{"product_id":"costa-rican-giant-red-leg-tarantula","title":"Colombian Giant Red Leg, Megaphobema mesomelas","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"10mkh6l\" data-start=\"238\" data-end=\"308\"\u003eColombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula (\u003cem data-start=\"275\" data-end=\"298\"\u003eMegaphobema mesomelas\u003c\/em\u003e) Tarantulas for Sale\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"310\" data-end=\"686\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"314\" data-end=\"377\"\u003eColombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula (\u003cem data-start=\"351\" data-end=\"374\"\u003eMegaphobema mesomelas\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"688\" data-end=\"1093\"\u003eNative to Colombia and surrounding regions of northern South America, the \u003cstrong data-start=\"762\" data-end=\"799\"\u003eColombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula\u003c\/strong\u003e belongs to the \u003cem data-start=\"815\" data-end=\"828\"\u003eMegaphobema\u003c\/em\u003e 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, \u003cem data-start=\"994\" data-end=\"1017\"\u003eMegaphobema mesomelas\u003c\/em\u003e stands out as a remarkable display species within any tarantula collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1095\" data-end=\"1252\"\u003eBecause of its size and defensive temperament, the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1146\" data-end=\"1183\"\u003eColombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula\u003c\/strong\u003e is generally recommended for keepers with some tarantula experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1254\" data-end=\"1257\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"vi2wbg\" data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1278\"\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1280\" data-end=\"1613\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1280\" data-end=\"1300\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1301\" data-end=\"1324\"\u003eMegaphobema mesomelas\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1324\" data-end=\"1327\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1327\" data-end=\"1343\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Colombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula\u003cbr data-start=\"1377\" data-end=\"1380\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1380\" data-end=\"1389\"\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Terrestrial \/ burrowing species\u003cbr data-start=\"1421\" data-end=\"1424\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1424\" data-end=\"1435\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Colombia\u003cbr data-start=\"1444\" data-end=\"1447\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1447\" data-end=\"1466\"\u003eAdult Leg Span:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6–7 inches\u003cbr data-start=\"1477\" data-end=\"1480\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1480\" data-end=\"1496\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Defensive but fascinating to observe\u003cbr data-start=\"1533\" data-end=\"1536\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1536\" data-end=\"1552\"\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr data-start=\"1561\" data-end=\"1564\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1564\" data-end=\"1577\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e Females 15–20+ years, males shorter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1615\" data-end=\"1618\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1n87iwm\" data-start=\"1620\" data-end=\"1638\"\u003eNatural History\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1640\" data-end=\"1869\"\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem data-start=\"1653\" data-end=\"1676\"\u003eMegaphobema mesomelas\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1871\" data-end=\"2065\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"1875\" data-end=\"1912\"\u003eColombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2067\" data-end=\"2191\"\u003eReplicating warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity in captivity helps maintain healthy conditions for this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2193\" data-end=\"2196\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1kfytej\" data-start=\"2198\" data-end=\"2211\"\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2213\" data-end=\"2323\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"2217\" data-end=\"2254\"\u003eColombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula\u003c\/strong\u003e is admired for its dramatic coloration and strong terrestrial build.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2325\" data-end=\"2357\"\u003eTypical characteristics include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2359\" data-end=\"2504\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"mslav8\" data-start=\"2359\" data-end=\"2399\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2361\" data-end=\"2399\"\u003evivid red coloration across the legs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1nns42m\" data-start=\"2400\" data-end=\"2439\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2402\" data-end=\"2439\"\u003edark brown to black body coloration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1hgev8r\" data-start=\"2440\" data-end=\"2480\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2442\" data-end=\"2480\"\u003ethick legs and robust body structure\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"cfoyf0\" data-start=\"2481\" data-end=\"2504\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2483\" data-end=\"2504\"\u003eimpressive adult size\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2506\" data-end=\"2573\"\u003eAfter molting, the red coloration often becomes especially vibrant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2575\" data-end=\"2578\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hen2a5\" data-start=\"2580\" data-end=\"2594\"\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2596\" data-end=\"2762\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"2596\" data-end=\"2611\"\u003eMegalophobema\u003c\/em\u003e species are known for their \u003cstrong data-start=\"2640\" data-end=\"2669\"\u003eunique defensive behavior\u003c\/strong\u003e, often performing rapid spinning or striking movements with their rear legs when threatened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2764\" data-end=\"2913\"\u003eLike other New World tarantulas, the \u003cstrong data-start=\"2801\" data-end=\"2838\"\u003eColombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula\u003c\/strong\u003e possesses \u003cstrong data-start=\"2849\" data-end=\"2869\"\u003eurticating hairs\u003c\/strong\u003e which it may kick as a defensive mechanism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2915\" data-end=\"3042\"\u003eBecause of its energetic defensive displays, this species is best suited for hobbyists with some experience keeping tarantulas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3044\" data-end=\"3047\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jfxxso\" data-start=\"3049\" data-end=\"3067\"\u003eEnclosure Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3069\" data-end=\"3198\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"3073\" data-end=\"3110\"\u003eColombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula\u003c\/strong\u003e should be housed in a terrestrial enclosure that allows for natural burrowing behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3200\" data-end=\"3239\"\u003eRecommended enclosure features include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3241\" data-end=\"3396\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"a01aom\" data-start=\"3241\" data-end=\"3284\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3243\" data-end=\"3284\"\u003eseveral inches of substrate for digging\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1y7drwa\" data-start=\"3285\" data-end=\"3322\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3287\" data-end=\"3322\"\u003ecork bark hide or natural shelter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"c8umo5\" data-start=\"3323\" data-end=\"3352\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3325\" data-end=\"3352\"\u003emoderate to high humidity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"apopbu\" data-start=\"3353\" data-end=\"3373\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3355\" data-end=\"3373\"\u003egood ventilation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"3yjxrc\" data-start=\"3374\" data-end=\"3396\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3376\" data-end=\"3396\"\u003ea shallow water dish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3398\" data-end=\"3524\"\u003eProviding adequate substrate allows the spider to construct shallow burrows similar to those found in its natural environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3526\" data-end=\"3529\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1alyfdz\" data-start=\"3531\" data-end=\"3541\"\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3543\" data-end=\"3624\"\u003eLike most tarantulas, \u003cem data-start=\"3565\" data-end=\"3588\"\u003eMegaphobema mesomelas\u003c\/em\u003e feeds primarily on insects such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3626\" data-end=\"3693\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"15iicpm\" data-start=\"3626\" data-end=\"3638\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3628\" data-end=\"3638\"\u003ecrickets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1gu2zvt\" data-start=\"3639\" data-end=\"3650\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3641\" data-end=\"3650\"\u003eroaches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1empzb3\" data-start=\"3651\" data-end=\"3693\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3653\" data-end=\"3693\"\u003eother appropriately sized feeder insects\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3695\" data-end=\"3816\"\u003eJuveniles may be fed once or twice per week, while adult tarantulas typically feed every \u003cstrong data-start=\"3784\" data-end=\"3797\"\u003e7–14 days\u003c\/strong\u003e depending on size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3818\" data-end=\"3929\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"3822\" data-end=\"3859\"\u003eColombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula\u003c\/strong\u003e generally displays a strong feeding response when prey is introduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3931\" data-end=\"3934\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"4ewo5\" data-start=\"3936\" data-end=\"3957\"\u003eMolting and Growth\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3959\" data-end=\"4080\"\u003eTarantulas grow through a process known as \u003cstrong data-start=\"4002\" data-end=\"4013\"\u003emolting\u003c\/strong\u003e, where they shed their old exoskeleton and emerge slightly larger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4082\" data-end=\"4248\"\u003eBefore 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4250\" data-end=\"4333\"\u003eAs \u003cem data-start=\"4253\" data-end=\"4276\"\u003eMegaphobema mesomelas\u003c\/em\u003e matures, its coloration and size become more impressive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4335\" data-end=\"4338\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"11cxr84\" data-start=\"4340\" data-end=\"4390\"\u003eWhy Keep the Colombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4392\" data-end=\"4523\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"4396\" data-end=\"4459\"\u003eColombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula (\u003cem data-start=\"4433\" data-end=\"4456\"\u003eMegaphobema mesomelas\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e is appreciated among tarantula enthusiasts for several reasons:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"4525\" data-end=\"4700\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1t0txhe\" data-start=\"4525\" data-end=\"4556\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4527\" data-end=\"4556\"\u003estriking red leg coloration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1w6wmc4\" data-start=\"4557\" data-end=\"4599\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4559\" data-end=\"4599\"\u003elarge and impressive terrestrial build\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"f9imbj\" data-start=\"4600\" data-end=\"4654\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4602\" data-end=\"4654\"\u003efascinating defensive behavior unique to the genus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6ln4vu\" data-start=\"4655\" data-end=\"4700\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4657\" data-end=\"4700\"\u003ehardy species that adapts well to captivity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4702\" data-end=\"4859\"\u003eFor hobbyists seeking a bold and unusual tarantula species, the \u003cstrong data-start=\"4766\" data-end=\"4803\"\u003eColombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula\u003c\/strong\u003e makes a fascinating addition to a tarantula collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4861\" data-end=\"4864\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1gmtteg\" data-start=\"4866\" data-end=\"4900\"\u003eLearn More About Tarantula Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4902\" data-end=\"5065\"\u003eIf you're new to keeping tarantulas, visit our \u003cstrong data-start=\"4949\" data-end=\"4973\"\u003eTarantula Care Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e to learn about enclosure setup, feeding schedules, molting, and choosing the right species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5067\" data-end=\"5210\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eYou can also browse our full selection of \u003cstrong data-start=\"5109\" data-end=\"5132\"\u003eTarantulas for Sale\u003c\/strong\u003e to explore dozens of fascinating species available at \u003cstrong data-start=\"5187\" data-end=\"5209\"\u003eThe Defiant Forest\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tarantula Breeders","offers":[{"title":"Single 1.5\" $65.00","offer_id":47890379473138,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Single 4\" $150.00 ea.","offer_id":46717456351474,"sku":"T-MMES-1","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0712\/6604\/2098\/files\/CostaRicanGiantRedLeg_Megaphobemamesomelas_f17949d8-dc1a-446b-92b6-b5c03294f2a2.jpg?v=1756264639","url":"https:\/\/www.thedefiantforest.com\/products\/costa-rican-giant-red-leg-tarantula","provider":"The Defiant Forest  ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}