Brachypelma auratum (also called Mexican flame knee) is a tarantula endemic to the regions of Guerrero and Michoacán in Mexico. In appearance it is reminiscent of the quintessential Mexican red-kneed spider, Brachypelma smithi, albeit darker and with more discrete red striations on the patella. The form of these red markings have earned the spider its common name, the flame knee. Due to the species' similarities to B. smithi, it was not considered a distinct species until 1992. It has been found living communally with a small frog known as Eleutherodactylus occidentalis.
In 1985, Brachypelma smithi (then not distinguished from B. hamorii) was placed on CITES Appendix II, and in 1994, all remaining Brachypelma species were added, thus restricting trade. Nevertheless, large numbers of tarantulas caught in the wild continue to be smuggled out of Mexico, including species of Brachypelma.Brachypelma auratum requires a temperature of around 24-28°C, which can be achieved using a heat lamp. A low humidity of 40-50% is ideal, but this can vary slightly depending on the time of year and the climate in the room. A shallow bowl of water should always be available to ensure hydration.
The diet of Brachypelma auratum should consist mainly of live insects such as cockroaches, crickets and occasionally small grasshoppers. It is important that the food animals are clean and healthy to avoid disease transmission. Regular feeding every two weeks is sufficient, although the quantity and frequency should be adjusted if the spider is preparing for a moult or needs to regain its strength after one.
