Brachypelma emilia (Mexican Redleg Tarantula)
Country of Origin: Mexico
The Name:
The genus name “Brachypelma” comes from the Greek words “brachys,” meaning “short,” and “pelma,” meaning “foot,” referring to its stout legs. The species name “emilia” is likely a tribute to a person or place but does not have a specific meaning.
Natural Environment and Behavior:
Brachypelma emilia, also known as the Mexican Redleg Tarantula, is a species native to the scrublands and forests of Mexico. This striking tarantula is highly regarded among enthusiasts for its stunning appearance and relatively docile demeanor.
In its natural habitat, Brachypelma emilia is primarily terrestrial, preferring to dwell on the ground among leaf litter and debris. They are known for their burrowing tendencies, creating silk-lined retreats for shelter and security. When threatened, they may adopt a defensive posture or flick urticating hairs as a deterrent.
As opportunistic feeders, it preys on small invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, they are typically fed live insects like crickets or roaches to meet their dietary requirements. Their burrowing behavior means they spend much of their time in their hideouts, occasionally emerging to hunt or explore.
To ensure the well-being of the tarantula in captivity, it’s essential to provide an enclosure that accommodates their burrowing instincts. This includes using a substrate mix of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber, and soil to maintain proper humidity levels and substrate firmness.
Longevity:
Females: up to 15 years
Males: 5 to 8 years
Size:
Ranges from approximately 15 to 20 cm in leg span.
Husbandry:
Maintain humidity between 60-70% and temperature between 22-26°C. Use a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber, and soil for substrate firmness.
Enclosure Size:
Slings: Approximately 5-10 cm in length and width is suitable.
Juveniles: Transition to an enclosure with dimensions of approximately 15-20 cm.
Adults: Dimensions of 30x30x30 cm for sub-adults and slightly larger with 45x45x45 cm for adults.