Order Araneae Rank Species | Family Theraphosidae Higher classification Brachypelma | |
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Similar Brachypelma, Tarantula, Brachypelma boehmei, Brachypelma auratum, Mexican redknee tarantula | ||
Brachypelma emilia mexican red leg tarantula molt timelapse
The Mexican redleg or red-legged tarantula (Brachypelma emilia or Euathlus 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.
Contents
- Brachypelma emilia mexican red leg tarantula molt timelapse
- My new brachypelma emilia mexican redleg
- Description
- In captivity
- References
My new brachypelma emilia mexican redleg
Description
The Mexican redleg also known as the red-legged 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.
In captivity
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. As such it is considered to be threatened by capture for sale to the pet trade. l
It is very reluctant to bite when distressed, but possesses urticating hair and will flick these if it feels threatened.