Are Mexican red-knee tarantulas good pets?
The Mexican red-knee tarantula is one of the most docile and calm pet tarantulas, making it ideal for beginner arachnid keepers. This spider rarely bites.
What kind of tarantulas have red knees?
The well-known Mexican red-knee tarantulas are actually two different species of spider that are native to the Pacific coast of Mexico. The Brachypelma hamorii and the Brachypelma smithi both have vibrant red "knees" that contrast with their dark body color, making them easy to distinguish from the other types of tarantulas .
How long do Mexican red knee tarantulas live?
Life Expectancy:Females can live up to 20 to 30 years, while males live for about 10 years. Difficulty of Care:Beginner. The Mexican red-knee tarantula is a docile and slow-moving animal, and you can regularly handle it without stressing it out.
What do Mexican red knee tarantulas eat?
Food and Water Adult Mexican red-knee tarantulas dine on live crickets and other large insects like locusts and cockroaches. This means that you must also raise and feed insects alongside your spider. Grasshoppers and other large bugs can be collected from your yard for feeding, however, their diet must not include pesticide-laden plants.
Are Mexican red-knee tarantulas good for beginners?
The Mexican Red-knee tarantula is a popular beginner tarantula due to its long lifespan and easy care. Enthusiasts and keepers also adore these spiders due to their unique look. These tarantulas do not require much space or care and will be a beautiful addition to your home.
Are Mexican red-knee tarantulas hard to take care of?
Mexican red-knee tarantulas are two similar species of spider native to Mexico's Pacific coast. Both species of Mexican red-knee have dark bodies and bright red knees, hence their names. Caring for a Mexican red-knee spider is easy. These spiders are slow-moving and docile, and don't mind being carefully handled.
Are red knee tarantulas friendly?
DOCILE YET VENOMOUS Xena is, in fact, very docile. Of the 900 tarantula species globally, the Mexican red-knee tarantula is one of the most docile. While the Mexican red-knee tarantula is venomous, it rarely bites.
How much does a Mexican red-knee tarantula cost?
Animals this size typically sell for $120 or more, so if you're interested in a new pet tarantula, there has never been a better time to get one!
What tarantula makes the best pet?
10 Best Tarantula Species to Keep as Pets01 of 10. Mexican Red-Knee. Science Photo Library/Getty Images. ... 02 of 10. Chilean Rose. Danita Delimont/Getty Images. ... 03 of 10. Costa Rican Zebra. ... 04 of 10. Mexican Redleg. ... 05 of 10. Honduran Curly Hair. ... 06 of 10. Pink Zebra Beauty. ... 07 of 10. Pink Toe. ... 08 of 10. Brazilian Black.More items...•
What is the best beginner tarantula?
Some of the best tarantula species for beginners are Brazilian black, Chilean rose, Mexican red-knee, and curly-hair tarantulas. These spiders are known to be fairly hardy and docile as well as tolerant to some handling.
How often does a Mexican red-knee eat?
one to three times per weekFeedings Every Week. Keep your Mexican red-knee tarantula in optimal health by feeding him anywhere from one to three times per week. Some tarantulas may be willing to accept only one sampling of live prey at once, while others may be able to manage a little bit more.
How big of a tank does a Mexican red-knee need?
Housing. The Mexican Red Knee is a decent sized tarantula and requires space and depth of substrate for burrowing. It is best to keep them in a minimum of a 60x45x30cm terrarium, though they are also commonly kept in similar sized plastic containers with good ventilation.
How big do Mexican red knee tarantulas get?
The species is a large spider, adult females having a total body length over 50 mm (2 in) and males having legs up to 75 mm (3 in) long. Mexican redknee tarantulas are a popular choice for enthusiasts.
How long do Mexican red-knee live for?
However, Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula lifespan depends highly on gender. You can expect females to live 20-25 years, with some living up to 30. Males live for 5-10 years, sometimes less than half that of females. Males will grow until they are breeding age, mate with a female and then die soon after.
How long does it take for a Mexican red-knee tarantula to grow to full size?
three to seven yearsMature Mexican Red Knee tarantulas typically get to be four to five inches in body size, with a leg span of six to seven inches. Depending on the external conditions such as temperature or humidity, males can reach maturity within three to seven years, and they typically live for only one year after their last molt.
What kind of tarantulas does Petco have?
Temperate Tarantulas: Costa Rican Stripe-Knee. Haitian Brown. Mexican Curly Hair. Mexican Red Leg.
What to do if you get bitten by a tarantula?
Wash the area with soap and water. Place ice (wrapped in a clean cloth or other covering) on the site of the sting for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process. If the person has blood flow problems, reduce the time the ice is used to prevent possible skin damage.
How long does it take for a Mexican red-knee tarantula to grow to full size?
three to seven yearsMature Mexican Red Knee tarantulas typically get to be four to five inches in body size, with a leg span of six to seven inches. Depending on the external conditions such as temperature or humidity, males can reach maturity within three to seven years, and they typically live for only one year after their last molt.
How fast do red knee tarantulas grow?
This species of tarantula grows very slowly and matures relatively late. Males reach sexual maturity at an age of four to five years. Females mature two to three years later than males, a factor which would prevent inbreeding in the wild.
Do Mexican red knee tarantulas burrow?
Mexican redknee tarantulas hide during the heat of the day in their silk-lined burrows, which are located under thorny vegetation such as cacti. Once darkness descends, their burrows transform into the perfect location to ambush unsuspecting prey such as insects, frog, lizards, and mice.
How Big Does a Mexican Red Knee Tarantula Get?
The Mexican Red Knee Tarantula can vary in size, anywhere from 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 centimeters) and weigh around 15 to 17 grams (0.5 to 0.6 ounces).
How Long Can a Mexican Red Knee Tarantula Go Without Food?
Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas don’t need to eat all that frequently. Usually, a Mexican Red Knee will eat once every week. In the wild, this number may vary to be more or less depending how much foo they can find.
How Long Do Red Knee Tarantulas Live?
Like most tarantulas, the Mexican Red Knee enjoys quite the long lifespan. However, the lifespan varies widely based on the gender of the spider.
Are Red Knee Tarantulas Poisonous?
The Mexican Red Knee Tarantula, like many other tarantulas, is poisonous. However, its venom is a mild one, making it not that dangerous to have as a pet. If you do come in contact with the Mexican Red Knee’s venom, at most you will have symptoms similar to that of a bee sting: redness and swelling around the affected area. These effects typically last anywhere from a day to 72 hours.
Are Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas Aggressive?
The Mexican Red Knee Tarantula is known among spider owners to be one of the most calm and docile spiders in the trade.
Why do Mexican red knee tarantulas molt?
The purpose of molting for Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas is mainly healthcare. Molting sheds their old layer of skin which removes any dangerous, external parasites and fungus. This molting process also provides the Mexican Red Knee with a new, fresh set of undamaged sensory and protective hairs.
How much does a Mexican red knee cost?
Depending on where you buy your tarantula from, purchasing your Mexican Red Knee can cost anywhere from $20 to $200 USD. This is just the initial cost, though. You should also consider the rest of the financial investment preparing to care for a pet entails.
What Do Mexican Red-Knee Tarantulas Cost?
Mexican Red-Knee Tarantulas typically cost between $70 to $100 at pet stores, but this price can vary based on gender and size. Female tarantulas tend to live longer, between 20 to 30 years, while male tarantulas generally live for only 10 years. It’s important to keep this in mind while purchasing one, as they are definitely a long-term commitment.
Where do red-knee tarantulas live?
In the wild, Mexican Red-Knee Tarantulas dwell in drier areas with little to no vegetation, such as deserts, deciduous forests, and scrublands. It’s important to replicate this habitat when you choose to domesticate one.
What do you feed a tarantula?
Occasionally, you may feed your tarantula a heartier meal with more protein such as a pinky mouse or a small lizard. Make sure you monitor your pet during feeding times to ensure they’re not getting stressed out or injured.
How to keep tarantulas in a tank?
For bedding, use at least four inches of peat moss, soil, and vermiculite. Make sure the substrate isn’t packed too tightly, as you want to ensure your pet can burrow. It’ll also lessen the impact if your tarantula falls from the top, keeping them nice and safe. You also want to place some hiding spots in the tank, which could include wood, bark, or fake plants. Mexican Red-Knee Tarantulas are known to be more visible pets, which makes them great for pet owners who want a pretty display, but they still need some privacy every now and then.
How much humidity do tarantulas need?
Your tarantula’s terrarium must be maintained at a consistent humidity and temperature. Keep the humidity level between 60 and 70 percent.
How to tell if a Mexican tarantula is red?
As the name implies, the Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula can be differentiated from other spiders by the bright orange to red coloring of their joints. When most people picture a tarantula in their minds, this is the exact species that they are thinking about. If you’ve been considering getting a tarantula of your own, ...
How hot should a tarantula enclosure be?
In terms of temperature, we recommend keeping the terrarium between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Most owners will choose to use a heated mat for this. Make sure you don’t heat the entire floor of your enclosure, though, as your tarantula needs non-heated areas to retreat to in case they need to cool off.
Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula Overview
Before buying a Mexican red-knee tarantula, you should be aware of the characteristics and needs of these species, and how best to look after them.
Appearance and Behavior
Mexican red-knee tarantulas can be brown, black, and red in color, with hairy bodies and long legs. The name “red-knee” refers to the bright red markings on the mid-section of the spider’s legs.
Housing Mexican Red-Knee Tarantulas
Mexican red-knee tarantulas are used to living in warm forests or desert habitats, so you should establish a similar environment in your spider’s tank.
Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula Care
Caring for a Mexican red-knee tarantula is easy as long as you master the basics: feed your spider the right food at the right times, and handle your tarantula with care.
Breeding
Breeding Mexican red-knee tarantulas are typically left to professional breeders, as the process can be lengthy. Before breeding, you’ll need to prepare the tank by reducing the humidity, as an overly humid environment can be off-putting to the female spider.
Choosing and Buying a Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula
Mexican red-knee tarantulas cost around $80 to $120. The price depends on age, size, and gender. Because female Mexican red-knees live longer, they tend to be more expensive. You can buy these spiders from specialist pet stores and breeders.
What is a Mexican red knee tarantula?
Mexican red knee tarantulas are fairly traditional tarantulas in shape. They have black bodies bodies with characteristic orange “knees” on their legs, which gave them their name. Like many tarantulas, they have urticating hairs. They are also technically venomous, although it is not dangerous to humans.
How long do Mexican red knee tarantulas live?
Mexican red knee tarantulas make good pets because of their docile nature and general hardiness. When cared for properly, males generally live up to 10 years, and females may live well beyond 15 years.
Where do red knee tarantulas live?
The Mexican red knee tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) is a 5.5-6.5” diameter, nocturnal, terrestrial tarantulas native to eastern Mexico. They prefer to live in arid environments such as desert and scrub, although they also sometimes live in forested areas.
Can tarantulas be stressed?
An empty terrarium can lead to a stressed tarantula, and it’ s not much to look at, either . At bare minimum, you will need at least one hiding spot for the tarantula to use. However, you can also include other decorative items, such as:
Do Mexican red knee tarantulas need UVB?
Mexican red knee tarantulas are generally kept without UVB lighting, as they have proven to be capable of surviving without it, and considering that UVB wavelengths are blocked by glass and acrylic, installing the lamp can be tricky.
What color are Mexican redleg tarantulas?
Mexican redleg tarantulas have a dark abdomen, and the second joint of their legs is a reddish color—hence their name. As pets, they are known for being easygoing spiders, and they are relatively easy to care for. Their housing takes up minimal space, and their diet is fairly straightforward.
Where do red leg tarantulas live?
The Mexican redleg tarantula, also known as the red-legged tarantula, is a large, ground-dwelling spider that’s native primarily to western Mexico. It’s closely related to the Mexican red-knee tarantula. Mexican redleg tarantulas have a dark abdomen, and the second joint of their legs is a reddish color—hence their name.
Why is my Mexican redleg shriveling?
Dehydration also is a possibility for your Mexican redleg if its enclosure isn’t humid enough . These spiders generally take in most of their hydration from their prey and environment, not by drinking water. If your spider appears slightly shriveled or is lethargic, check the humidity level and mist the tank if it’s too low.
What do Mexican redlegs eat?
Live crickets will typically be the primary food in your pet Mexican redleg’s diet. But these spiders also can eat mealworms, waxworms, roaches, and other insects. And adults can have the occasional pinkie mouse. The general rule is the size of the food should be smaller than the tarantula’s body.
Do Mexican redleg tarantulas bite?
Mexican redleg tarantulas are one of the most docile spiders in the pet trade, which is why they are quite popular among arachnid keepers. These spiders rarely bite, though it's important to note their bite is venomous and typically will cause local pain and swelling.
Can a tarantula be injured by a fall?
It’s ideal to sit on the floor when handling, as an accidental fall from even a few feet can seriously injure a spider. Moreover, keep any other household pets away from your tarantula to avoid potential injuries.
Do Mexican redleg tarantulas need socialization?
These spiders don't need socialization with humans. But thanks to their docile demeanor, many Mexican redleg tarantulas are relatively calm when being handled. If you wish to handle your spider, do so gently and carefully. And keep the handling sessions short to avoid causing any stress to the spider.
How to keep tarantulas as pets?
The popularity of Tarantulas as pets means that you can buy a lot of the equipment purpose-made. There are Tarantula tanks and specialist Tarantula substrate, for example. The best terrariums are at least a foot long and 8 inches deep. Glass is the best material for the tank. Use a heat pad to meet the temperature requirements of your Tarantula species. Coconut coir makes good substrate and you will need a water spray on hand to maintain an appropriate humidity level. Your tarantula habitat also needs a shallow water bowl, a hide, and some décor so that your spider doesn’t get bored.
How big of a tank do tarantulas need?
Minimal Space – The tank for your Tarantula doesn’t have to be huge. Most specialist containers are about a foot long, although you can provide more space than this if you have it.
How long does a wooly tarantula live?
It has a shorter lifespan of around ten years for the female but can make a good pet choice for beginners.
How long do Mexican redlegs live?
The Mexican Redleg is similar to the Red Knee. Females live 30 years and they require a hot and humid habitat in which to thrive. They can be a little jumpy, too, so extra care does need to be taken when handling this species.
Can tarantulas be fatal?
The bite of a tarantula is venomous but should not prove fatal to a human unless they suffer from allergies. They do have urticating hairs, which they can project at predators and that get caught in the skin and eyes, potentially causing some pain. This large spider can live 20 years or more in captivity.
Is a tarantula quiet?
Quiet – Even at its most alert and bright, the Tarantula is a quiet animal. It won’t wake you up running around and it has no exercise wheel to squeak.
Do tarantulas need to be tame?
Tarantulas are a popular pet. You do need to provide them with suitable habitat and regular food, but they will tolerate handling and can become quite tame. They are beautiful and intriguing, large spiders, and it is primarily the combination of their size and non-fatal venom that has given rise to their popularity as a pet species.
