Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula (Aphonopelma bicoloratum) 

Within the diverse tarantulas for sale deep inside The Defiant Forest The Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula (Aphonopelma bicoloratum) is a beautiful and distinctive New World tarantula known for its dramatic red leg coloration contrasted against a dark body. Native to the arid regions of Mexico, this terrestrial tarantula is admired for both its striking appearance and its generally calm temperament.

The Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula displays deep reddish-orange coloration across the femurs of its legs, giving it the “blood leg” appearance that makes this species so recognizable among tarantula enthusiasts. Combined with its hardy nature and manageable temperament, Aphonopelma bicoloratum has become a popular species for keepers who appreciate visually striking terrestrial tarantulas.

Because of its relatively calm disposition and adaptability in captivity, the Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula is often recommended for hobbyists with some tarantula experience and can even be suitable for dedicated beginners.

Species Overview

Scientific Name: Aphonopelma bicoloratum
Common Name: Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula
Type: Terrestrial
Origin: Mexico
Adult Leg Span: 4–5 inches
Temperament: Generally calm but alert
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Lifespan: Females 20+ years, males shorter

Natural History

In the wild, Aphonopelma bicoloratum inhabits dry scrublands and desert-edge environments across Mexico. These tarantulas construct burrows beneath rocks, roots, and soil where they remain protected during the day from heat and predators.

The Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula becomes more active at night when it emerges from its burrow to hunt insects and other small invertebrates moving across the ground. Its natural habitat experiences warm temperatures and relatively low humidity, conditions that can be replicated in captivity with proper enclosure setup.

Like other members of the Aphonopelma genus, this species is known for its hardy nature and long lifespan.

Appearance

The Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula is admired for its bold and contrasting coloration.

Typical characteristics include:

• deep red or blood-red coloration on the leg segments

• dark brown to black body coloration

• thick legs and sturdy terrestrial build

• subtle color intensification after molting

The reddish leg coloration becomes especially noticeable after a fresh molt.

Temperament

Aphonopelma bicoloratum is generally considered a calm and manageable species compared to many tarantulas. When disturbed, the spider typically retreats to its hide rather than displaying aggressive behavior.

Like other New World tarantulas, the Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula possesses urticating hairs on the abdomen which it may kick as a defensive mechanism if threatened.

Because of its steady temperament and hardy nature, this species can be enjoyable for hobbyists looking for a manageable terrestrial tarantula.

Enclosure Setup

The Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula should be housed in a terrestrial enclosure that provides adequate floor space and substrate depth.

Recommended enclosure features include:

• several inches of substrate for burrowing

• cork bark or natural hide

• moderate humidity

• good ventilation

• a shallow water dish

Providing substrate depth allows the tarantula to construct shallow burrows similar to those found in its natural habitat.

Feeding

Like most tarantulas, Aphonopelma bicoloratum feeds primarily on insects such as crickets, roaches, and other feeder insects.

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

The Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula typically exhibits a reliable feeding response and adapts well to captive feeding routines.

Molting and Growth

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

Prior to 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.

Because members of the Aphonopelma genus grow slowly, molts may become less frequent as the spider matures.

Why Keep the Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula?

The Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula (Aphonopelma bicoloratum) is valued among tarantula enthusiasts for several reasons:

• striking red leg coloration

• calm and manageable temperament

• hardy desert-adapted species

• long lifespan typical of Aphonopelma tarantulas

For hobbyists seeking a beautiful terrestrial tarantula with bold coloration and steady behavior, the Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula makes an excellent addition to a tarantula collection.

Learn More About Tarantula Care

If you're new to keeping tarantulas, see our complete Tarantula Care Guide to learn about enclosure setup, feeding schedules, molting, and species selection.

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