Tliltocatl (Brachypelma) schroederi (Mexican Black Velvet) Tarantula

Tliltocatl schroederi, known as the Mexican Black Velvet Tarantula, is a rare and visually elegant terrestrial species endemic to the Pacific coastal foothills of Oaxaca, Mexico. This species is distinguished by its satin-black coloration, subtle bronze carapace sheen, and fine golden setae that catch the light across the legs and abdomen—giving it a soft, velvety appearance. Unlike the more colorful Brachypelma relatives, T. schroederi embodies understated sophistication, appealing to collectors who appreciate subtlety and rarity. In its natural environment, it inhabits arid scrublands and dry tropical forests, where it constructs deep burrows or occupies natural cavities beneath stones and roots. These microhabitats maintain stable humidity during long dry seasons and allow retreat during cooler nights. Slow-growing but hardy and long-lived, T. schroederi is calm and deliberate in movement, making it well-suited for display and beginner-to-intermediate keepers seeking a less commonly available Tliltocatl species.

• Scientific Name: Tliltocatl schroederi (formerly Brachypelma schroederi)

• Adult Leg Span: 5–6 inches

• Country of Origin: Mexico (Oaxaca)

• Habitat: Tropical Dry Forest and Thorn Scrub (400–1,000 m elevation); compact clay and rocky soils with sparse vegetation, warm daytime temperatures 78–88°F, cooler nights around 65°F, and relative humidity 55–70% with seasonal summer rains

• Habits: Terrestrial / Burrowing

• Growth Rate: Slow