Care Sheet - Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula

Scientific nameBrachypelma auratusCommon namesMexican Flameknee tarantula, Mexican Flameknee bird eater.Cites statusCites Appendix II, obligation to keep records and to register!HabitatRegions of Guerrero and Michoacán in Mexico Ground-dwellingSize5-6 body lengthLife ExpectancyFemale up to 30 years, male 6-7 years. Small, and slow growing taking up to 5 years to mature.ReproductionCocoon with up to 500 eggs, after 8-9 weeks spiderlings hatch.Temperature20-25°C should not be overstepped, night turn down to 18-20°CHumidity70-80%, more important is that the substrate is at one point regularly damp.LightingHalogen Sun Mini in combination with the Thermo Socket PLUS is a sufficient heat and light source.SubstrateJungle Bedding or Coir is a good solution. The substrate level should be at least 10 cm high or it can be piled up against one wall diagonal and sectioned off against the

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wall with florist oasis blocks. Then the spider can dig their burrow there and you will then be able to watch it in its burrow.This tarantula will adapt to a half plant pot or a plastic tube similar in size to a toilet roll tube as a burrow.Cage FurnitureTank in appropriate size furnished with a flat water bowl and cork tubes as hiding place. Planting is possible.Terrarium SizeAt least 30x30x30 cmFoodInsects, e.g. crickets, cockroaches, locusts, rose beetle larvae. For spiderlings feed springtails, newly hatched (pinhead) crickets and drosophila. Aqua Crystals Gel is a good water supply especially for insects, spiders and scorpions.CommentsDocile but nervous. Kicks urticating hairs.

John Gamesby

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