Brachypelma hamorii 1/3″

$25.00$350.00

Introducing the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula: Brachypelma hamorii (formerly B. smithi)

🌐 Discover the beauty of the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula, scientifically known as Brachypelma hamorii. Formerly identified as B. smithi, this captivating species hails from the arid savannas and scrublands of Mexico.

🔍 Species Highlights:
– 🕷 Type: Terrestrial
– 📍 Endemic Location: Mexico
– 📏 Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): 5.5” (14cm)
– 📈 Growth Rate: Medium – Slow
– 🕰 Life Expectancy: Females 25-30 years / Males 10 years
– 🌱 Recommended Experience Level: Beginner

🌟 Why Mexican Red Knee Tarantula?
Renowned for its stunning black and orange patterns, this tarantula is a favorite among hobbyists. Popularized in movies like Indiana Jones and Star Trek, the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula is an iconic and docile species.

🌏 Conservation Efforts:
Listed in CITES in 1985 due to over-collection, this species was saved from potential extinction. Responsible breeding has made it a thriving member of the tarantula community, ensuring its popularity without endangering its wild population.

🌿 Easy Care and Husbandry:
Thriving in captivity, these tarantulas are ideal for beginners. From spiderling to adult, their care involves providing a suitable environment with substrates like coco fiber or peat moss, a hide, and regular feeding based on their life stage.

🍽 Feeding Guidelines:
Tailor your feeding routine to the tarantula’s size—small prey for spiderlings and larger crickets for adults. Be mindful of molting periods and adjust feeding frequency accordingly. This opportunistic feeder may go weeks without eating, which is entirely normal.

👉 Name Clarification:
Formerly thought to be Brachypelma smithi, recent research identified it as Brachypelma hamorii. For a detailed explanation, explore the name change and classification in the provided link.

Explore the wonders of the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula – a captivating companion for enthusiasts of all experience levels! 🕷🌈 #TarantulaLove #ExoticPets #MexicanRedKneeTarantula

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Description

Scientific Identification: Brachypelma hamorii (formerly B. smithi)

Commonly Known As: Mexican Red Knee Tarantula

Category: Terrestrial

Native Habitat: Mexico

Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): 5.5” (14cm)

Rate of Growth: Moderate to Slow

Lifespan: Females 25-30 years / Males 10 years

Recommended Skill Level: Beginner

The Brachypelma hamorii, previously identified as Brachypelma smithi, and commonly referred to as the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula, stands out as one of the most favored species in the tarantula enthusiast community. Often envisioned when picturing a tarantula, it gained widespread recognition through appearances in films like “Indiana Jones” and “Kingdom of the Spiders,” starring William Shatner. Indigenous to Mexico, particularly along the country’s western coast south of Guadalajara, this New World terrestrial species thrives in arid savannas and scrublands.

Designated under CITES protection in 1985 due to declining wild populations from excessive capture for the pet trade, the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula faced additional threats from local populations considering them pests or harbingers of bad luck. CITES protection prevented their eradication and unauthorized exportation, preserving the species. Despite these challenges, the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula remains a staple in the hobby, cherished for its vibrant coloration, distinctive black and orange patterns, gentle demeanor, and straightforward care requirements.

In terms of husbandry, caring for this tarantula, like many Mexican species, proves to be uncomplicated. Spiderlings are housed in small acrylic containers with damp substrate, progressing to juvenile enclosures as they grow. Adult enclosures, typically 2.5 to 5 gallons in size, maintain a dry substrate with occasional water dish overflow. Providing hides and adhering to appropriate feeding practices, such as offering size-appropriate prey, ensures their well-being.

Feeding schedules differ across life stages, with slings receiving small prey items weekly, juveniles fed based on abdomen size, and adults consuming larger prey every other week. Notably, Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas may go extended periods without eating, reflecting their opportunistic feeding behavior. Patience is key, as waiting a few weeks before reattempting feeding is common.

Known for its beauty, docility, and ease of care, the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula is a favorite among enthusiasts. While it may kick hairs that can cause irritation, its venom is generally non-threatening. Recent reclassification from B. smithi to B. hamorii has caused some confusion.

Additional information

Brachypelma hamorii

1/3", 1/3" with Tarantula Crib sling, Femals