Mexican Flame Knee

Basic Description

Brachypelma aurutum aka Mexican Flame knee - native to Mexico, they are found in the regions of Michoacan and Guerrero. They live up to 30 years. They grow up to 6 inches or more. Their main diet are insects and sometimes small animals. This tarantula has a tan to yellow high light on the edge of its carapace but less saturation than a smithi and with a very light tan shades of hairs on its whole body which gives it a beautiful contrast from its dark coloration. It also has a very defined reddish band on its knee more vibrant than a smithi. When its freshly molted the bands and reddish coloration on its legs are more saturated.

Temperament

One of the best intermediate pet tarantulas. Most individuals are known to be hair kickers but there are few that are not if they have been accustomed to handling since they were slings. They are usually out from their house or burrow which is perfect as a display pet. From 1 - 10 being ten the most aggressive this specie is 5-6 out of ten in most individuals.

Diet

In captivity they usually feed on crickets, roaches, mice, small reptiles and amphibians. They only eat once or twice a week. Depending on the size of the abdomen of the tarantula, they can survive for weeks without eating.

Housing

Tarantulas can be house in different size containers. 1 inch tarantula can be house in a deli cup. 3-5 inch can be house in a 5 gallon tank. 6 inch and above can be house in a 10 gallon tank. They can also be house in a shoe box to save space.

Tarantulas need moist substrate so that their book lungs will not dry out. Any of the following substrate can be use, vermiculite, sphagnum moss, cocofiber and orchid bark.

Water dish is required, not a lot of people know but tarantulas drink too. Make sure that the water dish is clean at all times to stop the development of bacteria in the tarantula cage.

Growth Rate

This specie grow rate from 1 - 10, 10 being the fastest and 1 being the slowest. This specie grow about 6 out of 10 speed, with daily feeding they can reach adulthood from 4-5 years in captivity.

Special Feature

N/A