Brachypelma emilia (Mexican Red Leg Tarantula)

Brachypelma emilia (Mexican Red Leg Tarantula)

The Mexican Red Leg Tarantula, or Brachypelma emilia, is a terrestrial tarantula from Mexico. Adults have red-orange legs banded in black, a red-orange carapace with a black triangle marking that looks almost painted on, and a red-orange abdomen. The coloration is especially vivid 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 Red Leg Tarantula for sale today, offered here as a spiderling through mature adult.

Why do hobbyists keep Mexican Red Leg Tarantula?

• 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: Not seen on every show table, which makes landing one feel like a real find.

How should Brachypelma emilia 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 emilia?

• 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. emilia or B emilia, and sometimes searched as Mexican Redleg Tarantula (one word).

Looking for similar species?

• Browse our New World and Docile Species collections.

Frequently asked questions about Mexican Red Leg Tarantula

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

Which size should I choose?

• 1-1.25" Juvenile: Past the earliest stage, coloration starting to show.
• 1.5-2" Juvenile: Past the earliest stage, coloration starting to show.
• 2-2.5" Juvenile: Past the earliest stage, coloration starting to show.
• 2-2.5" Juvenile female: Confirmed female juvenile.
• 2-2.5" Juvenile male: Confirmed male juvenile.
• 3.5-4" Sub-adult pair: Breeding pair for this species.
• 3.5-4" Mature female: Full adult female, near full coloration and size.