Data sheet red-legged tarantula
Trade name:
red-legged tarantula
Latin name:
Brachypelma emilia
Origin:
Mexico (Durango, Nayarit), Costa Rica
Size:
max. 6-7 cm
Life expectancy:
- Males: max. 2 years
- Females: 10-30 years
Behavior/stocking:
Mostly calm, but quick to defend when threatened
Groups vs. individual housing:
exclusively single keeping
Lining:
House crickets, crickets and similar insects
difficulty level
Challenging Unix.dude44, Brachypelma emilia juvi, CC BY-SA 4.0
Introduction
Many people around the world are afraid of spiders. Almost everyone knows someone who gets seriously scared at the sight of one of these eight-legged animals – regardless of whether the specimen in question is a poisonous spider or not.
The mere appearance of such insects gives many people flight reflexes. One of the spiders that many people in this country would be very afraid of because of their appearance (but which fortunately does not occur in our latitudes) is the “Brachypelma emilia«, which also as «red-legged tarantula” is known.
acquisition and maintenance
Anyone who is toying with the idea of getting a spider as a pet for the first time, which will then be housed in a terrarium, should consider a first spider definitely not choose the Brachypelma emilia.
Even if the sting of the spider safe for humans is, and the animal in general to the «peaceful tarantulas” is counted, she feels pretty quickly threatenedwhereupon she with her stinging hairs puts up a fight by using them hurl at their enemies (which in technical jargon as “bomb» referred to as).
Additionally, some keepers report that this species of spider can become quite moody over time.
Terrarium requirements
True, the red-legged tarantula is considered (especially for beginners in this field) as relatively demanding animalbut in relation to a terrarium are their claims for a tarantula not particularly high.
In terms of dimensions, a terrarium of one size is sufficient 30x30x30cm completely off. The earth should be about 10 centimeters be high to give the ground-dwelling spider enough digging opportunities.
The Brachypelma emilia has a preferred temperature of 21 to 28ºC quite likes to be quite warm, and feels at a humidity level of 60 to 70% most comfortable.
gender differences
Determining the sex of this species of spider can in many cases not be easy. In adult animals However, this is not particularly difficult, since male tarantulas generally after their maturation the so-called «Bulbi” (their external genitals) reveal.
If these are found in a red-legged tarantula, then it is definitely a male.
But if the sex of a tarantula is to be determined, the is not yet an adult, the whole thing becomes a lot more difficult. Basically there is two methodsto identify the sex of a young Brachypelma emilia:
method 1
You examine them Front of the animal from below. Should the area normally hairy between the first pair of book lungs and somewhat convex be, then you have one female ahead.
Is the area though hairless and rather flatthen the animal being studied is a male.
method 2
You look at one old skin of spider more closely. From this skin becomes the inside examined – especially again the area between the first book lung pair located.
Is this spot on the inside flatthen it’s the skin of a young male. However, should there be a skin pocket (the so-called “sperm library«) can be found, then the skin belongs to you young females.
Syrio, Spiders Genova – Brachypelma emilia 2, CC BY-SA 4.0
feed and nutrition
The red-legged tarantula is one of the insects that feed primarily on other, smaller insects. On their menu are primarily House crickets and crickets, as well as grasshoppers and flies.
In addition, they enjoy wax moth caterpillarsand in rare skins too Zophobas and mealworms.
Pets that are kept in a terrarium often have to supplement their actual diet with additional ones vitamins or minerals be taken care of. However, this is the case with Brachypelma emilia not necessary.
acclimatization and handling
So that the animal can quickly get used to its new home, the conditions in the terrarium should already be like this when it moves in optimal as possible be. Most of the time, the red-legged tarantula has a relative calm being.
But as soon as they are feels even a little threatened, she deploys her defense mechanisms fairly quicklyfor example their orange ones stinging hairswhich they use to defeat their enemies and unwanted invaders bombed.
In the event of skin contact with these hairs, one can become ill after a short time severe burning sensation on the affected skin area feel what in some cases over several hours can stop.
In addition, inhaling these hairs can lead to coughingas well as too difficulty breathing to lead.