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Mexican Redknee Tarantula

Brachypelma smithi

Range

Primarily found on the west coast of Mexico. Also found in Mexico’s rainforests while some individuals may reside in the southwestern United States and Panama.

Habitat

deserts and rainforests in rocky areas, near bushes and logs and around cacti

Distinguishing Characteristics

The body of this tarantula is black or dark brown with leg joints that are a brilliant red or orange color. The legspan is 6-7 inches.

Dietary Classification

Diet in the Zoo: crickets, baby mice

Diet in the Wild: insects, small frogs, lizards, and mice

Life Span

Females typically live between 25-30 years while males rarely live over 10 years.

Behavior/Adaptations

* Tarantulas ambush-hunt, generally at night. The spider will inject its prey with venom through two hollow fangs. The venom serves two purposes: 1. it paralyzes the victim. 2. it carries digestive juices that will liquefy the insides of the prey item. The spider will then suck out the pre-digested proteins & fats while leaving behind the hollow body case.
* The Mexican redknee is generally not aggressive which has made it popular in the pet trade.
* When threatened, the spider can flick or drop hairs off of its back which, when making contact with skin, cause a painful rash. If the hairs get in the eyes, they can cause blindness.
* One female can produce up to 700 young per year.

Status

Not threatened but is on CITIES II due to overcollection for the pet trade. Exports and imports of wild caught specimens are illegal.

Classification

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family	Genus	Species
Animalia	Arthropoda	Arachnidae	Araneae	Theraphosidae	Brachypelma	smithi