Properly caring for any type of pet tarantula can be a very rewarding experience. The Mexican Redknee Tarantula is a great beginner spider to consider for this kind of activity.
From choosing the right one for your home to creating the optimal habitat, there are a few key things to consider to ensure your arachnid happily thrives.
In this Brachypelma hamorii guide, we’ll provide helpful tips on everything you need to know to provide a healthy home for your eight-legged friend.
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Mexican Redknee Tarantula |
| Family Name | Theraphosidae |
| Scientific Name | Brachypelma hamorii |
| Use | Pets |
| Temperament | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan | Males: 5-10 years / Females: 25-30 years |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Adult Size | 2-3 inches |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Minimum Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Temperature | 78-85° |
What Are Mexican Redknee Tarantulas?
The Mexican Redknee Tarantula, or Brachypelma hamorii, is a species of tarantula found in Mexico and is a member of the Theraphosidae family.
The spider gets its common name from the red and orange markings on the joints of its legs.
It is a docile species and makes an excellent pet for people willing to dedicate the time and resources to caring for them properly.
Its habitat is a dry climate with temperatures ranging from room temperature to hot.
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What Do Mexican Redknee Tarantulas Look Like?
Mexican Redknee Tarantulas are small-sized spiders that reach a maximum size of just 2 to 3 inches.
They have mostly black bodies with bright red marker spots, tufts of hair, and red feet, giving them a unique look.
The abdomen has a brownish color with striped lines and when threatened, the species will raise its front legs in a defensive attitude.
These spiders have eight eyes, four on each side of their head, which are arranged in a forward-facing pattern.
They have long, thin legs and a pedicel connecting the cephalothorax and abdomen.
This spider species also has strong fangs, used for capturing prey, that are larger than other tarantulas.
It also has branch-like hairs on its feet called scopulae, enabling it to climb easily on vertical surfaces and even glass.
Benefits Of Using Mexican Redknee Tarantulas
Brachypelma hamorii is a beloved species for many hobbyists due to their unique coloring, friendly disposition, and generally low-maintenance care requirements.
As an arboreal species, their natural habitat consists of trees and foliage; so making sure your vivarium closely mimics their natural environment – with plenty of vertical climbing opportunities – is essential.
Watching your tarantula spin webs and climb trees makes for an interesting and inspiring decorative display in your home.
Plus, their mild temperament makes them wonderful pets who don’t mind occasional handling.
Mexican Redknee Tarantulas are a fascinating species to observe, and being able to watch them behave naturally in captivity can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Mexican Redknee Tarantula Facts
Brachypelma hamorii is a vibrant species of spider with a lifespan of 7-25 years in the wild, depending on the sex.
They are carnivorous and feed on live insects from their surroundings.
These spiders can breed easily, yet their temperament is usually quite docile and shy which makes handling them relatively easy.
They enjoy a humid climate and prefer to remain in their burrows.
Habitat
Mexican Redknee Tarantulas are a species of tarantula native to Central America.
They tend to inhabit dry coastal regions, often found in thickets of vegetation and commonly at lower altitudes.
These spiders live in underground burrows, often hiding among tree roots and under rocks.
They prefer warmer environments but their thick hairs protect from any extreme temperatures.
They are typically diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and rest at night.
Much of their time is spent hiding in their pockets or sweeping away debris from their webbing.
The Mexican Tarantulas possess numerous colors which helps them blend in among their natural environments.
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Diet
In their natural habitat, Brachypelma hamorii consume a variety of small insects and invertebrates.
They are particularly fond of moths, flies, and crickets.
While living in the wild, Mexican Redknee Tarantulas may also seek out smaller prey such as beetles, spiders, and slugs.
Temperament
Mexican Redknee Tarantulas are generally a docile species, making them a good choice for arachnophobes.
While they are not aggressive, they will bite or kick their hair if they feel threatened.
Although their bites are said to be fairly harmless to humans, they can still be quite painful.
It is recommended to refrain from handling them excessively.
In addition, Brachypelma hamorii can coexist with other animals, such as large reptiles like iguanas and small mammals like mice.
However, their tank should not be shared with other animals, as they can become territorial and fight with one another or even prey upon one another.
Lifespan
Mexican Redknee Tarantulas typically have relatively long lifespans, living for up to many years.
Males will live for as long as 5-10 years and females will live as long as 25-30 years.
Unlike other types of spiders, this species can continue to grow throughout its lifespan.
Of course, there are a range of factors that can affect the life span of any animal, such as diet, environmental stressors, and health concerns.
The life cycle of Brachypelma hamorii begins with several moltings, which is where the spider sheds its skin and grows larger.
During this time, the tarantula will need to have an increased amount of prey, as this helps to fuel their growth.
After reaching a certain size, they will slow down from growing and reach sexual maturity.
Breeding
Mexican Redknee Tarantulas are considered solitary animals, meaning they don’t typically live in groups.
To reproduce, males must locate and woo females to mate.
Courtship rituals occur for successful mating to take place, with the male spider arriving at the female’s burrow and presenting her with a “nuptial gift”, which could include a silk-wrapped dead insect.
If the male is accepted, the female will allow him to approach her and they will enter into a courtship dance.
As the male and female exchange sperm and eggs, the female will build an egg sac, containing hundreds of eggs.
While it takes two to four weeks for the eggs to hatch, the female will stay with the egg sac until the spiderlings emerge.
The tiny spiderlings then stay with their mother for one to two weeks before dissipating into the environment.
Where To Find Mexican Redknee Tarantulas
Wild Mexican Redknee Tarantulas can be found in various parts of South America as well as the southwestern United States.
They are mainly terrestrial, burrowing tarantulas that like to stay close to the ground and hide.
When looking for Brachypelma hamorii, look for them in open grassy areas and arid shrublands.
However, it can be illegal to collect wild tarantulas, so it’s best to avoid disturbing them.
These arachnids can also be found for sale in pet stores, reptile shows, and through online vendors.
When searching for a tarantula to purchase, look for one with a light brown or greyish-beige body with reddish hairs throughout.
The webbing should also be suspended with no visible tears or points of overcrowding.
Lastly, check that the spider has adequate leg room too. Avoid purchasing a tarantula in overcrowded, smaller enclosures.
Mexican Redknee Tarantula Care
Caring for Brachypelma hamorii requires providing the right home environment, diet, and handling.
With the habitat, you’ll need to provide a cage of the right size and a terrarium substrate, with decorative items for enrichment.
When it comes to handling, make sure to do it slowly and carefully by supporting the spider’s back and legs.
Tank Requirements
The ideal tank for Mexican Redknee Tarantulas should be between 10–20 gallons in size with a proper lid.
Glass or acrylic terrariums with a screened lid make great choices.
The enclosure should also be kept at a temperature between 23–28°C (73–82°F) and the soil depth should be four inches or more.
Any water pH should be kept between 8.0–8.4 and hardness below 35ppm.
As for terrarium lighting, a CFL bulb of about 12 watts will do the trick.
Finally, a good substrate for Brachypelma hamorii should be a mix of moisture-retaining components such as coconut fiber and peat moss.
What Do Mexican Redknee Tarantulas Eat?
Mexican Redknee Tarantulas can be interesting and rewarding pets to feed.
When it comes to food, these arachnids will happily feast on live insects like crickets, roaches, superworms, and silkworms.
Additionally, as part of their diet, it’s beneficial to provide supplementation in the forms of calcium and vitamin-enriched formulations.
When feeding, it’s recommended to give your tarantula no more than 5-7 insects per week.
Be sure to discard any uneaten food items after 24 hours to prevent mold and bacteria from growing.
To ensure a balanced and nutritious diet, provide a wide variety of the aforementioned insects.
If you’re looking for a more detailed approach to feeding these arachnids, be sure to check out my ultimate DIY tarantula food guide. I give a more in-depth explanation of the best foods and my favorite recipe.
Best Tankmates For Mexican Redknee Tarantulas
It is not ideal to keep multiple Mexican Redknee Tarantulas together in one tank as they can be territorial and may fight over resources.
However, when properly monitored, some tankmates may be beneficial to Brachypelma hamorii.
For instance, certain types of pet isopods, such as pill bugs (Armadillidium vulgare) and sow bugs (Porcellio sp.) will eat the spider’s leftovers as well as provide additional stimulation for the enclosure.
In addition, keeping a few of these creatures will likely create a natural background within the terrarium.
Similarly, springtails (Collembola sp.) can help aerate the substrate, has a similar diet as the tarantula, and can be a great clean-up crew.
Conclusion
Caring for Brachypelma hamorii is a rewarding experience that requires you to pay attention to its unique needs.
With the right cage size, substrate, decor, and insect-based diet, your Mexican Redknee Tarantula will thrive.
Always take extra precautions when it comes to handling and remember that any dramatic change in environment can result in distress.
By implementing the tips outlined in this guide, you should have no problem providing the best possible home for your eight-legged companion.
Create the ideal habitat for your arachnids with our species-specific soil mixes and Spider Enclosure Kits. These products provide everything you need for a thriving spider habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mexican red-knee tarantulas are generally known to have a calm temperament. However, individual behavior can vary, and handling any tarantula should be approached with caution and proper knowledge.
Yes, Mexican red–knee tarantulas are known to kick hairs off their body when they feel threatened.
Mexican red–knee tarantulas have 8 eyes.
Mexican red–knee tarantulas should be fed every 5–7 days.