Tliltocatl schroederi (Mexican Black Velvet) 0.75" | 4" FEMALE

The Mexican Black Velvet Tarantula, Tliltocatl schroederi Rudloff (formerly Brachypelma schroederi), is a beautiful, robust burrowing member of the subfamily Theraphosinae similar in appearance to the extremely popular Grammostola pulchra. Despite being in the hobby for some time, T. schroederi is still less commonly available in captivity than it should be. This species is listed as globally endangered through a 2018 assessment by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, so any captive breeding attempts are well worth the effort and essential to safeguarding the future of this beautiful spider.

T. schroederi is a modestly-sized species, reaching a 4.5-5.5" diagonal leg span at maturity.   The entire body and legs of T. schroederi are jet black with a velvet-like sheen from short hairs. The legs and abdomen are lined in longer black setae as well. T. schroederi is a slow-growing fossorial species native to the forests and shrublands of Oaxaca, Mexico, where it burrows into the ground, under, or around rocks and debris. This species is suitable for beginners as it is docile but can kick urticating hairs if frightened.

Terrestrial, enclosures that are wider than taller are best for this species. Provide T. schroederi with a deep, airy, fluffy organic burrowing substrate. The cage should be cross-ventilated to ensure adequate airflow, as these spiders come from open semi-arid habitats. A cork slab with a depression underneath is suitable for mature specimens to use as a foundation for their burrows. If you like your tarantulas in black velvet and would like to do your part in aiding in the out-of-habitat conservation of a rare species, do not pass up the opportunity to work with T. schroederi!