Tliltocatl

Distinguished from the closely related genus Brachypelma primarily by coloration: Tliltocatl species lack the red rings on legs and red carapace markings that characterize Brachypelma. The genitalia also differ in structure, with Tliltocatl females possessing a single fused spermatheca versus the paired structure in Brachypelma. Molecular phylogenetic analysis confirms the separation of these genera.

Inhabit diverse environments including deciduous forests, evergreen rainforests, and grasslands. Construct burrows, typically located under rocks, logs, and tree roots. Some species excavate burrows in agricultural settings such as farmlands and gardens. Species occur on both Pacific and Atlantic coasts as well as the Gulf of Mexico.

Native to Mexico and Central America. Confirmed distribution includes Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, with additional records from Honduras and El Salvador. Three western Mexican species (T. schroederi, T. kahlenbergi, T. verdezi) are separated from remaining species found in eastern Mexico and Central America. Precise distribution is complicated by widespread pet trade traffic; T. kahlenbergi is known only from specimens sent from Veracruz to Germany for the pet trade.

Nocturnal hunters. Activity patterns not explicitly documented, but as tropical and subtropical species, likely active year-round with possible seasonal variations related to rainfall.

Females lay several hundred eggs in a silken ball, which are stored in the burrow and guarded until hatching. Long-lived; individuals can survive more than 30 years. Males are substantially smaller than females and risk being consumed during courtship.

Construct and occupy burrows, emerging to hunt at night. When disturbed, may raise the abdomen and rub hind legs against it to dislodge urticating hairs as a defensive mechanism. Males perform elaborate courtship displays involving drumming, leg waggling, and other movements to identify themselves to females and avoid being mistaken for prey.

Predators of small invertebrates in forest and grassland ecosystems. Their burrowing activity may contribute to soil aeration and nutrient cycling.

Collected extensively for the pet trade, contributing to population declines and CITES protection. Bites are not highly venomous to humans, typically causing localized pain, swelling, and itching. Urticating hairs can irritate eyes and nasal passages. Subject of ecotourism interest in their native range.

• BrachypelmaClosely related genus from which Tliltocatl was separated in 2020; distinguished by presence of red leg rings and red carapace markings, plus differences in female genitalia structure.

The name 'tarantula' originates from Italian folklore involving wolf spiders (Lycosa tarantula, family Lycosidae) and the supposed condition of 'tarantism,' not from the Theraphosidae family to which Tliltocatl belongs. Despite their size, bites are not lethal to humans.

• tarantula
• mygalomorph
• burrowing spider
• CITES protected
• Mexico
• Central America
• nocturnal
• urticating hairs

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• A friendly encounter with a very large tarantula: Red Rump Tarantula, Tliltocatl vagans — Bug of the Week
• Archive — Bug of the Week