Brachypelma smithi (Mexican Red Knee)
Description
Females: Brachypelma smithi falls into the medium sized group of Tarantulas. It has a bulky appearance with relatively thick legs. The Femur is black. The Patella is bright red and fades to a light brown. The Tibia fades from black to light brown, the rest of the leg is black with minor hints of brown. The Abdomen is mat black. The Carapace is black with an orange to red border, this color spils over onto the Trochanter. The chelicerae are black. The spinnerets are black.
Males: Brachypelma smithi males are similar in appearance to females. The male would have more slender legs after the ultimate moult. The Tarsus on the Pedipalps of males become bulbous. Male Brachypelma smithi develop Tibial apophysis.
Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Brachypelma smithi
- Described By: F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897
- Common Name: Mexican Red Knee, Red Knee, Mexican Orangeknee, Mexican orange knee
Habitat and Ecology
- Origin: Mexico
- Temperature: 5 - 35 degrees
- Humidity: Low - mild
Tarantula Details
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Type: Terrestrial
- Movement: Medium
- Diet: Crickets and Roaches
- Growth: Slow
- Full Grown Size: Unknown - Captivity, females 14 -16 cm leg span. Males similar, No sexual dimorphism.
- Lifespan: Males: 10 to 15 years, while females between 20 and 40 years.
- Temper: Can be unpredictable but know to be extremely docile
- Venom Potency: No threat to humans.
Breeding
- Difficulty: Insane
- Egg sac size: 600 - 800
- Danger to Male: Low
Last updated
Saturday, 07 April 2012Total Views :
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