URBAN TARANTULAS · SPECIES GUIDE
Mexican Flame Knee
Brachypelma auratum
The knees are the giveaway: vivid red-orange flames against dark legs, with pale bands adding contrast. Brachypelma auratum has a look worth waiting for. Small spiderlings begin much plainer, gradually developing those unmistakable markings as they grow. For a keeper who enjoys watching a tarantula change over the years, that transformation is a big part of the appeal.
🌡️ Comfortable conditions
Temperature: Around 70–78°F (21–26°C) is a practical captive range. Keep conditions stable and avoid direct sun or heat lamps. Raising the temperature simply to speed up growth is unnecessary.
Moisture & water: Give larger specimens mostly dry surface substrate, good ventilation, and a clean, shallow water dish. Lightly moisten a small area as needed. Slings need closer attention to drying out; maintain a slightly moist lower layer or corner while leaving a drier area available. Focus on these conditions rather than chasing an exact humidity percentage.
🏠 Housing through each stage
Babies / slings
A secure, ventilated 1–4 oz deli cup can suit small slings; choose the size to match the spider. Use escape-proof ventilation holes and enough gently packed substrate to burrow. A free sling container is available if requested at checkout; it is not included automatically.
Juveniles
Move into a low enclosure with digging room, a cork-bark retreat, and a small water dish. Increase space as the spider grows, keeping feeders easy to locate.
Adults
Prioritize floor space over height. Roughly three leg spans long by two wide is a useful starting point. Provide deep, diggable substrate and a stable hide. Keep the distance from substrate to lid low—about one to one-and-a-half leg spans—to reduce fall risk. House individually.
🍽️ Feeding & molting
Offer appropriately sized captive-bred crickets or roaches, including Dubia, Red Runners, or Lobster roaches. Use small feeders for slings; freshly pre-killed prey is an option when live prey is too large to tackle safely.
As a starting point, offer slings food every 5–7 days and larger specimens every 10–14 days. Adjust to abdomen condition, prey size, and feeding response. Remove uneaten food within 24 hours.
Near a molt: Remove live feeders immediately if premolt is suspected. Leave the spider undisturbed during molting and wait until its fangs have hardened before feeding again.
A few things worth knowing
Will my sling look like the adult?
Not immediately. The dark body and bright knee markings develop over successive molts. Color changes and growth do not follow an exact timetable.
Will it sit out where I can see it?
It may, but a burrow or hide is part of its normal life. Give it that choice rather than removing cover to keep it visible.
Is it always calm?
No. Some individuals settle readily; others startle easily or flick hairs during maintenance. A calm-looking tarantula is still best enjoyed without handling.
▶ See how we keep our tarantulas
Visit Urban Tarantulas on YouTube for care, setup, feeding, and show-and-tell videos. See how we house and feed our tarantulas, and get a closer look at the animals behind the listings.
Watch Urban Tarantulas🎁 Follow me on social media and receive an additional freebie*
*Email me after you follow to let me know you’re a follower so I can include it.
Safety disclaimer
Tarantulas can bite, and this species has irritating hairs that can affect skin and eyes. Avoid handling and keep your face away during maintenance. Falls can seriously injure the spider. Seek medical advice after a bite or significant hair exposure, especially exposure to the eyes. Handling is at your own risk. Always prioritize your safety and the tarantula’s well-being.