Mexican Copperhead (B.minax)

Bonnetina Minax is commonly known as the Mexican Copperhead. This species is still quite rare in the hobby, although I have been happy to be seeing more captive breedings!

The Mexican Copperhead is an absolutely stunning species. I have not altered this photo in any way but, I really think it must be seen in person to appreciate it's rich rainbow of color.

The species is not out of reach for beginners. A little speedier vs. Brachypelma they are not too quick and rarely aggressive. They have a great feeding response as well!

Smaller slings like to burrow while larger specimens are often content to adopt a hide, and are more likely to be out in the open for viewing.

TYPE
New World - Terrestrial

SCIENTIFIC NAME
Bonnetina minax

ORIGIN
Michoacán Mexico

HABITAT
Sling- Sling box or 8oz deli cup
Juvenile - 9x6x6 enclosure
Sub-Adult/Adult - 12x8x8 enclosure, 2 ½ or 5 gallon tank
Provide them with a cork bark hide, water dish, a little sphagnum moss (optional) and straight coco fiber. However a substrate like jungle mix or creature soil which is mainly peat moss, a little soil and a small amount of sand. Coco fiber works very well and is the least expensive.

DIET
Roaches, crickets and superworms is our recommended foods. However, mealworms, are also acceptable.

TEMPERATURE
70-75F, heating generally isn’t a concern with this species.

HUMIDITY
50%-60%, slings should stay on lightly moist substrate, adults should have a water dish and a corner of their enclosure that goes through a wet/dry cycle, moistening the substrate and then leaving it alone until it dries out.

ADULT SIZE
Adults can reach up to 4-5" diagonal leg span.

LIFESPAN
4-15 Years (Males 4-6 years, with females drastically outliving them at 10+ years)

SOCIAL BEHAVIOR
We do not recommend keeping tarantulas as they will cannibalize each other. Its best to keep tarantulas in individual enclosures.