comparatively few, relatively large eggs, resulting in larger offspring than those of several related species.

This characteristic is relevant to captive breeding but should not be interpreted as a guarantee of rapid growth or predictable reproductive success.

The species is associated with the Central Valleys of Oaxaca.

Its limited geographical distribution makes reliable identification and lawful provenance particularly important.

For captive husbandry, provide a secure terrestrial enclosure, compactable substrate, a suitable retreat, reliable drinking water and effective ventilation.

2. Taxonomy and Identification

Scientific classification

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

Scientific authority

(Rudloff, 2003).

Original combination

Brachypelma schroederi Rudloff, 2003.

Current combination

Tliltocatl schroederi (Rudloff, 2003).

Original description

Rudloff, 2003, Arthropoda, 11(3), 2–15.

Name origin

The species was named in honour of Steffen Schröder, who contributed breeding observations and specimens.

Appearance

The overall colouration is predominantly dark brown to black.

The species generally lacks the conspicuous red hair covering characteristic of some related tarantulas.

Adult females

Females are typically more robust and heavy-bodied.

Mature males

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

Diagnostic features

Published descriptions discuss the distribution of plumose hairs on parts of the first pair of legs and differences in leg spination.

These are specialist anatomical features and should not be treated as straightforward photographic identification markers.

Similar species

Care is needed when distinguishing this species from:

Tliltocatl kahlenbergi.
Tliltocatl vagans.
Other dark-bodied Tliltocatl species.

Identification warning

Do not identify the species solely from dark colouration.

Sex determination

Suitable moults can assist with sex determination.

Breeding precaution

Only pair animals with dependable identification and traceable provenance.

3. Natural Distribution and Ecology

Geographic distribution

Tliltocatl schroederi is endemic to Mexico.

Principal region

The species is associated with the Central Valleys of Oaxaca.

Historical locality confusion

The original description referred to specimens reportedly originating near Acapulco, Guerrero.

Subsequent accounts indicate that this information was unreliable and that the species’ actual distribution is in Oaxaca.

Habitat

The species inhabits terrestrial environments of the Oaxaca valley region.

Regional conditions

The Central Valleys experience seasonal temperature and rainfall variation.

Natural microhabitat

Detailed measurements of occupied retreats and natural burrows are not available for this guide.

Burrowing

The species should be provided with opportunities to excavate and occupy a secure ground-level retreat.

Seasonal activity

A reliable species-specific annual activity calendar is unavailable.

Natural prey

The species is expected to consume suitable terrestrial invertebrates.

Predators

Potential predators include vertebrates and other animals capable of attacking ground-dwelling spiders.

Captive implications

Provide a stable terrestrial environment with shelter, compactable substrate, a moisture gradient and accessible drinking water.

4. Adult Size, Growth and Lifespan

Adult male body length

Published descriptions report approximately:

1.3–1.4 inches (3.4–3.6 cm).

Adult female body length

Published descriptions report approximately:

1.9 inches (4.8 cm).

These are body lengths, not diagonal leg spans.

Leg measurements

Published anatomical descriptions include measurements of individual legs.

These should not be converted into an assumed maximum leg span.

Sexual dimorphism

Females are generally more robust.

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

Growth rate

Published accounts suggest relatively large offspring may mature comparatively quickly.

However, a validated captive growth schedule is unavailable.

Female lifespan

A reliable species-specific maximum has not been established.

Male lifespan

Mature males generally have shorter remaining lifespans than adult females.

Monitoring

Record moults, feeding, body condition and reproductive development.

5. Housing and Enclosure Requirements

The enclosure should provide suitable horizontal space, stable substrate and a secure retreat.

Adult enclosure dimensions

A practical starting enclosure is:

12 × 12 × 12 inches (30 × 30 × 30 cm)

A larger option is:

18 × 12 × 12 inches (45 × 30 × 30 cm)

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

Floor area

Prioritise usable horizontal ground 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 exposed climbing height low.

Falls can cause serious abdominal injuries.

Ventilation

Provide effective airflow without 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.

Spiderlings require closer monitoring of substrate 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 section while allowing part of the surface to dry.

Burrow 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 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. schroederi.

Provisional starting temperatures

Condition	Suggested temperature
General daytime	21–26°C
Slightly warmer area	Up to approximately 27°C
Cooler retreat	Approximately 20–22°C
Night-time	Approximately 18–22°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

A validated species-specific relative humidity percentage is unavailable.

Drinking water

Provide a clean, stable water dish.

Substrate moisture

Maintain a slightly moist lower section.

Surface conditions

Allow some surface areas to dry between moisture applications.

Ventilation

Provide effective air exchange.

Spiderlings

Small containers may dry rapidly and require closer monitoring.

Misting

Routine heavy 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 schroederi 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 schroederi 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

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

Avoid unnecessary excavation of established retreats.

17. Cohabitation

House Tliltocatl schroederi 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. schroederi with T. kahlenbergi, T. vagans or other dark Tliltocatl species.

Sex determination

Examine suitable moults where possible.

Mature males

Mature males develop specialised reproductive structures.

Reproductive distinction

Published accounts report relatively few, large eggs compared with several related tarantulas.

Offspring size

The relatively large eggs produce comparatively large spiderlings.

Development

Some accounts suggest comparatively rapid maturation, but a validated growth schedule is unavailable.

Seasonal timing

A dependable species-specific captive breeding season is not established here.

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. schroederi with other Tliltocatl species.

Legal compliance

Check wildlife trade requirements before transferring offspring across borders.

22. Conservation and Responsible Captive Breeding

Tliltocatl schroederi has a restricted known distribution in Mexico.

Conservation status

IUCN-linked records report the species as Endangered.

Confirm the latest assessment and criteria before publishing a formal conservation statement.

Habitat pressures

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

Restricted range

Its limited known distribution may increase vulnerability to local habitat disturbance.

CITES

The species is included in Appendix II.

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 international wildlife trade controls.

CITES Appendix II

Tliltocatl schroederi is covered by CITES Appendix II controls.

European Union

The species is covered by Annex B wildlife trade controls.

Republic of Ireland

Irish keepers and traders must comply with applicable EU wildlife trade regulations 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 imports originating outside the EU, but lawful origin must still be demonstrable.

Captive-bred animals

Captive breeding does not automatically remove 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 T. schroederi with other dark Tliltocatl species.
Identifying the species solely from dark colouration.
Assuming the original Acapulco locality represents the confirmed distribution.
Using the outdated genus Brachypelma without recognising current taxonomy.
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.
Allowing the enclosure to become excessively dry throughout.
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	Mexican Black Velvet Tarantula
Scientific name	Tliltocatl schroederi
Authority	(Rudloff, 2003)
Former name	Brachypelma schroederi
Native range	Central Valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico
Adult male body length	Approximately 1.3–1.4 inches
Adult female body length	Approximately 1.9 inches
Appearance	Predominantly dark brown to black
Lifestyle	Terrestrial, retreat-associated
Adult enclosure	Approximately 12 × 12 × 12 inches
Larger enclosure	Approximately 18 × 12 × 12 inches
Substrate depth	Approximately 5–7 inches
Daytime temperature	Approximately 21–26°C
Night-time temperature	Approximately 18–22°C
Moisture	Slightly moist lower section; 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
Reproductive distinction	Relatively few, large eggs
Urticating hairs	Present
Venom	Present
Handling	Not recommended
Cohabitation	Solitary
Experience level	Intermediate to advanced
Conservation	Reported Endangered; verify latest IUCN assessment
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

Rudloff, J.-P. (2003). Eine neue Brachypelma-Art aus Mexiko, Brachypelma schroederi sp. n. (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Theraphosidae: Theraphosinae). Arthropoda, 11(3), 2–15.
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
World Spider Catalog. Tliltocatl schroederi (Rudloff, 2003). Natural History Museum Bern. World Spider Catalog
World Spider Catalog. Original description reference. World Spider Catalog
CITES. Appendices I, II and III. https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php
CITES. Standing Committee document concerning accepted tarantula taxonomy. https://cites.org/sites/default/files/documents/E-SC78-Inf-21.pdf
IUCN Red List. Brachypelma schroederi assessment. https://www.iucnredlist.org
National Parks and Wildlife Service, Ireland. https://www.npws.ie
Foelix, R. F. Biology of Spiders. General reference for spider anatomy and physiology.

Evidence Note

The accepted scientific name, 2003 description, transfer to Tliltocatl, Mexican distribution, published body measurements and reproductive distinction are supported by taxonomic and published descriptive sources.

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

Detailed species-specific captive longevity, preferred thermal conditions, natural burrow architecture and standardised breeding 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