Mexican rustleg tarantula  (Brachypelma boehmei)

Only described in 1993 (2), this stunning spider from southwest Mexico resembles its better known relative, Brachypelma smithi (Mexican redknee tarantula) in its dramatic orange and black colouration (3). The black femora (upper legs) provide a dark dividing band between the rich orange colour of the carapace and lower legs. Unlike the orange joints of Brachypelma smithi, the beautifully coloured legs of this species are a bright, ‘fiery' red on the patellae (knees), fading gradually to a paler orange further down and tipped by black tarsi (feet) (4). Although not particularly defensive, a nervous temperament means this spider does not hesitate to flick urticating hairs at the slightest irritation (5).