Mexican Bloodleg Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

Hair (setae)

This tarantula has a black opisthosoma (abdomen) and chelicerae, while the carapace and legs are a rich reddish-orange. The abdomen is covered in long, slender reddish hairs. It is a New World species with urticating hairs that can be kicked off as a defence.16

Personality what they are like

Generally docile and calm, especially as adults. Spiderlings and juveniles can be skittish and may retreat or burrow. Adults are confident and often stay out in the open. If provoked, they may kick urticating hairs; bites are very rare. They are slow-moving and not aggressive.124

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low activity needs. Provide an enclosure that is wider than tall, with floor space more important than height. A hide (e.g. half cork bark) is appreciated. They do not need a wheel or toys.32

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Very low maintenance. No grooming needed. Keep the enclosure clean and remove uneaten prey after 24 hours. Provide a shallow water dish for larger specimens. Spot clean as needed.24

Home where they are happiest

Terrestrial enclosure, wider than tall. For adults, at least 3-4 times the leg span in floor area. Substrate: organic potting soil, peat moss, cocofiber or a mix, 1/2 to 2/3 full to allow burrowing. Temperature 68-80°F (20-27°C). Humidity low to moderate (60-70%), keep substrate mostly dry with a water dish. Provide a hide like half a cork bark round. No special lighting needed.324

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivorous. Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets, flightless fruit flies or small roach nymphs. Juveniles and adults eat crickets, mealworms, superworms, roaches. Adults feed every 10-18 days, spiderlings every 7-14 days. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours. Wait 24-48 hours after a moult before feeding.324

Company who they like around

Solitary. Do not house with other tarantulas. They are not social and will cannibalise. Observation only, not for handling. Not venomous to humans in a dangerous way (mild venom, like a bee sting), but they have urticating hairs that can cause irritation. Not illegal to keep in most countries, but check local laws.12

The story where it all began

Aphonopelma bicoloratum was first described in 1996 by Struchen, Brändle and Schmidt. It is native to the dry forests and scrublands of southwestern Mexico, particularly in the state of Puebla. It has been kept in the pet hobby for many years, valued for its docile nature and striking orange legs. It is often confused with Brachypelma boehmei but has a more uniform orange colour. It is a slow-growing, long-lived species that makes an excellent display tarantula for beginners.12

Recognised by the official bits

ITIS

Accepted species, common name Mexican bloodleg tarantula7