Common name: Mexican Red Knee

Scientific name: Brachypelma Smithi, B. Smithi

Appearance: Mexican Red Knee tarantulas are mostly black with bands of red, orange and tan on their legs.

Origin: Mexico and Panama

Type: New world, terrestrial

Size: Adults can have a 5-6 inch legspan.

Life span: Male: Up to 6 years, Female: Up to 30 years

Attitude: Mexican Red Knee tarantulas are often thought of as a good spider for beginners and are docile in nature.

Defensive behavior: When feeling threatened, a Brachypelma Smithi will rear up and display its fangs. It may also flick urticating hairs off of its back, which can create a nasty rash.

Bite danger: All tarantulas have venom, but luckily Mexican Red Knees’ venom isn’t very potent. Most humans don’t have systemic effects from a B Smithi bite. Most symptoms include localized pain, itching, and burning – however every person reacts differently. Unless you are allergic to the spider’s bite (which you unfortunately won’t know until after the fact), a bite from this tarantula will just be a little irritating.

Handling: These spiders can be handled if the owner is careful and knows how to read the spider’s behavior.

Diet/Nutrition: Brachypelma Smithis will eat live crickets, mealworms and roaches. Adults should be fed about once or twice a week, slings may eat more often. It has been reported that these spiders can eat small pinky mice, however it is not suggested because the calcium in the mammals’ bones is not good for the tarantula.

Housing:

• Substrate: Coconut husk substrate is recommended.
• Decor: Every tarantula’s tank should have a hide for the spider to retreat in. A hollow log or driftwood is recommended. Small artificial plans can also be included for decoration. Get creative!
• Humidity: The humidity should be high, 65% -75%
• Lighting: Most spiders do not like lots of direct light, but B. smithis don’t mind it. For that reason you can create a basking spot for your Mexican Red Knee just outside of the hide. Just make sure that any lighting doesn’t add too much heat to the enclosure and your lighting is set up so that inside of the hide is still dark.
• Water: A small, shallow water dish should always be present.

Temperature: The ideal temperature for Mexican Red Knees is 75-80°F.

Fun facts: Mexican Red Knee tarantulas use their front two legs to fight prey and their back six legs for mobility.

Cool Mexican Red Knee websites: PeachTheTarantula

I hope you found that helpful! If you’d like to WAY more about tarantulas and how to care about them, be sure to purchase my full tarantula guide!

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