Brachypelma hamorii

Scientific Name: Brachypelma hamorii

Common Name: Mexican Red Knee

Lifestyle: Terrestrial

Endemic Location: Mexico

Adult Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): 5-6” (14-15cm)

Growth Rate: Slow-Medium

Life Expectancy: Females 25 years / Males 10 years

Recommended Experience Level: Beginner

The Mexican Red Knee tarantula, classified scientifically as the Brachypelma hamorii, is the most recognisable and popular tarantula in the hobby. Like many other species of Brachypelma, this New World tarantula is favoured due to their ease of care and docile temperament. This species is endemic to Mexico usually in the savannah and scrubland regions.

Though this tarantula does not have medically significant venom, it does possess urticating hairs that can cause irritation and rash if they were to kick them on you. Though typically it will just make you itchy, it can lead to serious issues if you were to get them in your eyes, nose or throat, so don’t have the tarantula on or near your face and always wash your hands well after you interact with any New World tarantulas that possess urticating hairs.

They make for an amazing display tarantula as they spend a lot of time out of their burrow and have bright colours that contrast nicely and are sure to catch people’s eye and adoration. They are a very hardy tarantula and amazingly easy to keep.  A standard terrestrial enclosure with coco fibre, a hide and a water bowl are sufficient for keeping this tarantula. Try to keep the substrate slightly moist but not too wet. A very beginner friendly tarantula with a docile personality.