Brachypelma auratum (Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula)

Brachypelma auratum (Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula)

The Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula, or Brachypelma auratum, is a terrestrial tarantula from Mexico. Adults have black legs with yellow banding at the joints and bright red-orange knee markings shaped like little hearts or flames, hence the names Heart Knee and Mexican Flame Knee, a black carapace, and a black abdomen. This is likely the most vividly red-colored Brachypelma species, especially right after a fresh molt. This coloration starts coming in around 2 inches, while the species only grows to about 5 to 6 inches in diagonal leg span. Females live about 20 to 30 years, males 4 to 5 years. This species is calm, forgiving, and a great choice for beginner keepers. Grab your very own Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula for sale today, offered here as a spiderling through mature adult.

Why do hobbyists keep Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula?

• Black and Red-Orange Coloration: Sells itself the moment you see one in person.
• Docile Temperament: Calm and forgiving, a popular docile terrestrial.
• Great Display Species: Stays visible rather than hiding below ground.
• Beginner Species: A great first sling; arid-region tarantulas are easy to keep.
• Uncommon in the Hobby: A cleaner, more refined take on the classic red-knee look that doesn't show up in every collection, and one that can be genuinely hard to track down.

How should Brachypelma auratum be kept?

• Adult Size: Hatches around 0.5 inch, adult max about 5 to 6 inches.
• Enclosure: Scales with the animal, from a 6 by 6 by 4 inch start up to an 18 by 18 by 12 inch adult setup.
• Setup Tips: A cork hide sized to fully enter speeds settling in.
• Rehousing: Three enclosures cover this species for life.
• Temperature: 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, optimal for an arid species like this one.
• Humidity: Arid, not kept wet. Never let substrate dry out completely at sling size.
• Water: A shallow textured water dish, something to grip climbing out.
• Diet: Prey size ranges from 1/8 up to a 1 inch cricket, once a week.
• Temperament: Calm and forgiving, a docile terrestrial species.

Are there any additional notes or considerations for Brachypelma auratum?

• Captive Bred: Captive bred, from Exotics Unlimited.
• Slow Growth Rate: Reaches adult size over roughly 4 to 6 years.
• Defensive Behavior: Hair-flicking is rare, a last resort.
• Also Written: Often abbreviated B. auratum or B auratum, and sometimes called Fire Knee.

Looking for similar species?

• Browse our New World and Docile Species collections.

Frequently asked questions about Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula

• Is the Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula a good beginner species? Yes, one of the best beginner picks for a first tarantula.

Which size should I choose?

• 1.5-2" Juvenile: Past the earliest stage, coloration starting to show.
• 2.5-3" Juvenile male: Confirmed male juvenile.
• 3-3.5" Juvenile female: Confirmed female juvenile.