Scientific Name:
Brachypelma emilia
Size:
Mexican Redleg Tarantulas are large, reaching a leg span of up to 5-6 inches.
Life Span (female):
Up to 30 years.
Housing:
A small (5-10 gallon) tank is suitable for Mexican Redleg Tarantulas. For terrestrial tarantulas the width of the tank should be two to three times wider than the leg span of the spider wide, and only as tall as the spider's leg span. 2-3 inches of peat moss, soil, or vermiculite can be used as a substrate. Wood, cork bark, or half of a small clay flower pot can be used for a shelter/retreat.
Temperature:
75-85 F (24-30 C)
Humidity:
65-70%
Feeding:
Crickets and other large insects (must be pesiticide-free). Larger spiders can have an occasional pinkie mouse.
Temperament:
Mexican Redleg Tarantulas are often quite docile, but can be skittish.
Tarantula photo reprinted with permission of John Hoke, e-spiderworld.com