Not furry either, still lovely.
Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula
Brachypelma auratum
Also called Mexican flameknee tarantula, Mexican flame knee
From Endemic to Mexico, occurring mainly in the Balsas River Basin, from eastern Jalisco, southwestern Mexico State, northern Michoacán and northwestern Guerrero. It inhabits savannah and scrubland regions.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Diagonal leg span for adults; body length is about 6-7 cm.
Females live 25-30 years (some sources say 15-20+), males around 4-10 years.
Looks how to spot one
Exoskeleton with urticating hairs
The body is velvety black. The patellae (knees) have a vivid red-orange flame-shaped marking, bordered by bright white bands on the joints. This flame pattern distinguishes it from the similar Mexican red-kneed tarantula.615
Personality what they are like
Generally docile and slow-moving, but can kick urticating hairs if threatened. Not aggressive, though some individuals may be slightly skittish. Best treated as a display animal rather than one for regular handling.324
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low activity; a terrestrial tarantula that spends much time motionless. It may dig or rearrange substrate. Provide a hide and enough floor space.34
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Minimal grooming. Keep the enclosure clean, remove uneaten prey, and provide fresh water. Avoid handling to prevent stress and urticating hair irritation.23
Home where they are happiest
A terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height (e.g. 30x20x20 cm for an adult). Use 8-12 cm of substrate (coco fibre or soil) for digging. Provide a hide, a shallow water dish, good ventilation, and a temperature of 24-28°C. Humidity around 60-70%, with a dry substrate and a slightly moist corner. Avoid tall decorations that could cause falls. This species is listed under CITES Appendix II, so international trade is regulated; check local laws before keeping.4521
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Insectivorous. Feed on crickets, roaches, locusts, and occasional mealworms. Juveniles every 5-7 days, adults every 7-14 days. Adjust based on the spider's appetite.234
Company who they like around
Solitary; must be housed alone. Not a social species.4
The story where it all began
Described by Schmidt in 1992. It is endemic to Mexico and has been popular in the pet trade for its striking flame-shaped knee markings and docile nature. Almost all traded individuals are captive-bred. The species is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN and is regulated under CITES Appendix II.712
Recognised by the official bits
- CITES
- Listed in Appendix II, meaning international trade is regulated.1
- IUCN
- Assessed as Near Threatened in 2018.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Humidity checkevery 2 days
- Water dishevery 2 days
- FeedingDepends on species, size and moult stagevaries
- Spot cleanRemove leftover foodevery week
- Moult noteLeave them in peace while moulting and note it in the diaryvaries
- Substrate changeevery 6 months
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula?
Juveniles should be fed every 5-7 days, adults every 7-14 days. Adjust based on your spider's appetite and always remove uneaten prey. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed according to the species, size and moult stage.324 Furry Diary plan
What does a Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula eat, and what should it never eat?
They eat insects like crickets, roaches, locusts, and occasional mealworms. Never feed them wild-caught insects or any prey that could be contaminated with pesticides. Always offer appropriately sized prey.324
How much space does a Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula need?
An adult needs a terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height, for example 30x20x20 cm. Provide 8-12 cm of substrate like coco fibre or soil for digging, and a hide. Avoid tall decorations that could cause falls.452
What temperature, light or water does a Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula need?
Keep the temperature at 24-28°C with humidity around 60-70%. Provide a shallow water dish and a dry substrate with a slightly moist corner. No special lighting is needed; just good ventilation.452
How often should I clean a Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula's home?
Spot clean weekly by removing leftover food. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a full substrate change every 180 days. Always keep the enclosure clean and provide fresh water.23 Furry Diary plan
Can a Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula live with others?
No, they are solitary and must be housed alone. They are not a social species and should never be kept with other tarantulas.4
How long does a Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula live?
They can live between 10 and 30 years, with females generally living longer than males. This is a long-term commitment for a pet.35
Can I handle a Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula?
They are generally docile but can kick urticating hairs if threatened, so handling is not recommended. They are best treated as a display animal. Avoid handling to prevent stress and irritation.324
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- cites.org: Guide to CITES Tarantulas cites.orgused for origin, coat or body, colours, habitat needs, history
- keepingexoticpets.com: mexican flame knee tarantula brachypelma auratum care sheet keepingexoticpets.comused for origin, best traits, temperament, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, history, fun fact
- thetarantulacollective.com: brachypelmaauratum thetarantulacollective.comused for length cm, lifespan years, best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, diet basics, fun fact
- academy.herpeton.net: brachypelma auratum academy.herpeton.netused for length cm, temperament, activity needs, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs
- geckonia.eu: brachypelma auratum geckonia.euused for length cm, lifespan years, coat or body, best traits, habitat needs
- en.wikipedia.org: Brachypelma auratum en.wikipedia.orgused for coat or body, colours, fun fact
- wsc.nmbe.ch: 43873 wsc.nmbe.chused for history
- itis.gov: SingleRpt itis.gov
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.