Invertebrates
Mexican Redknee Tarantula
Brachypelma hamorii · also called redknee tarantula
Approach a Mexican redknee tarantula in the wild and it rarely reaches for its fangs first. Instead, a rapid flick of its hind legs sends a cloud of barbed, itch-inducing hairs toward the threat, a quieter defense that has helped make this striking, long-lived spider one of the calmest and most popular tarantulas kept as pets.
Overview
The Mexican redknee tarantula, Brachypelma hamorii, is a burrowing spider native to dry tropical scrub along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Its docile temperament, striking leg markings, and exceptional longevity have made it one of the most recognisable tarantula species worldwide.
Popular enough to be a problem
The same docile temperament and striking appearance that make the Mexican redknee tarantula a beloved pet have also driven overcollection from the wild, turning its own popularity into one of the more direct threats facing its native populations.
Status
Near Threatened — declining due to habitat loss and pet-trade overcollection, with international trade restrictions now in place.
Mexican Redknee Tarantula: common questions
How does a Mexican redknee tarantula defend itself?
When threatened, a Mexican redknee tarantula generally defends itself by rapidly kicking barbed, urticating hairs off its abdomen toward the threat, a strategy it strongly favours over biting, which the species tends to reserve only as a genuine last resort against persistent danger.
How long does a Mexican redknee tarantula live?
Female Mexican redknee tarantulas can live for two decades or more in captivity, an exceptionally long lifespan for a spider that far exceeds that of most other invertebrates, while males typically live considerably shorter lives, often only a few years after reaching maturity.
Why is the Mexican redknee tarantula so popular as a pet?
The Mexican redknee tarantula is generally considered to have a relatively docile, calm temperament compared with many other tarantula species, and combined with its striking reddish-orange leg markings and exceptionally long lifespan, these traits have made it one of the most popular tarantula species kept as pets worldwide.
Is the Mexican redknee tarantula endangered?
The Mexican redknee tarantula is considered Near Threatened, with wild populations having declined due to a combination of habitat loss and overcollection driven by demand from the international pet trade, leading to trade restrictions intended to help protect remaining wild populations.