Mexican Redknee
Tarantula
Brachypelma smithi (Araneae: Theraphosidae)
The Mexican Redknee Tarantula is one of the most popular tarantula species. It is native to the pacific side of Mexico in scrublands and deserts (Fouskaris 2001) and was formerly known as the Mexican red leg tarantula. Because of its docile disposition, B. smithi is one of the most popular beginner's tarantulas on the market (however, it is quick to flick urticating hairs when annoyed). Because B. smithi is protected under Article 2 of the Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), it can no longer be collected from the wild (Rankin & Walls 1994). Therefore, specimens sold in stores are captive bred. Females of this species can live up to 30 years (Fouskaris 2001).
Captive Requirements
| Housing: | 10 to 20 L cage for large adults |
| Communal: | No |
| Diet: | Crickets, cockroaches |
| Substrate: | Soil, peat moss |
| Decor: | Cork bark, flower pot, or wood hideout, water dish |
| Temperature: | 21.1 to 29.4° C (70 to 85° F) |
| Humidity: | Low |
| Temperament: | Docile but occasional hair kicker |
| Considerations: | Good for beginners |
***Seven***
I received Seven from a friend of my mom's in February 2002 when she was about 4 or 5 years old. She is quite calm but will flick hairs when annoyed. Seven is about 4 or 5 years old, and she has molted twice in my care. Her body is 10 cm long with a leg span of about 14 cm. At some point in her life, with her previous owner, Seven lost a leg. This is how she got her name. The missing leg has grown back.
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| Mar. 6, 2002 | May 2002 | |||
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| On my arm | Photo by C.H. Colored by E.T |
Bottom view | Fangs! |
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| Dec. 19, 2002 | May 24, 2003: Shortly after a molt |
Through the glass | We took a trip to the Bell Museum |
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Copyright © 2002-2006 By Emily Tenczar
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