{"product_id":"brachypelma-hamorii-mexican-red-knee-tarantula-for-sale","title":"Brachypelma hamorii (Mexican red knee tarantula) 0.5\"","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eBrachypelma hamorii\u003c\/i\u003e, commonly known as the Mexican red knee tarantula, is a large terrestrial tarantula endemic to western Mexico. Mature females have a robust build and a black abdomen clothed in long coppery, reddish-brown, or pale peach-colored hairs. The carapace varies from predominantly black with a brownish-pink border to a broad golden-peach or pale orange outer field surrounding a central area ranging from dark brown to black. The dorsal surfaces of the chelicerae are light gray and typically display paired brownish-pink bands. The legs and pedipalps are predominantly velvety black. The patellae bear vivid orange flame-shaped fields adjoining paler peach to orange-yellow distal fields, while similar pale coloration occurs on the distal portions of the tibiae and forms bands near the ends of the metatarsi. Long whitish-gray lateral setae create strong contrast against the darker leg segments. Mature males are slimmer and proportionally longer-legged, with a lighter grayish-red to orange border surrounding the darker central area of the carapace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn captivity, \u003ci\u003eB. hamorii\u003c\/i\u003e readily excavates or establishes a retreat beneath cork bark and other enclosure décor. Settled individuals frequently remain visible but may spend extended periods concealed within their retreats, particularly during premolt. Growth is slow, and juveniles and adults may refuse food for prolonged periods without experiencing a decline in body condition. Although generally calm and deliberate, individuals may retreat quickly when disturbed and can flick urticating hairs defensively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/b\u003e Mexican red knee tarantula\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eNative Range:\u003c\/b\u003e Colima, southern Jalisco, and the northwestern coast of Michoacán, Mexico\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eLife Habit:\u003c\/b\u003e Terrestrial burrower\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/b\u003e 6–7 inches in diagonal leg span\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/b\u003e Males 5–8 years; females 20–30+ years under optimal conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/b\u003e Generally calm but may flick urticating hairs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCare Difficulty:\u003c\/b\u003e Easy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBrachypelma hamorii\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e Care\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eBrachypelma hamorii\u003c\/i\u003e is a hardy, slow-growing terrestrial species that thrives in a predominantly dry setup with deep substrate and access to a localized humidity gradient. Climbing height should remain limited, particularly for larger specimens, because their heavy build makes falls potentially dangerous. Extended periods of food refusal are common and generally not concerning when the animal remains well hydrated and maintains appropriate body condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/b\u003e 1 oz condiment cup or equivalent for spiderlings, upgraded as needed with growth; 14” x 10” x 8” or larger terrestrial enclosure for adults\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/b\u003e Provide sufficient depth of moisture-retentive substrate to accommodate excavation and minimize vertical fall distance. Coconut fiber, peat moss, topsoil, and similar substrates work well. Cork bark or similar enclosure décor can be partially buried to provide a starter retreat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/b\u003e 72–82°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/b\u003e Moderate ambient humidity is generally sufficient. Approximately 25–50% of the substrate should retain moisture to provide a humidity gradient while allowing the remaining substrate to stay drier. Very small spiderlings should not be allowed to dry out completely, but consistently wet or saturated conditions should also be avoided.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDiet:\u003c\/b\u003e Fruit flies, crickets, cockroaches, and other appropriately sized feeder insects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/b\u003e Spiderlings can be offered appropriately sized prey once or twice weekly. Juveniles and adults are typically fed every 7–14 days, with feeding frequency adjusted based on prey size, growth rate, and the condition of the individual animal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWater:\u003c\/b\u003e Lightly moisten part of the substrate as needed and provide water droplets on the enclosure walls for spiderlings; juveniles and adults should have access to a water dish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eRoutine Maintenance:\u003c\/b\u003e Remove uneaten prey, monitor moisture levels, and spot-clean when necessary.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eNatural History\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eBrachypelma hamorii\u003c\/i\u003e was described by Tesmoingt, Cleton, and Verdez in 1997 from specimens obtained through the pet trade, without a precise type locality. The original type specimens were never deposited in a museum and are considered lost. For many years, specimens now recognized as \u003ci\u003eB. hamorii\u003c\/i\u003e were widely identified as \u003ci\u003eB. smithi\u003c\/i\u003e throughout the hobby and in published sources. A 2017 systematic revision designated a neotype from Tecomán, Colima, and clarified the identities of both species using coloration and patterning, adult reproductive morphology, and COI DNA barcodes. It confirmed \u003ci\u003eB. hamorii\u003c\/i\u003e from southern Jalisco, Colima, and the northwestern coast of Michoacán, while true \u003ci\u003eB. smithi\u003c\/i\u003e occurs along Guerrero's Pacific coast. The Balsas River basin appears to form a major geographic barrier between their known distributions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite this clarification, \u003ci\u003eB. hamorii\u003c\/i\u003e continues to be mislabeled and sold within the hobby as \u003ci\u003eB. smithi\u003c\/i\u003e. Consequently, incorrectly identified animals have been paired, resulting in hybridization within captive collections. This has introduced additional uncertainty into some captive lineages and makes accurate labeling and breeding records especially important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePure \u003ci\u003eB. hamorii\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eB. smithi\u003c\/i\u003e can be differentiated by coloration and patterning alone when the complete combination of characters is considered. \u003ci\u003eBrachypelma hamorii\u003c\/i\u003e typically displays paired brownish-pink cheliceral bands, a comparatively subdued orange patellar flame bordered by diffuse orange or black setae, black sides to the patellae, a characteristic carapace pattern, and strongly contrasting whitish lateral leg setae. \u003ci\u003eBrachypelma smithi\u003c\/i\u003e lacks the paired cheliceral bands, typically has a brighter patellar flame and yellowish-orange sides to the patellae, and bears comparatively yellowish lateral leg setae. Examination of the male palpal bulbs or female spermathecae, together with molecular evidence, provides the strongest confirmation of species identity. Because COI is mitochondrial and normally maternally inherited, however, COI barcoding alone cannot reliably exclude hybrid ancestry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eBrachypelma hamorii\u003c\/i\u003e inhabits subtropical dry forest from the Pacific coastal lowlands into the foothills farther inland. Much of this region consists of thorn forest and deciduous secondary forest, and the species appears to favor shaded areas beneath trees or bushes, sometimes near seasonal watercourses. Individuals excavate their own burrows or modify natural cavities beneath fallen logs, large rocks, and tree roots among thorny vegetation and tall grass. Burrow entrances typically lack conspicuous silk. These tarantulas remain sheltered during the day and wait near their retreats after dark to ambush passing arthropod prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mating season occurs primarily during the latter portion of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season, from approximately August through January, when mature males leave their retreats and wander in search of females. Egg sacs are produced during the drier winter months, with spiderlings emerging and dispersing before the onset of the following rainy season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe species is assessed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is included in CITES Appendix II. Habitat loss associated with urban development, agriculture, and road construction has fragmented portions of its native range. Roads also create barriers between populations and cause mortality among wandering mature males. Illegal collection for the pet trade continues to place additional pressure on some wild populations, reinforcing the importance of accurately identified, responsibly maintained captive lineages.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Buddha Bugs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43691399119157,"sku":"","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0669\/4259\/9477\/files\/Brachypelma-hamorii-Mexican-red-knee-tarantula.jpg?v=1786833038","url":"https:\/\/buddha-bugs.com\/products\/brachypelma-hamorii-mexican-red-knee-tarantula-for-sale","provider":"Buddha Bugs","version":"1.0","type":"link"}