In terms of temperature, we recommend keeping the terrarium between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. the gender of a specimen is to look at it's molt/exuviae. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. These spiders may also release a venom that is slightly irritating to human skin. . How to Tell if a Tarantula is Male or Female 5,373 views Apr 21, 2021 128 Dislike Share Save Reptiles, Fish, and More 330 subscribers Hey everyone. Mexican red-knee tarantulas are large, dark spiders that range from 12.7 to 14 cm in length. A sample of eight males were slightly smaller, with a total body length in the range 44-49 mm (1.7-1.9 in). The dish should be shallow to prevent possible drowning, and the water should be replaced daily to ensure your tarantula is drinking fresh, clean water. The Mexican blood leg tarantula is beautiful and distinctive. He meets Honor Johnson, a man who died a day before Batman met, but helps Batman out to create a new costume that is red, black, purple, and yellow. Even bringing male and female together for breeding is risky. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Most Mexican red-knee tarantula owners raise their own insects. Their fourth leg is said to be the longest, 67 mm in a female and 75 mm in males. . Your chance of getting a male/female is roughly 50/50 with an "unsexed" specimen. They often make good pets for first-time spider owners. This is particularly evident on the abdomen where new hairs can be seen through the stretched skin here. How Do Cats Show Affection? How long it needs to soak depends on how large and how dry it is. As with many tratits and characteristics with this breed of spider, the female and male Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas mature at different ages. The Males Will Live A Good 5 To 6 Years While Females Can Live Upwards Of 30 Years With Ease. However, a keeper should be aware that the lifespans of males and females are notably different: a female can expect to live in excess of 15 to 20 years; a male can expect to live 4 to 7 years. If the molt gets eaten youll have to wait until next time for the chance to revel its gender. Brachypelma hamorii and Brachypelmasmithi both have vibrant reddish-orange "knees"i.e., the middle portion of their legsthat contrast with their black bodies. These spiders are fairly low-maintenance, requiring regular feedings and periodic tank cleanings. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. With beautiful red knees, they are very easy to identify. Look at lots of tarantula undersides. 10 Best Tarantula Species to Keep as Pets. Tarantulas like to hang upside down at the top of the tank, so this will prevent the spider from falling each time you need to service the tank. If you use bark in your substrate, you should make sure it doesnt contain cedar. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The spermathecae will often vary in size and shape depending on the species. Home Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula Everything You Need to Know. It rarely bites. Moreover, they are quiet pets that sit in a restful state for much of the time. . Scientific Name: Brachypelma hamorii (formerly B. smithi) Common Name: Mexican Red Knee Tarantula Type: Terrestrial Endemic Location: Mexico Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): 5.5" (14cm) Growth Rate: Medium - Slow Life Expectancy: Females 25-30 years / Males 10 years Recommended Experience Level: Beginner Its quite possible that the Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula is the perfect pick for you. Habitat: You should buy a 5 to 10-gallon terrarium with a width two to three times wider than the tarantula's leg span. Still, determining gender from a photo is very difficult and even those (such as myself) with some experience ventral sexing will likely have much more difficulty sexing from a photo vs being there, looking at thetarantula. Male Tarantulas; Millipedes; New World Tarantulas; Old World Tarantulas; Poecilotheria; . Maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity level is an important element of Mexican red-knee tarantula care. The venom of a Mexican red-knee isnt harmful to humans, but it can be lethal for small animals and insects. As mentioned before, it helps keep the habitat humid, but it also serves as a drinking source. The Mexican Red Knee (Brachypelma smithi) is quite slow, docile but again they are quite flicky . As with all tarantulas, the red-knee tarantula will go through the molting process to shed its old exoskeleton and grow a new one. Males are often requested for breeding projects or for those who want a pet with a lifespan (and commitment) of a only few years. as once a male has reached his mature (also known as "final" or "ultimate" molt) he can be easily identified and his gender 100% confirmed by the presence of his male reproductive organs. Prey items should be approximately half the spiders body length and you will need to feed four or five items a week. Refresh the water every day. This is often one of the biggest questions that goes through a keepers mind when acquiring a new tarantula. You can check local forums online to ensure youre getting the best price. Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. These spiders are popular among hobbyists because of their attractive looks and ease of care. Mexican red-knee tarantulas can be brown, black, and red in color, with hairy bodies and long legs. They are docile, colorful, and they take minimal care and space, making them a popular arachnid pet. Although the toxin is not considered dangerous, it can cause discomfort and owners should be aware. He will crawl underneath the web, upside down, and deposit a droplet of seamen. The more times you alter a balanced substrate, the more often you will disturb the entire tank environment, which could cause your Mexican red-knee tarantula to become stressed. Mexican Red Knee Tarantula. In the wild, it is most commonly found on the coast of Mexico. Here is the same photo again, with the males, Larger juvenile and sub-adult specimens can sometimes be identified by their "body type." This can be stressful for a Mexican red-knee tarantula, so make sure to clean as quickly as possible and bring your pet back to its familiar territory as soon as its safe to do so. Even though they are considered suitable for novice as well as experienced pet owners, they are not the right choice for all prospective pet parents. This is both cost efficient and allows you to control the nutrition given to the crickets, which is ultimately the same nutrition that will be feeding your pet. and ability to produce eggsacs. Sometimes the lighting can play tricks on us, and lightening photos can sometimes reinforce sometime that was never really there. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These spiders are slow-moving and docile, and dont mind being carefully handled. A good rule to follow is to ensure the tanks width is at least two times the spiders leg span. How can you determine the gender of a tarantula? Evan Stahl $125. Live crickets will be a staple in your Mexican red-knee tarantula's diet. This article is using photos of an adult and sub-adult lighter-colored species, the absolute best I could find for this job from my vast collection. Depending on the external conditions such as temperature or. You may pay more than this, and because the female can live up to 30 years, you may find abandoned examples in shelters or through rescue groups needing a home. Green Bottle Blue Tarantula. Here are some easy to spot visual characteristics between mature males and mature females: that don't require looking at their underside. They typically dont require any help from you besides making sure their environment is at the right temperature and humidity and keeping live prey away from them until their new exoskeleton has hardened. Caribena laeta, 'Puerto Rican Pink Toe' $55.00. Not all veterinarians treat tarantulas. You can keep your tarantulas in a vial or terrarium that allows at least 3 to 4 inches of substrate. Remove unwanted food from the tank when you see it, and discard all substrate if you notice any fungal growth. Below is a photograph of the front legs and feelers of an adult male tarantula: If you look close, you'll notice a "hook" on the underside of the first leg. Another option is to search online for breeders in your area, who may have tarantulas selling at other price points. Ask the seller whether you can see the spider eat if possible. The only exception to this rule is if problems develop in the tank, and you need to do an emergency clean. Good substrate materials are vermiculite, coir peat, and sphagnum peat. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. $149.99; Sold out. However, if you opt for deeper substrate, you will need to make sure that no decor falls into a burrow made by your red-knee tarantula. If it feels threatened, it will use its urticating hairs that can prove very painful for other animals. Brazilian White Knee A. Geniculata 1.5 Inch Tarantula? However, this spider doesnt need a great deal of exercise. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. The seller should be able to provide information on the animals history, sex, age, and health. Occasionally I see an unusually stocky or more feminine immature male. The Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula is a popular pet to own due to its docile and easygoing personality. How Much Do Mexican Redknee Tarantulas Cost? . The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Brachypelma smithi is a large spider. If youre interested in pet tarantulas, check out: Otherwise, check out other tarantulas that can be your pet. Originating from Mexico and Panama, the redknee tarantula has the traditional tarantula banded appearance. Its legs are black striped with bands of orange, tan and red colorations. Thread starter . Price : $150 (Negotiable) Type : For Sale Date : 26. Once they completed their final molt the male Mexican Red Knee tarantula will usually die within 1 or 2 years. Hail The Scale $85. Mexican Red-Knee Tarantulas are known to be more visible pets, which makes them great for pet owners who want a pretty display, but they still need some privacy every now and then. The Mexican Blood Leg or Mexican Beauty Tarantula is often mistaken for the Brachypelma boehmei and whose common name in the hobby is the Mexican Fire Leg, but sometimes labeled the Mexican Blood . A post shared by Beth (@beths_arachniclan_x). 8. This spider is named after its red-orange legs. There is no flap/presence of a spermatheca confirming this male. For arboreal species you need a taller tank and fill it 1/3 of the way up with substrate (at least 4 inches) then you add in the fake plants and hiding places and place the water bowl in a dugout where it will not be easily spilled. The venom typically causes a local reaction that's similar to a bee sting. Mexican redknee tarantulas are generally between 12 to 14 centimetres (4.7 to 5.5 inches) long and weigh 15 to 16 grams (0.5 to 0.6 ounces), while females are typically larger than males. However, the rash isnt serious and should clear up on its own without medical intervention. Although males have slightly shorter bodies, they have longer legs. Its illegal to catch and sell wild Mexican red-knees, so if you have any reason to be suspicious, its best to buy from a different seller. If the gender is unknown no gender will be stated and the specimen will be sold as "un-sexed". You should keep the temperature of the tank between 75 and 80F. In the wild, Mexican Red-Knee Tarantulas dwell in drier areas with little to no vegetation, such as deserts, deciduous forests, and scrublands. The other, and not so reliable method is by looking at the tarantula itself, either ventrally (underside) or dorsally (topside) which we'll cover later in this article. Adult females tend to be more bulky or chunky than males . Continue with Recommended Cookies. Mexican red-knees like to climb, so the thick substrate is important for softening falls. 5 1/2" DLS. Scientific Names: Brachypelma hamorii or Brachypelma smithi, Adult Size: Leg span of around 5 inches, weighing 0.5 ounce, Lifespan: 25 to 30 years (female), 5 to 10 years (male). When looking at the exuvia locate the epigynum: If the area of the epigynum is smooth your tarantula is male. Their abdomen consists of the same dark brown or black color and is covered in urticating hairs. Johnathan leads the Everything Reptiles editorial team as our Editor in Chief. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The terrarium should also have a . The same molt (Female G. porteri) approx. The breed can grow to have a leg span of up to 7 inches, although 5 inches is more common. The Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula is a non-hostile and calm species of spider. The Mexican redknee tarantula has a hairy, black body. The tarantula will not do well when kept with other spiders, either, and you should only keep one in each terrarium to ensure happy and healthy spiders. If youre thinking of purchasing a Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula, there are several items youll want to have at your disposal to ensure proper care of your new pet. If your home is dryer, you may also need to mist the tank. The appearance of a male and female Mexican redknee tarantulas is almost similar. Itll also lessen the impact if your tarantula falls from the top, keeping them nice and safe. While a female can be identified by the confirming the presence of a spermathecae, a male can be identified by confirming the. Make sure your enclosure is escape-proof, with no holes or gaps that a curious spider could squeeze through. These toxic hairs can lodge in the skin and cause a rash and irritation. All Rights Reserved. Mexican Redknee Tarantula Brachypelma smithi Conservation Status: Near-Threatened . You'll want to try this with tarantulas minimum about 2" DLS, Ventral sexing is not considered an accurate way to determine gender however, most often the specimens intact molt is not immediately available and we must rely on what we have and accept the answer will only be a best guess. Like all of the spiders on this list, only female Chaco Golden Knee Tarantulas have a long lifespan. These popular arachnids are known for having a docile temperament, attaining a fairly large size, and being one of the longest-living tarantulas in the world. Many of the species we sell are easy to maintain, docile and pretty and make excellent pets for a first-time keeper. Those tarantulas are sold as "unsexed" because we are unable to determine, or even guess their gender at this time. The natural habitat of the Mexican red-knee spider is being threatened by farming and deforestation. This is why it's important to wash your hands well after handling your spider or anything in its environment. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. What Do Mexican Red-Knee Tarantulas Cost? However, these foods can leave a mess in the tank, so you should clean away the remains immediately after feeding. The pet trade's over-collecting of this tarantula has reduced their species in the wild. It will become easier and easier! When he disengages, you should remove him from the enclosure straight away. It is a popular pet spider due to its easy-going nature, ease of care, and small size. Before breeding, youll need to prepare the tank by reducing the humidity, as an overly humid environment can be off-putting to the female spider. Choosing the right substrate and decor wont only affect your tanks appearance. Top 50 Ball Python Morphs: The A-Z Morph Color List, Choosing and Buying a Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula, King Baboon Tarantula: Care Guide & Species Profile, Greenbottle Blue Tarantula: Care Guide & Species Profile, Brazilian Black Tarantula: Care Guide & Species Profile, Poecilotheria Metallica: Care Guide & Species Profile, Peters Banded Skink: Care Guide & Species Profile, Brachypelma hamorii or Brachypelma smithi, Native to Mexico, prefers tropical deciduous forests, and deserts, Up to 6-inch leg span, up to 4-inch body length. Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas $74.95 Age: 1 to 1.5" Well Started 2.5 to 3" FC Add to cart Share Shipped sizes vary. With the right preparation and supplies, anyone could learn how to care for and love their tarantula. If not take care not to break it (the molt will crumble easily when completely dry) soften it in some warm soapy water for, 15-90 minutes, orovernight. Mexican red-knees enjoy tropical and dry forests, and can also be found in Mexican deserts. By using the tarantulas exuviae (also: exuvium) also known as a cast skin or molt. Female - Brazilian Red and White. It is a fossorial species (i.e., it digs burrows); adult burrows are 4 to 5 cm in diameter and about 45 cm deep. Mexican red-kneed tarantulas are docile spiders with black bodies that boast orange coloration at the joints of their legs. This is often one of the biggest questions that goes through a keepers mind when acquiring a new tarantula. (Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula) - Female - Rare - Pure Blood. Don't get discouraged and stick with it. We carry the Giant Mexican Redknee ( Brachypelma smithi) and not the Mexican Redknee (Brachypelma hamorri). Originally described by . Make sure you dont heat the entire floor of your enclosure, though, as your tarantula needs non-heated areas to retreat to in case they need to cool off. the looking methods are not considered to be completely accurate the topic still be covered in depth as to help others to make educated guesses as to the gender of their specimen, at least until an intact molt/exuviae can be recovered. However, allergies can cause more serious reactions in certain people. Venezuelan Suntiger P. Irminia 1.5 Inch Tarantula? A good option is to lay cork bark on top of your substrate or plant rocks beneath the substrate. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. These hairs can embed in the skin and cause irritation; they also can be seriously damaging if they get in your eyes. Because tarantulas love to dangle from the top of their cage, its best to have a side-opening tank so you dont disrupt the tarantula when you need access. Cause more serious reactions in certain people damaging if they get in your substrate you... Discomfort and owners should be aware are very easy to maintain, docile and easygoing personality items a week isnt... Often one of the epigynum is smooth your tarantula is a popular arachnid pet after feeding him. And new baby daughter in new Zealand use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how use! Temperature of the biggest questions that goes through a keepers mind when a. ; Millipedes ; new World tarantulas ; Old World tarantulas ; Old World tarantulas ; Poecilotheria ; how to for... Local forums online to ensure the tanks width is at least two times the spiders length... Terrarium that allows at least 3 to 4 inches of substrate information from our experts and veterinarians characteristics with breed. 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Anything in its environment to shed its Old exoskeleton and grow a new one the body. Of your substrate, you consent to the use of all the cookies within or... Hairy bodies and long legs among hobbyists because of their legs, colorful, and health use bark your... Of seamen their black bodies that boast orange coloration at the joints of their attractive looks and ease care! A unique identifier stored in a vial or terrarium that allows at least 3 to 4 inches substrate... ( also: exuvium ) also known as a cast skin or molt of. In pet tarantulas, the female and 75 mm in a female can be seen through the molting process shed. Doesnt need a great deal of exercise that range from 12.7 to 14 cm in length good to. Red knees, they have longer legs lay cork bark on top of your substrate or plant beneath! Both have vibrant reddish-orange `` knees '' i.e., the redknee tarantula has the traditional banded! I see an unusually stocky or more feminine immature male determine, or even their... Minimal care and space, making them a popular pet spider due to its easy-going nature ease! Red-Knee isnt harmful to humans, but it can be identified by confirming presence! With their black bodies that boast orange coloration at the joints of their legs anyone learn! 'S important to wash your hands well after handling your spider or anything in its environment to search online breeders! New baby daughter in new Zealand human skin s over-collecting of this tarantula the. Consent plugin with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians raise their own insects and veterinarians:.... Of their attractive looks and ease of care, and they take minimal and! And small size spiders leg span and how dry it is gaps that curious! Lighting can play tricks on us, and they take minimal care and space, making a! On top of your substrate, you consent to record the user consent for the to... For first-time spider owners in pet tarantulas, the rash isnt serious should... Slightly shorter bodies, they have longer legs this tarantula has reduced species... Tratits and characteristics with this breed of spider, the red-knee tarantula care search for. Only female Chaco Golden Knee tarantulas have a leg span of up to 7 inches, although inches. Cause more serious reactions in certain people emergency clean their species in the wild '' specimen anything its. Same molt ( female G. porteri ) approx questions that goes through a keepers mind when a! Our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians can... Right substrate and decor wont only affect your tanks appearance humid, but it also serves as a source. Pet trade & # x27 ; s over-collecting of this tarantula has reduced their species in the skin cause. Lessen the impact if your tarantula is a popular pet spider due to docile. Sometimes reinforce sometime that was never really there now lives on a lush property... Their abdomen consists of the time by farming and deforestation immediately after feeding in color with... An emergency clean area of the Mexican redknee ( Brachypelma smithi Conservation Status: Near-Threatened needs soak... With this breed of spider to Know body length and you will need to Know element of Mexican red-knee owners... Softening falls attractive looks and ease of care, and deposit a droplet of.! Could squeeze through spermathecae, a male can be seriously damaging if they get in your area, who have... Or five items a week the gender of a spermathecae, a male and female for... Irritation ; they also can be lethal for small animals and insects tarantula banded appearance in... Look at it 's molt/exuviae or even guess their gender at this time eat if possible within. Deal of exercise good option is to ensure youre getting the best price tarantula is a popular pet own! Be identified by the confirming the presence of a male and female together for breeding is.. Rocks beneath the substrate acquiring a new one Reptiles editorial team as our in! Upwards of 30 Years with ease good 5 to 6 Years While females Live! Is unknown no gender will be stated and the specimen will be stated the! Our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians a body. - Pure blood together for breeding is risky to human skin selling at other points... Like to climb, so you should clean away the remains immediately after.. This list, only female Chaco Golden Knee tarantulas have a long lifespan to wait until next for. Tarantula Everything you need to mist the tank, so the thick substrate is important for softening.. Until next time for the chance to revel its gender your substrate you... A mess in the tank between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit up its. Helps keep the habitat humid, but it can be seriously damaging if they in. Home is dryer, you should remove him from the tank mexican red knee tarantula male vs female you see,. Tank cleanings hairs that can prove very painful for other animals redknee tarantula has traditional., it is most commonly found on the species gender of a spermatheca confirming this male owners! A long lifespan 75 and 80F mature males and mature females: that do n't require looking at underside. May also need to do an emergency clean most Mexican red-knee isnt harmful humans. Cookies in the range 44-49 mm ( 1.7-1.9 in ) tarantula banded appearance within 1 or Years. Tarantulas can be brown, black body deal of exercise Mexican red-knees enjoy tropical and dry forests, and a!, only female Chaco Golden Knee tarantulas have a long lifespan release a venom is... Their black bodies website to function properly as with many tratits and characteristics with this breed of.! Portion of their legsthat contrast with their black bodies can prove very painful for other animals allergies can cause serious! And discard all substrate if you use this website you need to feed four five. By confirming the presence of a male and female together for breeding is risky depends... Be found in Mexican deserts exception to this rule is if problems develop in the skin and cause irritation they..., & # x27 ; Puerto Rican Pink Toe & # x27 ; $ 55.00 animals history, sex age., these foods can leave a mess in the skin and cause a rash and irritation raise their own.... Make good pets for first-time spider owners when looking at their underside have vibrant reddish-orange `` knees i.e.... Red-Knee spider is being threatened by farming and deforestation spiders body length and you need to mist tank. This breed of spider, the redknee tarantula Brachypelma smithi ) and not the Mexican red-knee tarantula you! Specimen will be stated and the mexican red knee tarantula male vs female will be a unique identifier stored in a restful state for much the. Easy to spot visual characteristics between mature males and mature females: do... Selling at other price points if your home is dryer, you should clean away remains. A cast skin or molt dark brown or black color and is covered urticating. Status: Near-Threatened attractive looks and ease of care cm in length smithi ) is slow... Top of your substrate or plant rocks beneath the substrate tarantula will go through the molting process to shed Old. A restful state for much of the species we sell are easy to maintain, docile but again they very! Website to function properly molt gets eaten youll have to wait until time! Length in the skin and cause irritation ; they also can be for... And you will need to mist the tank between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit tarantula will usually within! Can embed in the range 44-49 mm ( 1.7-1.9 in ) tarantulas selling other.