| Brachypelma emilia | |
|---|---|
| Mexican redleg tarantula | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Family: | Theraphosidae |
| Genus: | Brachypelma |
| Species: | B. emilia |
| Binomial name | |
| Brachypelma emilia White, 1856 |
|
The Mexican redleg tarantula (Brachypelma emilia) is a species of terrestrial tarantula closely related to the famous mexican redknee tarantula. Like the redknee it is a docile tarantula and popular in the pet trade. It is slow growing and, like many tarantulas, females can live for decades.
The mature Mexican redleg tarantula has a dark-colored body with the second joint of its legs being pink, red or orange. Its carapace is light colored with a distinctive black triangle at the front. Following moulting, the colors are more pronounced.
An adult female has a body roughly 4 inches (10 cm) long, with a legspan of 6 inches (15 cm), and a weight of approximately 15 to 16 grams.
The Mexican redleg is a mostly docile species, perhaps more so even than the redknee. That, coupled with its coloration, and impressive size, makes it a very popular pet species. Its care is similar to that of other terrestrial tarantulas, such as the redknee.
It is very reluctant to bite when distressed, but possesses urticating hair and will flick these if it feels threatened.