Colombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula (Megaphobema mesomelas) Tarantulas for Sale

The Colombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula (Megaphobema mesomelas) is a large and impressive South American tarantula admired for its dramatic red leg coloration and powerful build. Known for its striking appearance and fascinating defensive behaviors, this terrestrial species is highly sought after by tarantula enthusiasts who enjoy large and visually distinctive spiders.

Native to Colombia and surrounding regions of northern South America, the Colombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula belongs to the Megaphobema genus, a group of tarantulas known for their unique defensive displays and robust body structure. With its bold red leg coloration contrasted against a darker body, Megaphobema mesomelas stands out as a remarkable display species within any tarantula collection.

Because of its size and defensive temperament, the Colombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula is generally recommended for keepers with some tarantula experience.

Species Overview

Scientific Name: Megaphobema mesomelas
Common Name: Colombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula
Type: Terrestrial / burrowing species
Origin: Colombia
Adult Leg Span: 6–7 inches
Temperament: Defensive but fascinating to observe
Growth Rate: Moderate
Lifespan: Females 15–20+ years, males shorter

Natural History

In the wild, Megaphobema mesomelas inhabits humid tropical regions where it constructs burrows beneath roots, rocks, and forest debris. These burrows provide protection from predators and help regulate temperature and humidity.

The Colombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula typically remains hidden during the day and becomes active at night when it emerges to hunt insects and other small prey moving across the forest floor.

Replicating warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity in captivity helps maintain healthy conditions for this species.

Appearance

The Colombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula is admired for its dramatic coloration and strong terrestrial build.

Typical characteristics include:

• vivid red coloration across the legs

• dark brown to black body coloration

• thick legs and robust body structure

• impressive adult size

After molting, the red coloration often becomes especially vibrant.

Temperament

Megalophobema species are known for their unique defensive behavior, often performing rapid spinning or striking movements with their rear legs when threatened.

Like other New World tarantulas, the Colombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula possesses urticating hairs which it may kick as a defensive mechanism.

Because of its energetic defensive displays, this species is best suited for hobbyists with some experience keeping tarantulas.

Enclosure Setup

The Colombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula should be housed in a terrestrial enclosure that allows for natural burrowing behavior.

Recommended enclosure features include:

• several inches of substrate for digging

• cork bark hide or natural shelter

• moderate to high humidity

• good ventilation

• a shallow water dish

Providing adequate substrate allows the spider to construct shallow burrows similar to those found in its natural environment.

Feeding

Like most tarantulas, Megaphobema mesomelas feeds primarily on insects such as:

• crickets

• roaches

• other appropriately sized feeder insects

Juveniles may be fed once or twice per week, while adult tarantulas typically feed every 7–14 days depending on size.

The Colombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula generally displays a strong feeding response when prey is introduced.

Molting and Growth

Tarantulas grow through a process known as molting, where they shed their old exoskeleton and emerge slightly larger.

Before molting, the spider may refuse food and become less active. After molting, the tarantula should be left undisturbed while its new exoskeleton and fangs harden.

As Megaphobema mesomelas matures, its coloration and size become more impressive.

Why Keep the Colombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula?

The Colombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula (Megaphobema mesomelas) is appreciated among tarantula enthusiasts for several reasons:

• striking red leg coloration

• large and impressive terrestrial build

• fascinating defensive behavior unique to the genus

• hardy species that adapts well to captivity

For hobbyists seeking a bold and unusual tarantula species, the Colombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula makes a fascinating addition to a tarantula collection.

Learn More About Tarantula Care

If you're new to keeping tarantulas, visit our Tarantula Care Guide to learn about enclosure setup, feeding schedules, molting, and choosing the right species.

You can also browse our full selection of Tarantulas for Sale to explore dozens of fascinating species available at The Defiant Forest.