Mexican Fire Leg Tarantula - Brachypelma Boehmei

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Brachypelma boehmei

• Common Names: Mexican Fireleg Tarantula, Mexican Rustleg Tarantula

• Type: Terrestrial

• Category: New World

• Endemic Location: Mexico (Guerrero), Belize

• Body Length: Approximately 2.75” (7 cm)

• Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): Approximately 6.5” (17 cm)

• Urticating Hairs: Yes, Type III

• Growth Rate: Slow

• Life Expectancy:

  • Females: Up to 25 years

  • Males: Around 8 years

• Recommended Experience Level: Intermediate

Behavior & Temperament

The Mexican Fireleg Tarantula is known for its distinctive coloration, with a striking black abdomen and bright red or orange legs. It tends to be more defensive and skittish compared to other Brachypelma species, often kicking its urticating hairs when disturbed and bolting short distances when threatened. Although it can be handled by experienced keepers, caution is paramount due to its speed and potent irritant hairs. Generally, as an adult, it is a powerful and impressive display species that rewards careful observation with its vibrant colors and dynamic behavior.

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings

• Frequency:
  Feed twice a week.

• Prey:
  Offer small prey such as flightless fruit flies, confused flour beetles, or pre-killed tiny crickets/roach nymphs. Remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours. increase the size of the prey as the spider grows. Prekill any prey that is over 2/3 the size of the sling. For more detailed information on feeding spiderlings, watch this video: How To Feed Spiderlings & Scorplings (Baby Tarantulas & Scorpions)

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 24–48 hours after a molt before feeding. Ensure that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is not soft or shiny.

Juveniles

• Frequency:
  Feed every 7–10 days.

• Prey:
  Provide 2–3 small to medium crickets or a medium Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the widest part of the carapace, feed more prey more often.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, feed less prey, less often.
    This strategy helps prevent obesity, which can lead to molting complications or increase the risk of an abdomen rupture from even a small fall.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 3–7 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Adults

• Frequency:
  Feed every 2–3 weeks (or as needed).

• Prey:
  Offer 4–5 large crickets or one large Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the carapace’s widest part, increase feeding frequency.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, reduce feeding frequency.
    This is crucial to avoid obesity, which can interfere with proper molting or cause dangerous issues such as an abdomen rupture.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 5–10 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.