Brachypelma smithi

🔤 Taxonomy

Brachypelma smithi is the currently accepted scientific name. In older hobby use, this species was often known as Brachypelma annitha, and it has also often been confused with Brachypelma hamorii, so exact identification still matters.

Older names associated with the species include:

• Brachypelma annitha

English common names used in the hobby:

• Mexican red knee tarantula
• Smith’s red knee tarantula

📌 Description

Brachypelma smithi is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Mexico and one of the most famous tarantulas in the hobby. It is known for its dark body and bright reddish-orange knee markings.

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 often considered calm to moderately defensive depending on the individual. Like other Brachypelma, it can flick urticating hairs when stressed and should not be handled routinely.

🌍 Distribution

Brachypelma smithi is native to Mexico, especially Pacific-side dry habitats in Guerrero. In the wild it is associated with tropical dry forest, scrub, rocky ground and 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 smithi 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 smithi 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 plenty of floor space. Good husbandry includes:

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

This species usually does best in stable, calm conditions without excessive disturbance.

💡 Lighting

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

Bright lamps are unnecessary and may make the tarantula more reclusive.

🌡 Heating and temperature

Brachypelma smithi does well at normal warm room temperatures:

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

Overheating is a greater risk than mildly cool conditions. Temperatures near or above 30°C should be avoided.

💧 Humidity and water

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

Keep most of the substrate dry on the surface while allowing one slightly moister area deeper down. Avoid stagnant damp air.

🌿 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 dish, and sparse stable decor are ideal. Avoid unstable rocks, mesh surfaces, and excess height that increases injury risk in a fall.

🪳 Feeding

Brachypelma smithi 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, poor ventilation, excess dampness, falls, and molting complications.

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

📌 Conclusion

Brachypelma smithi is one of the classic Mexican display tarantulas and remains appealing to keepers who want a hardy terrestrial species with bold coloration. A low secure enclosure, deep substrate, fresh water, moderate warmth, and steady routine care will suit it 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