Mexican Flame Knee

GEO-LOCATION

Endemic to the regions of Guerrero and Michoacan in Mexico.

HABITAT

Scrubland to desert habitat.

CHARACTERISTICS

a) Common Name

Mexican Flame Knee.

b) Type

Terrestrial.

c) Temperament

Docile.

d) Colouration

Very similar to B. smithi (Mexican Red Knee). This tarantula has a black and white colouration with contrasting red bands on its knees.

e) Growth

Slow.

f) Full Grown Size

10cm (4 inches) body with 15cm (6 inches) leg span.

g) Lifespan

Females: 20+ years. Males generally live to about 5 years and up to 12 months after their last moult.

KEEPING THIS SPIDER IN CAPTIVITY

a) Cage setup

Spiderlings can live in a clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 1ft (10-gallon) tank. Floor space is more important than height.

b) Substrate

At least 5 - 7.5cm (2 - 3 inches) of peat.

c) Decor

No decorations are really needed, but you can add plastic plants, rocks and driftwood.

d) Temperature

24 – 32°C (75 - 90°F)

e) Humidity

75 to 80%

f) Water source

Sub-adults – adults may drink from a shallow, wide water dish.

g) Feeding

Spiderlings can be fed on pinhead crickets and other small insects. Adults can be fed on large crickets and other large insects, as well as an occasional pinkie mouse.