Details
Brachypelma hamorii
The Mexican red-knee tarantula is a spider of Neotropical dry forest and semi-arid habitats. It is a solitary nocturnal carnivore that waits for prey.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses dry forest, scrub, and desert-like ground. Burrows and shelters help buffer changes in heat and humidity.
Leg span is about 10-15 cm and weight about 10-20 g. The dark body contrasts with orange-red knee patches, and sensory hairs cover the body.
It is nocturnal and solitary. When threatened, it may flick irritating hairs from the abdomen or raise the front legs in defense.
It is carnivorous, ambushing insects and other small invertebrates. Fangs hold prey while digestive fluids break it down externally.
Mature males seek females and mate cautiously. Females make and guard an egg sac, and young grow through repeated molts.
Its conservation status is NT. Because it is well known in the pet trade, careful management of wild collection matters.
