COMMON NAME

Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula

LATIN NAME

Euathlus smithi (formerly Brachypelma smithi)

NATIVE TO

Mexico and Panama

ADULT SIZE

A large spider with a body length of about 2.5in/6cm. Females have a life span of up to 30 years. Males die soon after maturity and have a lifespan of 3-6 years.

EGGS OR YOUNG?

Lays 100-400 eggs hatching between 1 and a half to 2 and a half months. The young are called spiderlings

APPEARANCE

Very striking with a jet black body and, as their name suggests, bright red knees. This is now a protected species and any purchased will be captive bred and expensive.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

On average offer small amounts of food regularly once a week. Note though that feeding depends on the species, age and time since the last moult. They eat invertebrates such as crickets, mealworms, wax-moth larvae, locusts, cockroaches and even earthworms. Do not leave uneaten live food to over run the vivarium as these will annoy, stress or damage the tarantula.

EASE OF CARE

Beginner upwards

TEMPERAMENT

This species is fairly docile and hardy and is a good beginner's choice. Handle carefully as some can be skittish and nippy. Ground dwelling burrower. Nocturnal. House alone or they may fight to the death.

VIVARIUM SETUP

A vivarium 12x12x12in/30x30x30cm to house one. Semi desert-type climate. Provide either cork bark, tree bark or broken (length wise) flower pot to provide a retreat.
Temperature 75-82F/24-28C. Relative humidity of 70-80%.
Under-tank heatpad required.

SUBSTRATE

A mix of pure soil and sand with lots of peat moss in it. Depth of 3-8in/7.6-20cm.