Overview

The Mexican Half-and-Half Tarantula, also called the Darth Maul Tarantula, develops a striking contrast between darker front legs and reddish hairs on the rear half. Adult leg span is approximately 15 cm.

Origin

Mexico. An arboreal species, although smaller specimens commonly build retreats at the foot of cork bark and incorporate substrate into their silk shelter.

Housing

Keep singly in a tall, secure enclosure. Our recommended adult size is approximately 25 × 25 × 35–40 cm. Provide vertical cork, foliage and 8–10 cm of burrowable substrate so the retreat can extend downwards. Scale housing to the animal’s current size. A cork tube or sheltered slab should give it a clear retreat away from maintenance access.

Temperature & Moisture

Aim for 22–26°C. Keep part of the lower substrate lightly moist and provide a clean water dish, while retaining drier areas and good cross-ventilation. Avoid stagnant, soaked conditions; small specimens should not dry out completely.

Feeding

Offer suitable crickets or roaches near the web entrance, generally about weekly for juveniles and every 1–2 weeks for adults. Tiny spiderlings need smaller meals more often. Remove food remains without destroying the silk-and-soil retreat.

Behaviour & Care

A fast, sometimes defensive display spider for experienced keepers. Unlike many New World tarantulas, Psalmopoeus lacks urticating hairs; this does not make handling safe. Do not hand-feed. Check its location before opening and prepare a catch cup. Remove uneaten live prey within 24 hours and immediately if moulting is suspected. Do not disturb a spider on its back or open a sealed retreat. After a moult, wait until the fangs are dark and fully hardened before feeding; this takes longer in larger spiders.

Stock Information

Original label M retained; sex and exact dimensions are not specified.

Please note

Live Animals Are Click and Collect Only. Order online for collection at Newlands Home & Garden Centre, Clondalkin. We do not ship live animals.