Brachypelma is a genus of the family Theraphosidae containing various species of tarantulas. Some of the species contained within the genus include:
- B. albopilosa
- B. smithii
- B. auratum
- B. boehmi
- B. emilia
- B. bagans
Characteristics
The Brachypelma is a docile tarantula that is easy to keep in a terrarium. They feed on insects and mice. They usually do not bite humans. Most spiders used in Hollywood movies (e.g. Indiana Jones, The Mummy Returns) are Brachypelma smithii or Brachypelma emilia because they are very docile.
These species are also noted as being good hair kickers, though they are not particularly itchy like some other species can be.