Brachypelma boehmei female • 2″ (Mexican fireleg tarantula)

Description

Listed for sale is a captive-bred, young juvenile female Brachypelma boehmei. Hobbyists love Brachypelma boehmei, known to science since 1993. B. boehmei have more orange-red than most other Brachypelma. They are well-deserving of the moniker ‘fireleg.’

Like their cousins, B. boehmei inhabit dry, forested terrain and have high drought tolerance. Growth is slow and steady. Captive females mature in 4-5 years reaching maximum size in the 5+” range. A hardy and long-lived species, females may live 20+ years in captivity.

Larger specimens do well in enclosures with slightly dry substrate plus a water dish to allow them to adjust hydration as needed. Room temperature (68-72F) is fine. Warmer is okay, just keep an eye on water evaporation.

As this specimen is still a young juvenile, she may do better with slightly higher humidity (estimating 60-80% RH). As she grows, consider gradually establishing a drier enclosure.

B. boehmei tend not to dig, they are opportunistic burrowers. However, they will make use of a hide if provided. The Mexican fireleg tarantula is almost always fully or partly seen, making health checks and feeding easy. Compared to other Brachypelma, B. boehmei seem to be a bit on the skittish side. They’ll flick hairs too, although flicking is a general Brachypelma trait. This particular specimen is rather calm; however, the observation may no bearing on her adult temperament.

With colorfulness, beauty, relative docility and keeping ease, the Mexican fireleg tarantula makes for a hobby a classic, a good first choice for those thinking of keeping their first tarantula.

Why Brachypelma boehmei? You like Brachypelma. In particular you admire the larger Brachypelma, one with lots of red and tinge of spiciness. Why a female? Number one, longevity; number two, no role of the dice with an unsexed spiderling that’ll take a few years before you know its sex; number three, juveniles have an edge on spiderlings in terms of hardiness.

Photos: 1-specimen for sale (ArachnoEden); 2-adult female (Jorge Mendoza); 3-immature female (ArachnoEden); 4-spiderling/juvenile female (ArachnoEden)

Care highlights:

• slightly dry substrate for juveniles and older specimens
• slightly elevated humidity for juveniles +/- water dish support
• room temperature (68-72F) up to 80F
• consider a hide, dry scrub litter and plantings for enrichment