Brachypelma emilia

Scientific Name: Brachypelma emilia

Common Name: Mexican Red Leg

Lifestyle: Terrestrial

Endemic Location: Western Mexico

Adult Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): 5-6” (12-15cm)

Growth Rate: Medium – Slow

Life Expectancy: Females 25-30 years / Males 5 years

Recommended Experience Level: Beginner

The Mexican Red Leg tarantula, classified scientifically as the Brachypelma emilia, is one of the most popular and beautiful tarantulas 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 the western regions of 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.

Closely related to the Mexican Red Knee, Brachypelma emilia is an undeniably stunning spider. The combination of glossy black background, highlighted with bright on the carapace and legs, makes this one of the more colourful species. 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.