Reptiles & amphibians · La Saladita, Guerrero

Mexican Redknee Tarantula

Brachypelma smithi

Spanish: Tarántula rodilla roja

Brachypelma smithi is a species of spider in the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas) native to Mexico. It has been confused with Brachypelma hamorii; both have been called Mexican redknee tarantulas. Mexican redknee tarantulas are a popular choice as pets among tarantula keepers. Many earlier sources referring to B. smithi either relate to B. hamorii or do not distinguish between the two species. B. smithi is a terrestrial tarantula native to Pacific coast of the Mexican state of Guerrero.

TaxonomyArachnida › Araneae › Theraphosidae

IUCN statusNear Threatened (NT)

Local records40 research-grade observations within about 50 km of La Saladita (the survey box also takes in Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa and Troncones)

Global records266 on iNaturalist

Most recent records2025 – 2026

Months of the 8 most recent records

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Recent local sightings

2026-02-19 — observation by laurebordelon
2026-01-31 — observation by zihuadean
2025-12-26 — observation by santiagob1986
2025-11-13 — observation by angelique_cotignola
2025-08-02 — observation by gerardo86136
2025-08-01 — observation by filibertorumbo

Interactive card with more photos, sounds and similar species Reptiles & amphibians guide iNaturalist Wikipedia

Cite as: “Mexican Redknee Tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) at La Saladita”, La Saladita Field Guide, lasaladita.com/species/brachypelma-smithi/, updated 2026-09-26. Observation counts and months come from iNaturalist research-grade records within about 50 km of 17.8375°N, 101.7606°W (the survey box also takes in Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa and Troncones); summary text from Wikipedia where present.