What is the scientific name of the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula?

The scientific name of the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula is Brachypelma hamorii.

Where are Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas native to?

Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas are native to Mexico, Pacific coastal areas, Guerrero, and Michoacán.

How big do Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas get?

Adult Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas typically reach 4-6 inches.

How long do Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas live?

Mexican Red Knee Tarantula lifespan: Females: 20-30 years Males: 5-10 years.

What temperatures does a Mexican Red Knee Tarantula need?

Recommended temperatures for a Mexican Red Knee Tarantula: 70-75°F cool side, 75-80°F warm side, and No basking spot.

What humidity does a Mexican Red Knee Tarantula need?

Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas need 60-70% humidity.

Do Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.

What size enclosure does a Mexican Red Knee Tarantula need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Mexican Red Knee Tarantula: Adult: 24”x12”x12”. Always base adult size enclosure off of adult size and activity level.

What do Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas eat?

Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas eat: Carnivores; Insects; Invertebrates.

Are Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas good for beginners?

Yes. Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas are considered a beginner-level species.

Are Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas nocturnal or diurnal?

Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas are nocturnal (active at night).

What is Mexican Red Knee Tarantula behavior like?

Common Mexican Red Knee Tarantula behavior traits: New World; Urticating hairs; Docile; Terrestrial; Burrows sometimes; Mild venom; Solitary; When threatened they raise their front legs and expose their fangs.

Do Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas lay eggs?

Yes. Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Mexican Red Knee Tarantula lay?

A Mexican Red Knee Tarantula clutch is typically about 100-400 eggs.

What is the best substrate for juvenile Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas?

Recommended substrates for juvenile Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.

What is the best enclosure for a Mexican Red Knee Tarantula?

Recommended enclosures for Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas by age. Sub-adult: HabiStat 18" Glass Terrariums. Adult: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums.

Mexican Red Knee Tarantula

Common Name(s)	Mexican red knee tarantula
Scientific Name	Brachypelma hamorii
Behavior	Nocturnal (active during night) New World Urticating hairs Docile Terrestrial Burrows sometimes Mild venom Solitary When threatened they raise their front legs and expose their fangs
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Clutch size: ~100-400
Lifespan	Females: 20-30 years Males: 5-10 years
Temperatures	70-75°F cool side 75-80°F warm side No basking spot
Humidity	60-70%
Lighting	UVA/UVB benefits animal
Size	4-6 inches
Enclosure Recommendations	Adult: 24”x12”x12” Always base adult size enclosure off of adult size and activity level.
Experience Level	Beginner *Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18 yrs.
Diet	Carnivores Insects Invertebrates

Filter by age:

Best Substrates for Adult Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Enclosures for Adult Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas

HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums: 24x18x18, 34 Gallon Terrarium

Best Substrates for Subadult Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 12 Quart

Best Enclosures for Subadult Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas

HabiStat 18" Glass Terrariums: 18x18x18, 25 Gallon Terrarium

The Mexican Red Knee Tarantula (Brachypelma hamorii) is not only renowned for its striking appearance but also for several fascinating traits and behaviors. Native to the Pacific coast of Mexico, these tarantulas have become iconic in the world of arachnid enthusiasts. One notable feature is their longevity, with females living up to 20-30 years in captivity, making them long-term companions for those who care for them diligently. They are known for their docile temperament, often exhibiting less aggression compared to other tarantula species, which makes them popular among beginner keepers and those interested in handling their pets.

In addition to their longevity and docility, Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas are also famous for their intricate courtship rituals. During mating season, males perform elaborate displays to attract females, including leg tapping and vibrating their abdomens against the ground to create vibrations that can be sensed by the female. If the female is receptive, mating proceeds cautiously to avoid any potential aggression. Another fascinating aspect is their defense mechanism—when threatened, they may kick urticating hairs from their abdomens using their hind legs, which can cause irritation to predators or perceived threats.

Overall, Brachypelma hamorii stands out not only for its stunning coloration—black body with vibrant orange-red knee joints—but also for its resilient nature, adaptability, and the unique behaviors that make it a captivating species to observe and care for in captivity.

Native Range

Mexico

Pacific coastal areas

Guerrero

Michoacán

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Common Mexican Red Knee Tarantula ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula is Brachypelma hamorii.
: Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas are native to Mexico, Pacific coastal areas, Guerrero, and Michoacán.
: Adult Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas typically reach 4-6 inches.
: Mexican Red Knee Tarantula lifespan: Females: 20-30 years Males: 5-10 years.
: Recommended temperatures for a Mexican Red Knee Tarantula: 70-75°F cool side, 75-80°F warm side, and No basking spot.
: Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas need 60-70% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Mexican Red Knee Tarantula: Adult: 24”x12”x12”. Always base adult size enclosure off of adult size and activity level.
: Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas eat: Carnivores; Insects; Invertebrates.
: Yes. Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas are considered a beginner-level species.
: Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas are nocturnal (active at night).
: Common Mexican Red Knee Tarantula behavior traits: New World; Urticating hairs; Docile; Terrestrial; Burrows sometimes; Mild venom; Solitary; When threatened they raise their front legs and expose their fangs.
: Yes. Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Mexican Red Knee Tarantula clutch is typically about 100-400 eggs.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended enclosures for Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas by age. Sub-adult: HabiStat 18" Glass Terrariums. Adult: HabiStat 24" Glass Terrariums.