Brachypelma Albiceps – Golden Red Rump Juvenile
£60.00
Brachypelma albiceps is a calm, slow-growing New World terrestrial tarantula from Mexico, prized in the hobby for its dark velvet coloration, golden carapace, and rusty-red abdominal hairs. It is considered one of the more beginner-friendly species due to its generally docile temperament and hardy care requirements.
| Weight | 100 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16 × 16 × 16 cm |
| Size | 7cm |
| Sex: | Unsexed |
| Life Stage | Juvenile |
1 in stock
Native to Mexico, B. albiceps inhabits dry scrubland and semi-arid environments where it spends much of its life in burrows or sheltered retreats. In captivity, it is valued for its striking appearance, manageable temperament, and straightforward husbandry.
Adults display a rich golden or tan carapace contrasted against dark legs and a black abdomen covered in reddish defensive hairs. Like many New World terrestrials, this species may flick urticating hairs when disturbed but is generally considered calm compared to faster or more defensive tarantulas.
Growth tends to be relatively slow, especially when compared to many large South American species. However, adult females can live for well over 20 years when properly cared for.
Because of its hardy nature and attractive coloration, Brachypelma albiceps remains a popular species among both beginner and experienced keepers in the UK tarantula hobby.
🛖 Care Guide
⭐ Difficulty Level
Beginner
😌 Temperament
Generally calm and tolerant.
Like most New World tarantulas, temperament can vary between individuals, but this species is usually considered manageable and non-defensive.
🌍 Type
Terrestrial
📍 Origin
Mexico
📏 Adult Size
Approximately 5–6 inches leg span.
📈 Growth Rate
Slow to moderate.
⏳ Lifespan
Female
20+ years
Male
4–6 years
🏠 Recommended Enclosure
A terrestrial setup with:
- More floor space than height
- Deep substrate for burrowing
- Cork bark or hide
- Good ventilation
- Dry conditions with occasional access to slightly moist substrate areas
Excessive height should be avoided to reduce injury risk from falls.
🪵 Substrate
Suitable substrates include:
- Coco fibre
- Topsoil
- Clay-based mixes
- Excavator-style substrates
Depth should allow basic burrowing behaviour.
🌡️ Temperature
Recommended range:
- 22–26°C
Normal UK room temperatures are often acceptable if stable.
💧 Humidity
Moderate to low humidity.
Typically:
- 55–70%
A water dish should always be provided.
🍽️ Feeding
Suitable prey items include:
- Crickets
- Roaches
- Locusts
- Mealworms
Slings should receive appropriately sized prey.
Adults generally feed reliably but may fast before moulting.
👀 Behaviour Notes
- Often visible in the enclosure
- May redecorate substrate and hides
- Can flick urticating hairs when stressed
- Usually slow-moving
- Occasionally burrows, especially as juveniles
✋ Handling
Handling is not recommended.
While typically calm, falls can seriously injure terrestrial tarantulas, and stress should always be minimised.
📋 Quick Reference Table
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brachypelma albiceps |
| Common Name | Mexican Golden Red Rump |
| Type | Terrestrial |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Temperament | Calm |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Adult Size | 5–6 inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow–Moderate |
| Female Lifespan | 20+ years |
| Male Lifespan | 4–6 years |
| Humidity | 55–70% |
| Temperature | 22–26°C |
| Defence | Urticating hairs |
💭 Final Thoughts
Brachypelma albiceps remains one of the best all-round beginner tarantulas in the UK hobby. Its calm nature, beautiful colouration, and hardy care requirements make it an excellent choice for keepers looking for a relaxed display species with a long lifespan.
While it may not be the fastest-growing or most dramatic species, its personality and classic appearance have kept it popular for decades.
For many keepers, this is the tarantula that quietly becomes a permanent favourite.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Care information may vary between individual specimens and keeper preferences. Always research species thoroughly and adjust husbandry based on the behaviour and condition of the animal.
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Shipping & Live Arrival (DOA) Policy
At The Spoodoire, the safety and wellbeing of our tarantulas always comes first. Every spider is packed with care using secure containers, insulation when needed, and appropriate ventilation to help ensure safe travel.
Shipping Information
- We currently ship within the UK only.
- Live animals are shipped using approved next-day delivery services where possible.
- Orders are usually dispatched Monday–Wednesday to avoid weekend delays.
- We may delay shipping during periods of extreme hot or cold weather for animal welfare reasons.
- Customers will receive tracking details once their order has been dispatched.
Please ensure somebody is available to receive the parcel on the first delivery attempt.
Live Arrival Guarantee (DOA Policy)
We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee on all tarantulas provided the following conditions are met:
To qualify for a DOA claim:
- The parcel must be accepted on the first delivery attempt.
- We must be contacted within 1 hour of delivery confirmation.
- Clear photographs/videos of the unopened container and specimen must be provided.
- The tarantula must remain in its original packaging until reviewed.
If a DOA is confirmed, we will offer either:
- A replacement specimen (where available), or
- Store credit equal to the value of the animal.
Shipping costs are non-refundable.
Situations not covered by the guarantee
The Live Arrival Guarantee does not cover:
- Incorrect shipping information provided by the customer
- Delayed collection or missed deliveries
- Parcels redirected or left in unsafe locations
- Issues caused by extreme weather after delivery
- Stress-related behaviour, moulting, or temporary lethargy following transit
- Unsuitable temperatures.
Please allow your tarantula time to settle after arrival. Many spiders may remain motionless or defensive immediately after shipping, which is completely normal.
Weather Delays
We reserve the right to postpone shipping if temperatures are considered unsafe for transport. We would rather delay a parcel than risk the health of the animal.
Questions?
If you have any concerns about your order, packaging, or new eight-legged roommate, feel free to contact us and we’ll always do our best to help.
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