Welcome to the world of Eight Legged Beauties, where we turn fuzzy fear into fascination!
Today we’re shining the spotlight on a tarantula classic — Brachypelma hamorii, better known as the Mexican Red Knee. With its iconic orange-black leg pattern, calm nature, and long lifespan, it's a favorite in the hobby and a wonderful choice for keepers big and small.
Meet the Species
Scientific name: Brachypelma hamorii
Common name: Mexican Red Knee Tarantula
Type: Terrestrial / opportunistic burrower
Native to: Mexico — dry scrublands and western regions.
Adult size: ~5.5″ diagonal leg span.
Temperament: Docile, slow-moving, generally calm but may flick urticating hairs if startled.
Lifespan: Females ~25–30 years; males ~5–10 years.
Experience level: Beginner → Intermediate
Fun Fact:
Despite being a “red-knee,” the bright orange color fades slightly with age in some individuals — but the contrast remains stunning, making this species a timeless classic.
Setting Up Their Home
In the wild, B. hamorii lives in drier scrubland and savanna regions in Mexico, creating shallow burrows under rocks, roots, or vegetation.
Enclosure Tips
• For spiderlings: Use a small acrylic box, ~3× leg span wide.
• For juveniles: Medium terrestrial enclosure, width ~3–4× leg span.
• For adults: Larger terrestrial setup, width ~3–4× (or more) leg span; height kept modest to avoid fall risk.
• Orientation: Wider than tall — emphasizes horizontal space over height.
• Security: Ensure a tight-fitting lid, well-drilled ventilation holes; these spiders can be escape artists.
Substrate
Use about ½ to ⅔ of the enclosure depth of:
Organic topsoil / Terra Aranea (or similar mix)
Keep it firm but diggable
For slings: maintain one slightly damp corner; for adults: mostly dry with a moist retreat zone
Add a hide like cork bark, a fake plant, or half a flowerpot. A shallow water dish is essential, even if rarely used.
Temperature & Humidity
Setting Ideal Range Tips
Temperature 70-78°F Room temp is usually fine. Avoid heat lamps or direct sunlight.
Humidity 50-70% Keep mainly dry substrate; lightly mist or overflow water dish occasionally.
Ventilation High Proper airflow prevents mold.
Pro Tip:
Keep substrate’s lower layers a bit damp but let the top layer dry — it gives your tarantula options to pick its comfort zone and mimics natural ground layering.
Feeding Time
Spiderlings
Feed 2× per week
Pinhead crickets, fruit flies, or tiny roaches
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours
Juveniles
Feed every 7–10 days
2–3 small crickets or one medium roach
Adults
Feed every 2–3 weeks
4–5 large crickets or one adult Dubia roach
Tip:
A healthy tarantula’s abdomen should be roughly the same width as its carapace.
Too plump = overfed. Too thin = time for a snack.
After a molt, always wait until the fangs are black again before offering food.
(Usually 24–48 hrs for slings, up to a week or more for adults.)
Behavior & Temperament
This species is known for being very calm and mellow, especially as adults.
• Spiderlings: More skittish and likely to burrow or hide when disturbed
• Adults: Calm in demeanor, will often remain in view or retreat to hides rather than show aggression
• Handling: Often tolerated better than many tarantulas, though handling should still be minimal and careful
Observation tip:
Watch for curled-up hairs, webbing in the hide, or substrate rearrangement — these can be signs of impending molt or comfort behavior.
Common Challenges
Too damp: Mold and mites increase ventilation
Too dry: Dehydration or failed molts
Overfeeding: Lethargy or injury from bloated abdomen
Frequent handling: Stress and hair kicking
Also watch for escape attempts; this species is fast and can dart out if the lid isn't secure.
Final Thoughts
Brachypelma hamorii (Mexican Red Knee) is a classic, iconic tarantula — beautiful, gentle, and long-lived. Its striking coloration, manageable care requirements, and mellow temperament make it a top choice for beginners and seasoned keepers alike. With a simple terrestrial setup, stable conditions, and respect for its natural behavior, it can be a beloved member of your collection for decades to come.