Brachypelma vagans

Already in 1875 Anton Ausserer (05/07/1843- 20/07/1889) Described Eurypelma vagans from material in the Keyserling collection, collected in Yucatan and Neu Granada. In 1897 F. O. P.-Cambridge re-described the type material and added details on specimens collected by H. H. Smith from Dos Arroyos (Guerrero, Mexico) and Teapa (Tabasco, Mexico).

Looking at the collection sites for the type material, the Neu Granada (Colombia now) stands out, as this is a long way from any other known Brachypelma site. It is most probably a labeling error. The type male comes from Yucatan. The state of Yucatan at the time of description was much larger then it is now.

This makes finding the type site of Brachypelma vagans nearly inpossible.

Map showing the state of Yucatan in 1875. This is now divided into 3 states. Arrow indicates Teapa in Tabasco.

This leaves the material collected by H. H. Smith. F. O. P.-Cambridge notes in the description that Brachypelma vagans was found sympatric with Brachypelma smithi in Dos Arroyos. When visiting Dos Arroyos in 2009 we found both Brachypelma smithi and a red rump Brachypelma living sympatric... this red rump Brachypelma however is not Brachypelma vagans, it is the in 2003 described Brachypelma verdezi. This would explain the difference Andrew Smith notes in the palpal bulb. The distribution of Brachypelma vagans is big, from the Yucatan peninsula into Guatemala and Belize. It is however much smaller then first thought. New research and insights let to the descriptions of Brachypelma schroederi, B. verdezi and B. kahlenbergi all from the range once thought to be Brachypelma vagans habitat.

Brachypelma verdezi

Dos Arroyos, Mexico

Brachypelma vagans

Teapa, Mexico

Brachypelma vagans is a very opportunistic tarantula. They readily take refuge under stones/ concrete foundation, and where they need to, they will burrow a retreat in the soil.