#hes a mexican red knee (brachypelma smithi)

[sparkelingspectres]

Just got a new tarantula I named him spaghettio❤️❤️❤️

[thetarantulacollective]

Scientific Name: Brachypelma hamorii (formerly B. smithi)

Common Name: Mexican Red Knee Tarantula

Type: Terrestrial

Endemic Location: Mexico

Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): 5.5”  (14cm)

Growth Rate: Medium - Slow

Life Expectancy: Females 25-30 years / Males 10 years

Recommended Experience Level: Beginner

The brachypelma hamorii, formerly classified as the Brachypelma smithi, known commonly as the mexican Red Knee Tarantula, is one of, if not the most, popular tarantula in the hobby. When most people think of a tarantula, this is the species that they picture in their mind. Made famous by being used in movies like Indian Jones and the William Shatner movie Kingdom of the Spiders, this species was also showcased at the end of the episode “Realm of Fear” on Star Trek the Next Generation as a pet of Miles O'brien he named Christinia and said it was a Lycosa tarantula found on Titus IV.

This species is endemic to Mexico found mainly along the western coast south of Guadalajara in the drier savannas and scrublands. This is a New World terrestrial, opportunistic burrower and was listed in CITES in 1985 due to dwindling numbers in the wild as a result of specimens being captured for the pet trade and other uses. These tarantulas were very popular in China at the time and the excessive importing had a huge effect on the number that could be found in the wild. This wasn't the only issue facing this species as many of the local people where the Red Knee is found saw them as pests or even bad luck and would exterminate them on site, further leading to their dwindling numbers.

[demonyica]

MORE MICHAEL THINGS!!!!

he loves to hang out at the library but not for reading purposes. in his eyes, reading is more of a chore than anything, although he does occasionally enjoy a good mystery novel. the real reason for his frequent library visits is simple: it’s quiet and peaceful. plus he loves the smell of (old) books/paper

michael has two pet tarantulas:

mexican red-knee • brachypelma hamorii/smithi • named feu

desert blonde • aphonopelma chalcodes • named sable

plans to one day get a cobalt blue (haplopelma lividum) but waits until he's more experienced with tarantulas in general, considering those blue beauties are old worlds and thus far less docile and quite aggressive

always goes to the same hairdresser; nobody else is allowed to get scissors near his hair. don't even try, he will bite

[lavenhamfalconry001]

Fireleg or the Mexican rustled ‘ Brachypelma boehmei’ this is a slow growing spider from the ‘smithi’ family of spiders which the Mexican red knee is a close family member. Can he morecaggresdije than the Mexican red knee. This is a spider that’s known as a flicker!! . . . #happy #tarantula #spider #spiders #tarantulalove #picsoftheday #tarantulalovers #instaspider #spidersoninstagram #spidersofinstagram #tarantulasoftheworld #arachnids #tarantulakeeper #love #arachnidsofinstagram #nature #tarantulasofig #tarantulapet #arachnophobia #fang #tarantulas #tarantulasofinstagram #arachnid #lavenhamfalconry @lavenhamfalconry (at Lavenham Falconry The Raptor Conservancy) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9kQg_EHx0b/?igshid=4j9ek69sy6cn

[demonyica]

Michael’s Tarantulas (text only)

Mexican Red-Knee • Brachypelma Hamorii/Smithi • named Feu ( Picture Here )

Feu (French for Fire) was Michael’s first tarantula, given to him by Gerard after he made a vague comment about wanting a pet but not really having the time or patience to care for a cat or dog. As joke, Gerard suggested getting a pet spider and when Michael said he’d actually love to have one... well, he got one about a week later.

He took a lot of time to read up on how to care for tarantulas and soon discovered how fascinated by those hairy little things he truly was. 

Desert Blonde • Aphonopelma Chalcodes • named Sable ( Picture Here )

Once Michael got used to taking care of Feu, he got himself another “beginner” tarantula and named her Sable (French for Sand - he’s not very creative with names asdfgh). He wasn’t sure which species to get at first, but after a long night of research and finding a reputable online store for selling tarantulas, he decided on this beauty.

He loves and respects both of his girls, regularly checking to make sure the substrate doesn’t catch mould and their water is clean. Their tanks were set up with a lot of thought and care, giving them enough room to climb, web and/or burrow to their heart’s content. 

After a long day he likes to drag a chair in front of their tanks and just watch them for a while.