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Mexican Red-knee Tarantula

Brachypelma hamorii

Use cautionRare

Quick answer

Mild bite; its hairs can irritate skin and eyes. Safety level: Use caution.

How to identify the Mexican Red-knee Tarantula

A large, hairy black spider with bright orange-red bands on the leg joints ("knees").
Leg span of 12-14 cm.
Moves slowly and often raises its front legs when threatened.
Size: 12–14 cm leg span.

Where it lives

Native to the Pacific coast of Mexico, where it lives in burrows on dry hillsides and scrubland. It is a protected species and is bred in captivity as a pet.

Is it dangerous?

Its bite is painful but mild, similar to a bee sting, and not dangerous unless you are allergic. The bigger nuisance is its hairs: it flicks barbed hairs from its abdomen that irritate skin, eyes and the nose.

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Children and pets

Don't let children handle it.

What to do

Leave it alone; it is slow and shy.
Wash hands if you touch its hairs.

Fun fact

Females can live for over 25 years.

⚠ Call emergency services straight away for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a scorpion sting in a child. This page is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mexican red-knee tarantula venomous?

It has mild venom. A bite hurts like a bee sting but is not dangerous for most people.

Why do tarantula hairs itch?

They have tiny barbs that irritate skin and eyes. Wash with water and see a doctor if eyes are affected.

How long do red-knee tarantulas live?

Females can live over 25 years; males live much shorter lives.