Mexican Red Leg (Brachypelma emilia)
Last updated: October 2, 2026
This is not a care guide. If you are interested in keeping this species, please research its husbandry thoroughly before purchasing. Tom's Big Spiders has species-specific husbandry notes that are a solid place to start.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- About 5.5 inches (females)
- From
- Western Mexico, near Mazatlán and Nayarit
- Lifestyle
- Burrower
- Type
- New World
The first Brachypelma. A very beautiful species of red leg tarantulas, Brachypelma emilia is an amazing choice for one to get into this genus of Mexican tarantulas. With a single segment on each leg a vibrant orange, to the black triangle mask on the carapace near the eyes, there’s so much that’s unique about this species. Long lived, females of this species can reportedly live more than 25 years.
This species is native to Mexico, and inhabits the western coast, primarily near Mazatlán and Nayarit. They spend their long lives in their burrows in the ground. Most of the time the species is known as the “Mexican Red Leg”, though it is also seldom referred to as “Mexican Painted Leg”. Females can reach around 5.5” at full size, with males being slightly smaller. The males also keep the same appearance as the females do after maturing, and can be very vibrant.
Current Prices
Brachypelma emilia (Mexican Red Leg) currently sells for between $35.00 and $300.00 in the United States, with a median asking price of $60.00 across 19 in-stock listings from 14 vendors. Price depends mostly on size and sex: slings sit at the low end, mature females at the high end.
| Cheapest listing right now | $35.00 |
|---|---|
| Typical price (median) | $60.00 |
| Most expensive listing | $300.00 |
| Listings in stock | 19 |
| Vendors carrying it | 14 |
In stock at: ArachnoEden, Big Z's, Buddha Bugs, Cory's Creatures, Fear Not Tarantulas, Great Basin Serpentarium, Hardcore Arachnids, Jamie's Tarantulas, Juice's Arthropods, Old Pueblo Exotics, Pacific Northwest Arachnids, Plumb's Exotics, The Spider Room, Vexotic Me. Compare every Brachypelma emilia listing by price.
Prices as of October 14, 2026. Live figures in the table below.
Related Guides
- How I Order Tarantulas Online Using Tarantula List (my own B. emilia order)
- How Much Substrate Do I Need?
- What to Expect When Ordering a Tarantula Online
This profile was written by Jonathan Strub, a fellow keeper. Thank you, Jonathan! I did some light copy editing.