Brachypelma hamorii
Mexican Redknee
3 active listings · Spiders
Category
Spiders
Origin
Mexico (Colima, Jalisco and Michoacán)
Lifestyle
Terrestrial
Difficulty
Beginner
Venom potency
Weak
About the species
Mexican Redknee (Brachypelma hamorii) is a terrestrial tarantula endemic to Mexico. In the wild it occupies dry and seasonally dry habitats, using burrows, crevices, and substrate retreats. Adult females usually reach about 5–6 cm in body length, and the leg span may reach about 14–16 cm. The species is known for contrasting orange-red rings at the leg joints against a darker body. In the literature it was long confused with Brachypelma smithi; the two names now refer to separate accepted species.
Origin and distribution
Mexico (Colima, Jalisco and Michoacán)
The species is endemic to Colima, Jalisco and Michoacán (Mexico).
Current listings
Care at a glance
Size
Females approx. 5–6 cm body length; leg span approx. 14–16 cm
Enclosure type
Horizontal, for a terrestrial species with the option to dig
Substrate
A stable, thicker layer; the surface rather dry, the lower parts may be slightly more humid
Furnishings
A hide and constant access to fresh water
Conditions
Rather dry to moderate; good ventilation, without constantly wet substrate
Characteristics
Slower growth, long-lived females, urticating hairs, and a calmer lifestyle
Care and behaviour
Brachypelma hamorii is a terrestrial species that readily uses a hide and may deepen a retreat in the substrate. Floor area matters more than height. Provide a stable substrate layer, a prepared hide, and constant access to fresh water. An enclosure that is too tall increases the risk of injury from a fall.
In nature the species occurs in drier Mexican habitats, so most of the substrate surface may remain rather dry. A small part of the lower layers may be slightly more humid, but constantly wet, stuffy conditions are not appropriate. A moderate moisture gradient with clear ventilation is preferable to a single rigid humidity percentage.
Growth is relatively slow, and adult females may live for many years, so keeping this species requires patience. Individuals are often less prone to sudden sprinting than Old World arboreal tarantulas, but particular animals may react nervously when disturbed. The species is best treated as an animal for observation.
Good to know
Brachypelma hamorii has urticating hairs that it may use when threatened. Contact with them can irritate the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. The genus Brachypelma, including this species, is listed on CITES Appendix II; cross-border trade may require the relevant documents, and obligations vary by jurisdiction and transaction type. This page is not legal advice. IUCN assesses the species as Vulnerable. When buying, prefer legally sourced, documented captive-bred animals.