Scientific Name: Brachypelma smithi
Size: Mexican Redknee Tarantulas reach a leg span of about 5 - 5.5 inches.
Life Span (females): 15-25 years (some sources say up to 30 years). As with other tarantulas, the males have a much shorter life span
Housing: A small (5-10 gallon) tank is suitable for Mexican Redknee 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.
Temperatue: 75-80 F (24-30 C)
Humidity: 60-75%
Feeding: Crickets and other large insects (abolutely must be pesticide free), occasional pinky mouse.
Temperament: Mexican Redknee Tarantulas are generally docile and calm.
Notes: This is the "classic" pet tarantula and has enjoyed tremendous popularity due to its beauty, temperament and long life span.
Tarantula photo reprinted with permission of John Hoke, e-spiderworld.com
