THE RED KNEE

The Mexican Redknee Tarantula is probably the most popular of all pet tarantulas. It
has been collected since the 1970s and 1980s. It was originally discovered by a
collector named H.H. Smith in 1888. The Mexican Redknee Tarantula was one of the
first species to enter the hobby and has been used as scary "props" in many films. This
tarantula has been in films such as "Raiders of the Lost Ark", a couple James Bond
series, and many others. The Mexican Redknee Tarantula is known to be one of the
longest living tarantula species, with females living up to 25 years, which is an
advantage over many other tarantula species. Whether you're a beginner, or an
advanced hobbyist, you can't go wrong with a Mexican Redknee Tarantula. Due to
this creatures gentle nature, colorful appearance, massive body size, and long life, it
is easy to see why the Mexican Redknee Tarantula is such a desired animal in the
hobby.

Range Pacific side of Mexico, in scrubland and deserts.

Habitat Found near cacti, bushes, logs, rocky areas, and other natural debris.

Type Terrestrial, but will burrow to some extent.

Diet Spiderlings will eat pinhead crickets, that have been crushed, or had the legs
taken off them so that the tarantulas can catch the food easily. Adults will eat large
insects, fuzzy mice, anoles, and other small lizards.

Full Grown Size 5 to 5.5 inches.

Growth Slow speed.

Temperature 70 to 90 degrees F.

Humidity Low. All tarantulas that have at least a 3" legspan will drink from a
shallow, wide water dish though, so it is a good idea to provide one in the tank.

Temperament Docile and calm.

Housing 5 to 10-gallon tank. Floor space is more important than height.

Substrate 3 to 5 inches of vermiculite, potting soil, peat moss or sand. Some sort
of hiding spot is a good addition to the tank set-up.

Other Names Mexican Orange Knee Tarantula, Mexican Red Kneed
Tarantula, and Mexican Orange Kneed Tarantula.