Brachypelma hamorii

🔤 Taxonomy

Brachypelma hamorii is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby, this species was long confused with or sold as Brachypelma smithi, so accurate identification is still important.

English common names used in the hobby:

• Mexican orange knee tarantula
• Mexican red knee tarantula

📌 Description

Brachypelma hamorii is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico and one of the best-known beginner-friendly display species in the hobby. It is admired for its dark body, warm orange markings on the knees, and generally calm presence.

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

Like other Brachypelma, it can flick urticating hairs when stressed and should not be handled routinely. Adult females are long-lived and heavy-bodied, while mature males remain slimmer and live much shorter lives after maturity.

🌍 Distribution

Brachypelma hamorii is native to western Mexico, especially Colima, Jalisco and nearby Pacific-slope areas. In the wild it is associated with seasonal dry forest, thorn scrub and burrowed ground retreats.

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 hamorii 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. Buying captive-bred animals from reputable sources and keeping proof-of-origin documents is strongly recommended.

🤌 Husbandry

Brachypelma hamorii 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 enclosure is roughly 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger, with a low profile and good floor space. Good husbandry includes:

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

This species is often forgiving, but it still does best with stable conditions and minimal unnecessary disturbance.

💡 Lighting

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

Bright lamps are unnecessary and should not be used to force basking behavior.

🌡 Heating and temperature

Brachypelma hamorii does well at normal warm room temperatures:

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

Short-term mild fluctuations are usually tolerated, but overheating is dangerous and should be avoided.

💧 Humidity and water

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

Most of the substrate should remain dry on the surface, while one area may remain slightly moister deeper down. Good ventilation matters as much as humidity.

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

The substrate should hold shape and allow shallow digging. Compacted coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or safe terrestrial mixes work well. Adults usually benefit from around 8-12 cm of substrate depth.

A stable cork bark hide, a shallow water dish, and sparse stable decor are ideal. Avoid excessive enclosure height, unstable rocks, and mesh surfaces where claws can catch.

🪳 Feeding

Brachypelma hamorii 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, excess dampness, poor ventilation, fall injuries, and molting trouble.

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

📌 Conclusion

Brachypelma hamorii is one of the classic beginner-friendly tarantulas for a reason: it is attractive, usually steady in temperament, and does well with simple consistent care. A low secure enclosure, deep substrate, fresh water, and patience are the key ingredients.

📚 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