A medium-sized tarantula with bold orange-red knees on black legs. Heavily collected for pet trade; now restricted.

Also called: Mexican Red-knee Tarantula

Native status: Native to Pacific Coast of Mexico; CITES II protected

§ Quick facts

SizeLeg span 12–15 cm females; 10–13 cm males
Weight30–80 g females; 10–25 g males
LifespanWild females 20–30 years; males 4–8 years
OrderTheraphosida
FamilyTheraphosidae

§ Encyclopedia

Brachypelma smithi is a species of spider in the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas) native to Mexico. It has been confused with Brachypelma hamorii; both have been called Mexican redknee tarantulas. Mexican redknee tarantulas are a popular choice as pets among tarantula keepers. Many earlier sources referring to B. smithi either relate to B. hamorii or do not distinguish between the two species. B. smithi is a terrestrial tarantula native to Pacific coast of the Mexican state of Guerrero.

Source: Wikipedia — Brachypelma smithi Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large black tarantula with distinctive bright orange-red "knees" (on the second and third leg segments); dense hair coat; relatively docile temperament for the genus.

Similar species. Other Brachypelma species (different leg-marking colors). Texas Brown Tarantula (US native; brown without bright knees).

Voice. Can hiss by rubbing legs together (stridulation) when threatened.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Crickets, beetles, grasshoppers, occasional small lizards or mice. Captures prey with pounce; injects venom and digestive enzymes through fangs.

Behavior. Listed under CITES Appendix II to regulate international trade — once the most-collected tarantula for pet trade, now most are captive-bred. Iconic appearance featured in numerous films and TV shows. Bite is no more dangerous than a bee sting (in non-allergic individuals). When threatened, may flick irritating "urticating hairs" from the abdomen toward attackers; these cause skin irritation and can be dangerous if they enter eyes.

§ Range

Mexico, southwestern US

§ Habitat

Open rocky desert habitats

§ Threats

Illegal collection for pet trade, habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the tarantula (mexican red-knee) is currently classified as Near Threatened.

§ What helps

Buy only captive-bred tarantulas. Don't collect from wild.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Arachnological Society
  • American Tarantula Society
  • CITES Appendix II
  • San Diego Zoo