Invertebrate Interests is authored & photographed by Lillie Nyte of Inverts Unlimited
Mexican redknee Tarantula | Brachypelma smithi
Mexican Red Knee Tarantula Courtesy of Lillie Nyte
General Description
Synonyms: Euathlus smithi. Eurypelma smithi, Mygale smithi
Common name(s): Mexican redknee
Keeper experience: Beginner
Adult size: 5+ inch leg span
Growth rate: Slow to medium (Males reach maturity in 4 – 5 years, Females in 6 – 7 years)
Lifespan: Males – 5+ years, Females – 25+ years
Type: Terrestrial (Spiderlings are opportunistic burrowers)
Temperament: Tolerates handling but many will readily kick hairs
Venom: Mild (Reluctant to bite)
Urticating hairs: Yes
Natural distribution: Central Pacific coast of Mexico especially on the western faces of the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre del Sur mountain ranges
Natural conditions: Hot and arid savanna and scrubland regions with little vegetation where this species will live in burrows near thorny scrubs or cacti
Conservation status: Lower risk/near threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, also listed on CITES appendix II since 1985. All Brachypelma species listed on CITES since 1995
Captive Care
Brachypelma smithi
Courtesy of Lillie Nyte Mexican Red Knee Tarantula B. smithi
Temperature: Room temperature (Low 70’s to low 80’s Fahrenheit)
Humidity: Mid to low
Substrate: 3 – 4 inches of relatively dry coco fiber
Prey items: Not picky and will readily consume appropriately sized crickets, roaches, mealworms, and superworms. Prey items should be no bigger than the tarantula’s abdomen.
Miscellany: Good display species as adults will utilize a hide but often remain in the open visible to observation.