Mexican red-knee tarantula (Brachypelma smithii)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Mexican red-knee tarantula (Brachypelma smithii) (origin: Mexico – the Pacific coast). Adult size around body 6–7 cm, leg span 14–16 cm. Life expectancy females 25–30 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Mexican red-knee tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×30×30 cm.
Mexican red-knee tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–22 °C.
Mexican red-knee tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Mexican red-knee tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 25–30 years.
Mexican red-knee tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 60–70 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×30×30 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus 8–10 cm, cork bark as a hide, a shallow water dish
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- body 6–7 cm, leg span 14–16 cm
- Life expectancy
- females 25–30 years
- Origin
- Mexico – the Pacific coast
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly (cannibalistic). The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts too, even similarly sized, well-fed ones. For mating, the male is introduced under observation and separated again immediately afterwards.
Notes
The classic, very calm beginner's spider. When disturbed it bombards with urticating hairs – eye protection when handling. Ground-dwelling, and it digs little.
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Related species
- Mexican flame knee tarantula (Brachypelma auratum) – Beginner
- Mexican golden red rump tarantula (Brachypelma albiceps) – Beginner
- Mexican pink tarantula (Brachypelma boehmei) – Beginner
- Mexican pink tarantula (Brachypelma emilia) – Beginner
- Mexican pink tarantula (Brachypelma klaasi) – Beginner
- Mexican red-knee tarantula (Brachypelma hamorii) – Beginner
- Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
- Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Mexican red-knee tarantula (Brachypelma smithii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×30 cm), substrate (Coco humus 8–10 cm, cork bark as a hide, a shallow water dish), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Brachypelma_smithi/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachypelma_smithi, https://thehsi.org/2014/12/25/mexican-red-knee-tarantula-care/
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).