Defining Characteristics:

• This was the first tarantula to be commonly kept as a pet in America
• This species is known to be fairly tolerant, but will defend itself with urticating hairs if they feel threatened
• This species is a desert survivalist that can go months without eating as adults

Name: Brachypelma hamorii is commonly known as the Mexican Red Knee tarantula.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Brachypelma hamorii is a terrestrial species. The surface area of the enclosure should be no less than two times the spider's diagonal leg span in one direction and three times the diagonal leg span in the other. We recommend against allowing your terrestrial spider more than two times their diagonal leg span as head space above their substrate as a fall from any higher could result in serious injury.

The enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate 2-3 inches of substrate for slings and 4+ inches for adults. ABG mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way! 

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 or spiking above 85° should be avoided.

A reliable thermometer is recommended to keep an eye on temperatures in the enclosure.

Humidity: These spiders thrive in a slightly dry to slightly humid environment, so the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 40% and 60%. This can be achieved by making sure that roughly 1/4 to 1/2 of the substrate is always slightly moistened with at least 1/2 of the substrate staying dry. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to maintain this environment. A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments. 

The enclosure sides and décor should be spritzed at least lightly around twice a week to provide your animal droplets to drink from and keep humidity up, do not spray your spider directly.  

Size: These spiders are currently at least 2 inches. Adults grow to be 5-6 inches. Females are bulkier, but males can have longer legs.

Age: These spiders are around 2 to 3 years old. They grow very slowly and live very long. Males mature at 4-5 years old and females at 5-7 years. They can live 20-30 years.

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating two to three 1/2 inch crickets, once a week. There are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms. Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well-rounded nutrition.

We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement.

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on its age, the hardening process could take anywhere from 48 hours all the way up to a week.

Social Behavior: Brachypelma hamorii is not a sociable animal and should be housed as an individual. Attempts at cohabitation can result in cannibalism. 

This species can be fearful, but once they feel safe, they are very tolerant. As adults, they are usually visible in their habitats.

The Mexican Red Knee has urticating hairs that they only throw when frightened.

Natural Range: This species can be found in the wild in Northern Mexico, in the states of Colima, Jalisco, and Michoacán.

History in the Hobby: This was the first species to gain popularity in the hobby.

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards: a community of spider enthusiasts that will be able to or have already answered almost any question you can think of with regards to tarantulas.

Still not sure if Brachypelma hamorii from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!