Tarantula (Schleich)

Walkaround of the Mexican red-kneed tarantula, Brachypelma smithi (P-Cambridge, 1897) by Schleich, new for 2019. I am going to start with a little taxonomic disclaimer. There is confusion to the identity of spiders referred to as Mexican red-knees, since the description of a cryptic sibling species, B. hamorii Cleton and Verdez, 1997. The two species are indistinguishable morpholoically and can only be separated by DNA barcoding and strict geographic distribution. In the absence of a figure being specifically ascribed to a given species, I am referring to all figures as the classic B. smithi.

First thing first. This is, to my knowledge, Schleich's first standard-sized arthropod figure (they had some in their vintage 'Mini' line and some recent accessory sets, such as the Death Valley set or Scorpion Nest). But I think this is the first in a standard line, and I commend them on it! After so many years, this marks uncharted territory for Schleich. I encourage Schleich fans to buy it so they'll make more :-) . But my congratulations and thanks to Schleich for venturing out to this group of animals. Mojo Fun is also releasing their first arthropod this year, and the same species, too!

The figure is nicer than I thought it would be, looks better in-hand than in publicity shots. It is made of a solid, good-quality PVC (very similar in texture and feel to CollectA's insects and spiders). The size is nice, a little smaller than I anticipated, but I am actually grateful for that. The body length is about 4.0 cm, making it just under 1:1 for a small female (or 1:1 for an immature one). The maximum space occupied by the legs is 7.0 cm by 7.0 cm.

If there is one morphological mistake, it is with regards to the number and position of the eyes. For spiders, the eye arrangement usually defines the family, and this figures eyes are not consistent with members of the family Theraphosidae. While this might seem like a nit-pick, other major companies can get this right (see Papo's spectacular wolf spider, for example).

The underside is marked copyright '18, I guess because that is when it was commissioned. It also says, I think, 'Am Lines'. Perhaps this in reference to American dealers of Schleich? I don't know, it's my first ;-).

On to the figures:

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Smaller than it's cousin from Bullyland:

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

With other figures of comparable size. Clockwise from top-left: Kaiyodo (Capsule Q Museum - Toxic Animals), Schleich, and Safari LTD (Authentics Insects)

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Thank you Blaine for this excellent walkaround.

So would you recommend this one or the Kaiyodo ?

Kikimalou wrote:

Thank you Blaine for this excellent walkaround.

So would you recommend this one or the Kaiyodo ?

Hi Kiki, for a generalist interested in only one, I'd probably say Kaiyodo (but that's personal because I really like Kaiyodo). The size and shape of the two are similar. The Kaiyodo figure must be assembled, whereas the Schleich figure is single-piece PVC. The only real scientific inaccuracy of the Schleich figure is the eyes, which Kaiyodo gets right. So I guess it comes down to whether you want a single-piece figure or a more accurate one.

Nice pics of a beautieful figure

I saw him at my local retailers this week, and I quite like the looks. More than I expected. I will get him at some point.

Gwaine wrote:

I saw him at my local retailers this week, and I quite like the looks. More than I expected. I will get him at some point.

Hi Gwaine, I was curious what you thought of it (her actually, :). And it's much nicer than I thought as well. Good job, Schleich!

bmathison1972 wrote:

Gwaine wrote:

I saw him at my local retailers this week, and I quite like the looks. More than I expected. I will get him at some point.

Hi Gwaine, I was curious what you thought of it (her actually, :). And it's much nicer than I thought as well. Good job, Schleich!

Glad my opinion is valued ^^

I must say that the one's I spotted in the shop are a bit more brightly painted.

Gwaine wrote:

bmathison1972 wrote:

Gwaine wrote:

I saw him at my local retailers this week, and I quite like the looks. More than I expected. I will get him at some point.

Hi Gwaine, I was curious what you thought of it (her actually, :). And it's much nicer than I thought as well. Good job, Schleich!

Glad my opinion is valued ^^

I must say that the one's I spotted in the shop are a bit more brightly painted.

yeah, promotional photos looked brighter too. Personally, I prefer the subdued paint job.

bmathison1972 wrote:

Gwaine wrote:

bmathison1972 wrote:

Gwaine wrote:

I saw him at my local retailers this week, and I quite like the looks. More than I expected. I will get him at some point.

Hi Gwaine, I was curious what you thought of it (her actually, :). And it's much nicer than I thought as well. Good job, Schleich!

Glad my opinion is valued ^^

I must say that the one's I spotted in the shop are a bit more brightly painted.

yeah, promotional photos looked brighter too. Personally, I prefer the subdued paint job.

There were a few at the store, I will see which one I like best haha

Thanks for this great walk around. It is much better to watch your pictures than the official ones. It is also smaller than I thought and quite detailed. It doesn't seen as tempting as the Papo wolf spider, thus I believe a non arthropod collector as I am will resist to it contrarily with what is happening with Papo arthropods. I really would love to see a comparison topic with the Mojö Fun figure as soon as you get it.
Schleich figures are marked with the year before the official release. The rest of the markings I've read anywhere its meaning but I forgot.

Roger wrote:

Thanks for this great walk around. It is much better to watch your pictures than the official ones. It is also smaller than I thought and quite detailed. It doesn't seen as tempting as the Papo wolf spider, thus I believe a non arthropod collector as I am will resist to it contrarily with what is happening with Papo arthropods. I really would love to see a comparison topic with the Mojö Fun figure as soon as you get it.
Schleich figures are marked with the year before the official release. The rest of the markings I've read anywhere its meaning but I forgot.

Thanks Roger. I plan on updating Bug of the Day with this species once the Mojo one comes out, so you will see all of them (15 or so, give or take) together in one post!