Mexican Redknee Tarantula
Brachypelma hamorii
Theraphosidae (Tarantulas), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Large, stocky arachnid with a robust cephalothorax and a heavy, oval abdomen. The body is densely covered in long, sensory hairs (setae) and defensive urticating hairs. It features thick, powerful legs ending in tarsal claws and scopulae for climbing.
Size Estimate
Leg span of 5 to 6 inches (13-15 cm) for adults, with a body length of 2.5 to 3 inches. This appears to be a sub-adult or adult specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Features a black base color with iconic bright orange or reddish-orange bands on the patella (knees). The legs also have lighter tan/orange hairs, and the carapace is black with a distinctive tan/orange border.
Web Type
Terrestrial burrower; does not spin webs for catching prey. Instead, it lines its burrow with silk and may create a thin 'silk mat' outside the entrance to detect vibrations.
Eye Arrangement
Small ocular tubercle located at the front-center of the carapace containing eight eyes in two rows. Despite having eight eyes, their vision is relatively poor, sensitive mostly to light and dark.
Leg Characteristics
Eight thick, powerful legs with noticeable orange banding on the joints. They are covered in long, reddish-brown tactile hairs and contain specialized claw tufts that allow them to scale vertical surfaces.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses mild venom that is not considered medically significant to healthy humans. The venom is primarily designed to paralyze small prey and initiate digestion.
Medical Significance
Low danger level. A bite is often compared to a bee sting in terms of pain and swelling. The primary medical concern for humans is an allergic reaction to urticating hairs, which can cause severe skin, eye, or respiratory irritation.
Safety Recommendations
If keeping as a pet, avoid handling to prevent stress for the spider and irritation from hairs. If a bite occurs, wash with soap and water; if hairs get in eyes, seek medical attention immediately. Use a catch-cup for safe relocation.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Native primarily to the Pacific coast of Mexico, specifically in the states of Colima, Jalisco, and Michoacán. They prefer dry thorn forests and tropical deciduous forests, living in deep burrows.
Behavior & Temperament
Known for a very docile and slow-moving temperament. They are opportunistic ambush predators. When threatened, they are more likely to flee or flick urticating hairs from their abdomen than to bite.
Diet & Prey
Primarily insectivorous, eating crickets, roaches, and beetles. Large adults may occasionally take small vertebrates like pinky mice or lizards in the wild, though this is rare.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round in tropical climates but most visible during the rainy season when males wander in search of females for mating.
Description
The Mexican Redknee is the quintessential 'pet tarantula' and a Hollywood icon. Its striking orange-on-black pattern and calm demeanor make it a favorite for educators and hobbyists. As a burrow-dwelling species, it spends much of its time waiting for a meal to walk by its front door.
Key Features
Bright orange patella (knees), black carapace with a tan border, and a dense covering of reddish-brown setae on the legs and abdomen.
Similar Species
Brachypelma smithii (virtually identical in appearance, formerly considered the same species, but found in different geographic regions of Mexico) and Brachypelma emilia (which has a triangular black mark on a light carapace).
Life Cycle
Females are long-lived, often reaching 25-30 years, while males live significantly shorter lives (5-10 years). They produce egg sacs containing 200-400 eggs. Growth is slow, with multiple molts occurring per year as juveniles and annually as adults.
Ecological Importance
Critical apex invertebrate predator in its native scrubland habitat, helping to regulate insect populations. They also serve as a food source for specialized predators like the Pepsis wasp (Tarantula Hawk).
Conservation Status
Listed under CITES Appendix II to regulate international trade. Vulnerable to habitat loss and historical over-collection for the pet trade, though most modern specimens are captive-bred.
Interesting Facts
This species was the inspiration for many giant spiders in films. They use 'urticating hairs' as a primary defense, which have microscopic barbs that embed in the skin or eyes of predators like raccoons or skunks.
Photography Tips
Shoot from an eye-level angle to capture the beauty of the carapace and knees. Use soft, diffused lighting to avoid harsh reflections on the enclosure glass and to highlight the texture of the setae.
Identified: 2026-07-06T20:55:35.035108