Brachypelma auratum

🔤 Taxonomy

Brachypelma auratum is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby, the species is best known by its striking flame-like knee markings.

English common names used in the hobby:

• Mexican flame knee tarantula
• Flame knee tarantula

📌 Description

Brachypelma auratum is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico, valued for its dark body and bright orange-red markings around the leg joints. It is one of the more elegant Mexican tarantulas and is often chosen by keepers who want a species with classic Brachypelma care but especially vivid contrast.

Adult size is usually about 6-7 cm body length and about 14-16 cm legspan, with females typically heavier than mature males.

The species is usually calm to moderately defensive depending on the individual. Like other New World tarantulas, it can flick urticating hairs when stressed and should not be handled routinely.

🌍 Distribution

Brachypelma auratum is native to Pacific-side Mexico, especially Guerrero and Michoacan. In the wild it is associated with warm seasonal dry forest, scrub, loose soil and sheltered burrows.

For captive care, the useful lesson from this distribution is:

• a low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
• enough substrate for digging or reshaping a retreat
• dry to moderately dry surface conditions with a water dish available
• strong ventilation and stable warm room temperatures
• fall prevention, because heavy terrestrial tarantulas are easily injured

⚖️ Legal status

Brachypelma auratum is listed in CITES Appendix II. In the EU wildlife trade system, Brachypelma tarantulas are treated under Annex B rules.

The species is not relevant to the Bern Convention because it is not native to Europe. In Mexico, Brachypelma species are associated with national protection measures, so wild collection and export are sensitive legal issues. Captive-bred animals from reputable sources are strongly preferred.

🤌 Husbandry

Brachypelma auratum should be housed alone. It is not a social tarantula.

Slings and juveniles should start in small, secure containers, often around 250 ml for small slings, then move through intermediate enclosures as they grow. Upgrade gradually so the spider can find prey easily and maintain stable conditions.

A practical adult setup is roughly 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger, with more floor space than height. Good husbandry includes:

• Deep substrate
• A secure hide
• Good ventilation
• A shallow water dish
• No dangerous climbing decor

This species usually responds best to stable conditions, moderate dryness, and minimal disturbance.

💡 Lighting

No special lighting is required. A normal room day-night cycle is enough.

Strong lamps are unnecessary and should not be used to create basking spots.

🌡 Heating and temperature

Brachypelma auratum does well at normal warm room temperatures:

• Daytime: around 22-27°C
• Night: slight drop acceptable

Short-term mild fluctuation is usually tolerated, but overheating is dangerous and can quickly lead to dehydration.

💧 Humidity and water

This species does best in a dry-to-moderately humid enclosure with fresh water always available.

Most of the substrate should stay dry on the surface, with perhaps one slightly moister deeper area. Stale damp air should be avoided.

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

Use a substrate that holds shape and allows shallow digging, such as compacted coco fiber or unfertilized soil mixes. Adults usually benefit from around 8-12 cm of substrate depth.

Stable cork bark, a shallow water bowl, and sparse secure decor work well. Avoid mesh lids, unstable stones, and tall structures that increase fall risk.

🪳 Feeding

Brachypelma auratum is insectivorous. Suitable prey includes:

• Crickets
• Roaches
• Locusts where available
• Mealworms or superworms only in moderation

Slings are fed every 3-5 days; juveniles once or twice weekly. Adults usually do well every 7-14 days depending on prey size and body condition.

🥚 Breeding

Brachypelma are often bred in captivity, but pairing should still be planned rather than casual. Both animals should be mature, well fed but not obese, and correctly identified; keepers should avoid mixing uncertain localities or similar-looking species.

A mature male should be introduced to the female’s enclosure only under close supervision, usually after he has made a sperm web. The pair must have escape space and the keeper must be ready to separate them, because cannibalism and injury are possible.

If pairing succeeds, the female may produce an egg sac weeks or months later. Disturbance during this period can cause sac abandonment or eating. Spiderlings require many small ventilated rearing cups, tiny prey, accurate labels, and steady moisture management.

Because Brachypelma species are CITES Appendix II and are normally treated as EU Annex B animals, keep records of the parents, dates, offspring numbers, and transfers. Breed only when there is a lawful, realistic plan for the spiderlings.

🩺 Common problems

Common problems include dehydration, excessive dampness, poor ventilation, fall injuries, and molting complications.

Warning signs include a shriveled abdomen, weakness, repeated climbing in poor conditions, obvious decline, and trouble during molts. A tarantula on its back is often simply molting and should not be disturbed.

📌 Conclusion

Brachypelma auratum is an attractive display tarantula with classic Mexican terrestrial care needs. A low secure enclosure, deep substrate, fresh water, moderate warmth, and calm routine care will suit the species well.

📚 Sources and further reading

• CITES Appendices and Species+ trade database, checked April 2026
• EU wildlife trade regulations and annex references, checked April 2026
• GBIF species backbone and occurrence data for taxonomy and distribution context
• IUCN Red List and specialist husbandry references where applicable