Mexican Red-leg Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton with urticating hairs

A robust, heavy-bodied tarantula with a dark, almost black abdomen and legs. The carapace is a pale orange or tan colour with a distinctive black triangular marking at the front. The second joint (patella) of each leg is black, while the next segment (tibia) is a vivid orange-red, giving the legs a striking red-legged appearance. The abdomen is covered in short black hairs mixed with longer reddish hairs.41

Personality what they are like

Generally calm and gentle, especially as adults. Spiderlings and juveniles can be skittish and quick to retreat, but mature specimens are usually relaxed and confident. They rarely bite, preferring to flick urticating hairs if threatened. Handling is not recommended as it stresses the animal and can cause injury.23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low activity; a terrestrial, burrowing species that spends much of its time in its hide or burrow. It does not require exercise and should not be handled. The enclosure should be wider than tall to prevent falls, as heavy tarantulas can be injured by dropping.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming. The enclosure should be kept clean, with uneaten prey removed after 24 hours. A shallow water dish should always be available. After a moult, wait 24-48 hours before feeding to allow the exoskeleton to harden. Avoid unnecessary disturbance.23

Home where they are happiest

A terrestrial enclosure that is wider than tall, with at least 8-12 cm of deep, compactable substrate (such as coco fibre or unfertilised topsoil) for burrowing. Provide a hide (e.g. cork bark), good cross-ventilation, and a shallow water dish. Keep conditions dry to moderately humid at room temperature. This species is not social and must be housed alone. It is listed on CITES Appendix II, so legal trade is regulated; check local laws before acquiring one.321

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivorous. Feed spiderlings small prey like flightless fruit flies or tiny crickets every few days. Juveniles eat once or twice a week, and adults every 7-14 days. Suitable prey includes crickets, roaches, locusts, and occasional mealworms. Remove uneaten food after 24 hours. Do not feed during a moult.23

Company who they like around

Solitary; must never be housed with other tarantulas as they are cannibalistic. Handling is not recommended and causes stress. This species is not venomous in a dangerous sense (its venom is very mild), but it does have urticating hairs that can irritate skin, eyes and airways. It is a display animal best enjoyed through observation.23

The story where it all began

The Mexican redleg tarantula has been a popular pet for decades, prized for its docile nature and beautiful colouration. It is closely related to the Mexican redknee tarantula and shares a similar calm temperament. Because of its popularity in the pet trade, it has been collected from the wild, leading to its listing on CITES Appendix II. Today, almost all individuals in the trade are captive-bred. It is considered a good beginner tarantula due to its hardiness and easy care.412

Recognised by the official bits

CITES

Listed in Appendix II1

IUCN

Least Concern (2018 assessment)1

Popularity Very common in the pet trade; one of the most popular beginner tarantulas.12