Brachypelma hamorii 'Mexican Red Knee'

About Brachypelma hamorii

Brachypelma hamorii is a New World terrestrial tarantula from the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is one of the most recognisable tarantulas in the world — the bold orange-red bands on each leg joint against a dark body are unmistakable. This species has appeared in countless films, documentaries, and pet shops, and for many people it is the mental image of "tarantula."

B. hamorii is listed on CITES Appendix II due to historical overcollection from the wild. All specimens available in the pet trade should be captive-bred. Always buy from reputable breeders who can confirm captive-bred origin.

This is a slow-growing species. Females can take 7–10 years to reach full adult size, but the payoff is extraordinary longevity — healthy females regularly live 25–30 years. Males mature faster but live only 5–7 years.

Enclosure

B. hamorii is terrestrial and semi-fossorial. In the wild, it occupies burrows in dry scrubland. Provide a low, wide enclosure with deep substrate:

• Enclosure size: 35×25×20 cm minimum for adults
• Substrate: coconut fibre or coir/topsoil mix, 10–15 cm deep for burrowing
• A cork bark hide — many specimens will excavate beneath it
• A shallow water dish, always available
• Keep height low — this species should not be able to climb to a dangerous fall height

Temperature, humidity & water

Maintain temperatures of 22–26°C. Room temperature is usually sufficient. If supplemental heating is required, use a heat mat on the enclosure side — never underneath a burrowing species.

Humidity of 55–70% suits this species well. Keep one half of the substrate lightly moist and allow the other half to dry out. The water dish contributes to ambient humidity and must be kept topped up. B. hamorii drinks regularly.

Feeding & moulting

Feed adults every 7–10 days with crickets, dubia roaches, locusts, or mealworms. Slings and juveniles should be fed more frequently (every 4–5 days) with prey no larger than their abdomen.

This species may fast for weeks or even months, particularly in cooler weather. Fasting in Brachypelma species is common and not a cause for concern as long as the abdomen is not visibly shrunken.

After moulting, do not feed for at least 1–2 weeks. The fangs and exoskeleton need time to harden. A freshly moulted tarantula is extremely vulnerable — avoid any disturbance during this period.

Tarantulas moult by flipping onto their backs. If you find your tarantula lying upside-down, it is almost certainly moulting — not dead. Do not touch it, do not spray it, and do not attempt to help. The process can take several hours. Leave it completely undisturbed.

Temperament & handling

B. hamorii is generally docile but more prone to flicking urticating hairs than some other beginner species. When threatened, it will kick a cloud of irritating hairs from its abdomen before resorting to other defences. These hairs cause itching and skin irritation — keep them away from your eyes and wash your hands after any contact.

Handling is possible but not recommended as routine. A fall from hand height is potentially fatal for any tarantula. If you must handle, stay low over a soft surface and never make sudden movements.

If urticating hairs contact you

• If hairs contact your skin, use tape to remove them and wash the area
• If hairs get in your eyes, flush immediately with clean water and see a doctor — do not rub
• Wash hands after handling or cleaning the enclosure