Mexican Red-kneed Tarantula
Brachypelma hamorii
Did you know?
- Mexican red-kneed tarantulas are part of the Theraphosidae, which they share with other tarantulas.
- They are coastal and live in tropical deciduous forests along the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
- They can live up to 20 years.
- They are docile spiders.
- A female will lay hundreds of eggs at a time.
Adaptations
Mexican red-kneed tarantulas are docile spiders with black bodies that boast orange coloration at the joints of their legs. Thier upper shell is tan and dark. They are large, thick spiders that can live up to 20 years.
Tarantulas
Tarantulas are among the largest spiders, some of which reach a leg-spread of up to 10 inches. They are found in a variety of habitats including deserts and woodlands. They do not spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they hunt for their food, relying on powerful legs to catch and subdue their victims. They kill with a venomous bite. Though painful, the bite of the tarantula is rarely fatal to humans.
Threat Level
- Unknown
- Common
- Near Threatened
- Threatened
- Endangered
- Critically Endangered
- Extinct in the Wild
Near Threatened
The Mexican red-kneed tarantula's wild population has been severely reduced due to over-collecting by the pet trade.
Range
The Pacific Coast of Mexico
Habitat
Tropical deciduous forests
we care about Mexican red-kneed tarantulas
The Saint Louis Zoo takes care of this species in the Insectarium at the Zoo. Learn more about how we are helping wildlife around the world.
Find this animal in Discovery Corner
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Discovery Corner
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