Mexican Orange-Kneed Tarantula (scientific name: Brachypelma baumgarteni) is native to the dry deserts of Mexico, and it may be the most precious species of the Brachypelma genus to date. It is scarce in its native habitat, and all species of the Brachypelma genus have been listed in CITES II Appendix since 1991, and this species was first discovered in 1993.
Chinese name: Mexican Orange-Kneed Tarantula
Latin name: Brachypelma baumgarteni
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Species: Mexican Orange-Kneed Tarantula
Distribution: Mexico
Only a very small number have been exported to Europe and the United States (in theory, there should be no legal export because the Mexican government has banned the export of any native bird spider species since 1990). Thus, nearly 20 years have passed before they gradually gained popularity among pet bird spider enthusiasts, thanks to successful artificial breeding. However, they are still considered a very rare species of pet bird spiders and are probably the most expensive in the entire Brachypelma genus.
It is recommended to keep the Mexican Orange-Kneed Tarantula as a pet for lovers of climbing. When molting, the tarantula will weave a carpet web on the ground and lie on it with its abdomen facing up. This upside-down position can last for a whole night, during which it is important not to disturb it, as it may result in death. It is simple to feed them, but it is not so easy to keep them well.
1. Emaciation Disease
When you find that the spider's body becomes dull and the skin starts to dry and turn yellow, it is likely to be suffering from emaciation disease. This condition is generally caused by the spider not eating well and experiencing long-term malnutrition.
2. Intestinal Inflammation
In contrast to emaciation disease, this condition occurs when the spider eats too much. If the owner keeps feeding the spider or feeds it when the food temperature is too low, it can cause abdominal bloating and pain, eventually leading to intestinal inflammation.
3. Hemiplegia
Spiders do not require a high environmental temperature, but when the temperature is too high, especially in summer with high heat and humidity, if the spider's cage is too far from the ventilation hole, it can lead to heatstroke-like conditions for the spider. Its legs become paralyzed, resulting in hemiplegia.
4. Constipation
The most common cause of constipation is lack of water. In addition to eating, spiders also need water. If the owner only feeds the spider but does not give it water, the water content in the food cannot provide the spider with the necessary hydration.
5. Black Gangrene
Not eating or moving, mental decline, and the appearance of black, ulcerative lesions on the abdomen are the manifestations of black gangrene in spiders. The reason for this condition is that the water and food are not fresh. If the spider eats food contaminated with bacteria, it can contract black gangrene, which can lead to death in severe cases.
6. Mould Disease
Especially in the south, the hot and humid weather in summer makes the spider's body susceptible to bacterial invasion. The spider's joints become increasingly stiff, and its body becomes increasingly damp, providing a favorable environment for bacteria to thrive and causing the spider to develop mould patches.
7. Parasites
Parasites can be said to be the most disgusting disease for spiders. If they are small insects, it's not too bad, but those aggressive parasites wriggling on the spider's body are extremely disgusting. Apart from affecting the spider's rest, they may also carry other viruses, causing multiple infections and threatening the spider's life.
1. Temperature
The temperature should be controlled between 25°C and 30°C, and the temperature difference between day and night should not be too large. In summer, attention should be paid to cooling and preventing heatstroke, while in winter, attention should be paid to heating and keeping warm to ensure the healthy life of the juvenile tarantula.
2. Humidity
The humidity should be maintained at around 65%. Too low humidity can cause dehydration and eventually lead to emaciation and death of the juvenile tarantula. If the humidity is too high, the juvenile tarantula is prone to edema and death. If the humidity is too high, the juvenile tarantula is also prone to edema and fungal diseases.
3. Ventilation
A good ventilation environment can make the juvenile tarantula strong and reduce diseases, allowing it to safely undergo molting. Air pollution, humidity, and stuffiness are the main causes of death for juvenile tarantulas.
4. Food
The feeding of tarantulas mainly includes small animals such as yellow mealworms and small earthworms. Animal blood (without salt added) can also be fed. If conditions permit, artificial formulated feed can be used. The formula can be composed of 50% egg yolk, 20% honey, 20% milk, 4% vitamin additive, and 3% yeast paste. After mixing, it can be placed on a dish for feeding or on a sponge.
5. Lighting
First of all, there should be sufficient lighting. If conditions permit, the tarantula can be taken outside to see the sunlight (tarantulas do not like light, so there should be a shade to ensure the safety of the tarantula when exposed to light). The windows should be frequently opened during normal times, but direct sunlight should be avoided.
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