×
BugFinder Insects by State Spiders Butterflies & Moths Bees, Ants, & Wasps Beetles All Bugs Videos (YouTube)

Mexican Orange-kneed Tarantula (Brachypelma smithii)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Mexican Orange-kneed Tarantula


Loading SVG image placeholder
1/3
Image Credit: Image copyright www.InsectIdentification.org; No Reproduction Permitted
Full-sized image of the Mexican-Orange-kneed-Tarantula Thumbnail image of the Mexican-Orange-kneed-Tarantula
2/3
Image Credit: Image copyright www.InsectIdentification.org; No Reproduction Permitted
Full-sized image #2 of the Mexican-Orange-kneed-Tarantula Thumbnail image #2 of the Mexican-Orange-kneed-Tarantula
3/3
Image Credit: Image copyright www.InsectIdentification.org; No Reproduction Permitted
Full-sized image #3 of the Mexican-Orange-kneed-Tarantula Thumbnail image #3 of the Mexican-Orange-kneed-Tarantula

The endangered Mexican Orange-kneed Tarantula is protected by international laws so it can remain a part of its natural ecosystem for generations to come.



Updated: 04/04/2022; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Tarantulas are magnificently large and extremely hairy. Including legs, some can grow as long as 150 mm. This particular species has bright orange patches on its "knee" joints and lower legs joints, and it is this unique coloration has actually led to their decline. Orange-kneed Tarantulas became popular pets and were taken from the wild and sold in stores. Their trade has now become illegal and they are now protected as an endangered species after being placed on the CITES list.

Males are generally smaller and thinner than females, though their legs are longer. They are territorial and aggressive with other intruding males. Females are larger and live longer by an average of 10-20 years longer. Males generally live about 10 years, an age about when they become sexually mature, and then they die.

Nocturnal in nature, they are most active at night and are hunters, not spinners. They may use their silk to line their daytime hideouts, but not to catch prey. North American tarantula venom is not lethal, but bites can be as painful as a bee sting. Also, the bristles on the spider's abdomen break off easily and can penetrate skin, causing irritation and redness on both prey (i.e. mice) and people trying to handle them. This type of spider is generally best left as a 'look, but don't touch' species.©InsectIdentification.org




Known Diet of the Mexican-Orange-kneed-Tarantula



insects
Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. It is the product of hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, educators, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.


General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Insect biting icon
Hairy insect icon
Venomous insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Arachnida
      Order: Araneae
        Family: Theraphosida
View More
          Genus: Brachypelma
View More
            Species: smithii

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Brachypelma smithii
Other Name(s): Red Knee Tarantula
Category: Spider
Size (Adult; Length): 35mm to 60mm (1.37" to 2.36")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: black; orange; gray; white
Descriptors: hairy; furry; orange; knees; big; huge; biting; venomous


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 35mm (1.4in) and 60mm (2.4in)
Lo: 35mm
Md: 47.5mm
Hi: 60mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
State of Alabama graphic
State of Arizona graphic
State of Arkansas graphic
State of California graphic
State of Colorado graphic
State of Delware graphic
State of Florida graphic
State of Georgia graphic
State of Idaho graphic
State of Illinois graphic
State of Indiana graphic
State of Iowa graphic
State of Kansas graphic
State of Kentucky graphic
State of Louisiana graphic
State of Maine graphic
State of Maryland graphic
State of Michigan graphic
State of Minnesota graphic
State of Mississippi graphic
State of Missouri graphic
State of Montana graphic
State of Nebraska graphic
State of Nevada graphic
State of New England graphic
State of New Jersey graphic
State of New Mexico graphic
State of New York graphic
State of North Carolina graphic
State of North Dakota graphic
State of Ohio graphic
State of Oklahoma graphic
State of Oregon graphic
State of Pennsylvania graphic
State of South Carolina graphic
State of South Dakota graphic
State of Tennessee graphic
State of Texas graphic
State of Utah graphic
State of Virginia graphic
State of Washington graphic
State of West Virginia graphic
State of Wisconsin graphic
State of Wyoming graphic
Canadian territory of Alberta graphic
Canadian territory of British Columbia graphic
Canadian territory of Manitoba graphic
Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic
Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic
Canadian territory of Ontario graphic
Canadian territory of Quebec graphic
Canadian territory of Saskatchewan graphic
Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Mexican Orange-kneed Tarantula may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Mexican Orange-kneed Tarantula. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Site Disclaimer  |  Privacy Policy  |  Cookies  |  Sitemap
Beetle Identification Butterfly Identification Caterpillar Identification Spider ID Fungal Infections on Insects Nursery Web Spider Official State Insects Termite Basics Insect Molting Process Bugs of Tennessee House Centipede JoroSpider.org

2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • Content ©2006-2024 InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved. The InsectIdentification.org logo, its written content, and watermarked photographs/imagery are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and is protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. Material presented throughout this website is for entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for scientific research or medical advice (regarding bites, etc...).Please consult licensed, degreed professionals for such information. By submitting images to us (InsectIdentification.org) you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Site Disclaimer as it pertains to "User-Submitted Content". Images in JPG format are preferred with a minimum horizontal dimension of 1000px if possible. When emailing please include your location and the general estimated size of the specimen in question if possible. Please direct all inquiries and comments to insectidentification AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

©2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2006-2024 (18yrs)