For connoisseurs of intriguing creatures, there’s one that stands out amongst the crowd: the Mexican Redknee Tarantula. This beautiful yet often misunderstood creature, with its distinct fiery knee patches, is much more amiable than you’d initially think. But remember, while the Mexican Redknee poses a captivating spectacle, it’s also not your everyday pet.
The Appearance of the Mexican Redknee Tarantula
The Mexican Redknee tarantula looks striking, decked out in a black coat with its notable red-orange ‘knee’ patches. A female usually spans six inches with her legs stretched out and boasts a body length of around four inches. This makes her bigger than her male counterpart. But what’s even more fascinating is that she typically outlives the male by a significant margin – she can live up to a whopping 40 years compared to the male’s humble 10-year lifespan.
Mexican Redknee Tarantula: A vision in contrast
Despite its intimidating size, this spider inspires intrigue and even admiration over fear. Its contrasting black and red-orange color palette makes it a living, breathing visual marvel rather than an average spider.
Temperament of the Mexican Redknee Tarantula
The term ‘gentle giant’ is an apt description for the Mexican Redknee Tarantula. Their docile nature, combined with their stunning appearance, makes them an interesting candidate for an exotic pet.
Encounter with a Mexican Redknee
While the Mexican Redknee rarely resorts to biting, it sports large, menacing fangs should it feel threatened. Keep in mind, the venom it produces isn’t harmful to humans unless you’re particularly sensitive or allergic. Instead of venom, its primary defense mechanism is the irritating, barbed hairs on its abdomen, which it flings at potential predators.
Natural Habitat of the Mexican Redknee Tarantula
The Mexican Redknee calls the scrublands and deserts of southwestern Mexico home. It thrives near the Pacific Ocean. However, this tarantula is sadly endangered, partially due to the pet trade and also because of careless killings by uninformed humans.
Captive Care Notes
When it comes to keeping a Mexican Redknee tarantula as a pet, there are a few key aspects to consider:
- The Mexican Redknee Tarantula loves munching on crickets, but it’ll also feed on suitably-sized lizards, mice, and large bugs.
- A well-ventilated tank with a substrate of potting soil for burrowing makes an ideal home.
- Finally, they’ll require access to a shallow water source and hiding spaces.
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While the Mexican Redknee Tarantula is undeniably beautiful and interesting, remember that exotic pet ownership comes with responsibilities. Make sure you’re ready to provide the care and environment they require.