The Mexican Redknee Tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) is a strikingly beautiful species native to Mexico. Known for its reddish-orange knee markings, this tarantula is one of the most popular pet species due to its docile nature and easy care. It thrives in warm, dry environments and can be found in dry forests and scrubland regions of western Mexico.
Mexican Redknee Tarantula Physical Description
The Mexican Redknee Tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) is one of the most visually striking and well-known tarantula species. Here is a detailed physical description of this remarkable spider:
Coloration: The most distinctive feature of the Mexican Redknee is its vibrant color pattern. The body is generally a dark brown to black, with bright orange to red markings on the knees, which gives the species its common name. These red markings contrast dramatically against the dark body, especially on the femora (upper segments of the legs).
Carapace: The carapace (the top part of the cephalothorax) is a dark brown to black color and covered with fine hairs. It may have a slight reddish or orange tinge in certain light conditions.
Legs: The legs are long, strong, and covered with fine hair. The distinct red or orange bands are particularly visible on the joints of the legs, especially on the knees and the tibia (middle segment of the leg). The legs of the Mexican Redknee are robust and give the tarantula its characteristic sturdy appearance.
Abdomen: The abdomen is typically dark-colored, ranging from brown to black. Like other tarantulas, the abdomen is covered with fine, often velvety-looking hairs, and it may appear slightly lighter towards the back.
Fangs: The Mexican Redknee has large, curved fangs which are used for hunting and injecting venom into prey. While their venom is not considered dangerous to humans, a bite can cause mild pain and irritation.
Urticating Hairs: Similar to other tarantulas, the Mexican Redknee has the ability to flick urticating hairs from its abdomen when threatened. These tiny, barbed hairs can cause irritation to the skin and eyes of predators or other threats.
Eyes: The tarantula has eight eyes arranged in two rows of four. While tarantulas generally have poor eyesight, they rely on other sensory abilities, such as touch and vibration, for hunting and navigation.
In summary, the Mexican Redknee Tarantula is characterized by its striking appearance, particularly the bright red-orange markings on its knees, paired with a robust body and long legs. Its vibrant color pattern makes it one of the most recognized and popular species in the pet trade.
Mexican Redknee Tarantula Size
Mexican Redknee Tarantula’s size:
Leg Span: 5 to 6 inches (12 to 15 cm), with larger specimens reaching up to 7 inches (18 cm).
Body Length: 2.5 to 3 inches (6.5 to 7.5 cm), including the cephalothorax and abdomen.
Weight: Approximately 15 to 20 grams for adults.
Juvenile Growth: Start at about 0.25 inches (6 mm) upon hatching and grow gradually over several molts.
This species is relatively large compared to many other tarantulas, with its size contributing to its striking appearance.
Mexican Redknee Tarantula Habitat
The Mexican Redknee Tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) is native to specific regions in Mexico and thrives in habitats that provide the conditions it needs to survive. Below is a detailed description of its habitat:
Geographic Range
The Mexican Redknee Tarantula is primarily found in the Pacific coastal regions of Mexico, specifically in the states of Guerrero and Michoacán. This region is characterized by its warm, dry climate, which is ideal for this species.
Preferred Habitat
Semi-Arid Regions: The tarantula is most commonly found in semi-arid scrublands, dry forests, and desert edges, where there is sufficient vegetation for shelter and prey availability.
Burrows: Mexican Redknees are terrestrial and fossorial (burrowing) spiders. They create burrows in the ground to provide protection from predators, maintain a stable temperature, and retain moisture in their dry environment.
Sheltered Areas: In addition to self-made burrows, they often inhabit naturally sheltered areas such as under rocks, fallen logs, or within cracks in the soil.
Climate
The climate in their native habitat is typically warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 75–85°F (24–29°C) during the day, and cooler temperatures at night.
Seasonal Rain: Although they prefer dry conditions, the region experiences seasonal rainfall, which influences their activity and reproduction. During the rainy season, these tarantulas are more likely to emerge from their burrows.
Soil Composition: The soil in their habitat is usually sandy or loamy, which is ideal for digging and maintaining stable burrows. The loose texture of the soil helps them create burrows that do not collapse easily.
Vegetation: The surrounding vegetation includes sparse shrubs, cacti, and other hardy plants that are adapted to arid conditions. These plants provide shade and help support the ecosystem, including the smaller insects and arthropods that the tarantulas prey on.
Mexican Redknee Tarantula Lifespan
The Mexican Redknee Tarantula has a relatively long lifespan for a spider. Females can live up to 25 years in captivity, while males generally live only 5-10 years. Their slow growth rate and long life make them a good choice for collectors and enthusiasts who enjoy watching their tarantulas mature over time.
Mexican Redknee Tarantula Venom
While the venom of the Mexican Redknee Tarantula is not deadly to humans, it can cause mild symptoms like swelling, redness, and pain if bitten. Fortunately, these tarantulas are not aggressive and are unlikely to bite unless provoked. Their venom is mainly used to immobilize prey in the wild, such as insects and small vertebrates.
Mexican Redknee Tarantula Diet
The Mexican Redknee Tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) is a carnivorous predator with a diet primarily composed of live prey. Its diet is well-suited to its natural habitat and hunting behavior:
Primary Diet
Insects and Arthropods: The bulk of the Mexican Redknee Tarantula’s diet consists of small invertebrates, including:
Crickets, Grasshoppers, Cockroaches, Beetles, Occasional Prey
Small Vertebrates: While insects make up most of their diet, larger adult tarantulas may occasionally prey on small vertebrates such as:
Lizards, Frogs, Small mice, Hunting Behavior
Ambush Predator: The Mexican Redknee Tarantula is a sit-and-wait predator, relying on stealth and patience to ambush its prey. It remains hidden near its burrow or within vegetation, using its sensitive hairs to detect vibrations caused by passing prey.
Quick Strike: Once prey is within reach, the tarantula strikes quickly, using its strong legs to subdue the prey and its fangs to inject venom.
Venom and Digestion: The venom immobilizes the prey and begins to break down its tissues. The tarantula then secretes digestive enzymes to liquefy the prey, allowing it to suck up the nutrients in liquid form.
Dietary Needs in Captivity
In captivity, the Mexican Redknee Tarantula’s diet typically includes:
Crickets, Mealworms, Superworms, Dubia roaches
Live prey is essential to replicate their natural hunting instincts. Prey size should match the tarantula’s size to avoid harm during feeding.
Feeding Frequency
Wild Tarantulas: In the wild, they may not eat every day and can go for weeks without food, depending on prey availability.
Captive Tarantulas:
Juveniles: Feed every 3–5 days.
Adults: Feed every 7–14 days, depending on their size and appetite.
Mexican Redknee Tarantula Image
10 Interesting Facts About Mexican Redknee Tarantulas
Here are some interesting facts about these unique spiders:
1. Docile Temperament
Known for being calm and slow-moving, Mexican redknees are a popular choice among tarantula enthusiasts and beginner exotic pet owners. Despite their mild temperament, they can flick urticating hairs from their abdomen as a defense mechanism.
2. Molting Process
Like all tarantulas, they molt as they grow. This involves shedding their exoskeleton, a process that can take several hours to complete. After molting, they are vulnerable until their new exoskeleton hardens.
3. Defense Mechanisms
Apart from urticating hairs, they may rear up and show their fangs if threatened. Despite these displays, they rarely bite unless severely provoked.
4. Conservation Status
The species is listed under CITES Appendix II due to habitat destruction and over-collection for the pet trade. Efforts are underway to promote sustainable captive breeding programs.
5. Hollywood Fame
The Mexican redknee is often used in movies and television due to its striking appearance and manageable temperament. It appeared in films like Raiders of the Lost Ark and documentaries showcasing arachnids.
6. Mating Rituals
During courtship, the male performs a tapping or drumming motion to attract a female. After mating, the male usually retreats quickly to avoid being attacked by the female.
7. Nighttime Predators
Mexican redknee tarantulas are nocturnal hunters, meaning they are most active during the night. They rely on their sensitive hairs to detect vibrations from potential prey, compensating for their poor eyesight.
8. Unique Movement
Tarantulas use hydraulic pressure to move their legs. By altering the pressure in their bodies, they can extend their legs and walk smoothly. This mechanism also allows them to leap short distances when needed.
9. Silk Usage
While they don’t spin webs to catch prey, they use their silk to: Line their burrows for reinforcement. Create a molting mat—a soft surface to lie on during molting. Lay a protective covering over their egg sacs.
10. Egg Production
Females lay 200-400 eggs at a time, which are wrapped in a silken sac. The mother guards the egg sac, carefully turning it to ensure even temperature and humidity distribution.
FAQs about Mexican Redknee Tarantula
1. Are Mexican Red-Knee Tarantulas Aggressive?
Mexican red-knee tarantulas (Brachypelma hamorii or Brachypelma smithi) are not typically aggressive. They are known for their docile nature, which makes them a popular choice among tarantula enthusiasts. While they may exhibit defensive behaviors when provoked, such as flicking urticating hairs or raising their front legs, they rarely bite. Their venom is mild and generally poses no serious threat to humans, but handling them gently and infrequently helps reduce stress to the spider.
2. Are Mexican Red-Leg Tarantulas Good for Beginners?
Mexican red-leg tarantulas (Brachypelma emilia) are similar to Mexican red-knee tarantulas in temperament and care requirements, making them another great choice for beginners. Like their red-knee counterparts, red-legs are docile, easy to care for, and visually stunning with their reddish-orange legs and subtle coloration. They also share similar needs in terms of habitat setup, diet, and maintenance.
In general, both Mexican red-knee and red-leg tarantulas are ideal for beginners due to their calm nature, low care demands, and manageable size.
3. What type of habitat do they need in captivity?
A terrarium with at least 10-15 gallons of space. Substrate like coconut fiber or peat moss for burrowing. Humidity levels around 60-70%. A temperature range of 75-85°F (24-29°C). Hiding spots like bark or artificial caves.
4. Do they molt?
Yes, molting is a natural process where the tarantula sheds its exoskeleton to grow. Juveniles molt more frequently than adults. After molting, they may not eat for several days or weeks as they recover.
5. How can you tell the difference between males and females?
Females are larger, stockier, and live longer. Males have longer legs, are slimmer, and possess hooks on their front legs after maturity for mating purposes.