| Brachypelma | |
|---|---|
| |
| Juvenile male B. emilia, in captivity | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Infraorder: | Mygalomorphae |
| Family: | Theraphosidae |
| Genus: | Brachypelma Simon, 1891[1][2] |
| Species | |
|
See text | |
| Diversity[1] | |
| 18 species | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Brachypelmides Schmidt & Krause, 1994 | |
Brachypelma is a genus of spiders in the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas). They may have bodies up to 6 cm (2+1⁄4 in) long with legs of similar or greater lengths. Some species have brightly colored legs, with red or orange marks and rings.
The taxonomy of the genus and its species has been the subject of considerable debate. In 2020, the genus was split, with a group of species (the "red rump" tarantulas) being moved to a new genus, Tliltocatl. As now circumscribed, the genus Brachypelma is found only in Mexico. Many species of both genera are popular with tarantula keepers as pets; the females in particular are long lived. All species are protected, and trade is regulated under CITES. Although they are bred in captivity, they continue to be exported in large numbers. Members of the reduced genus Brachypelma (the "red leg" group) are considered to be in most urgent need of further conservation efforts.