MEXICAN RED-KNEE

Common name(s): 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 set up: A vivarium 12x12x12in/30x30x30cm to house one.
Semi desert-type climate.
Substrate: A mix of pure soil, sand and peat. Depth of 3-8in/7.6-20cm. 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.