Colombian giant redleg tarantula (Megaphobema robustum)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Colombian giant redleg tarantula (Megaphobema robustum) (origin: Colombia, Brazil – rainforest). Adult size around body 7–8 cm, leg span 16–20 cm. Life expectancy females 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Colombian giant redleg tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
40×30×30 cm.
Colombian giant redleg tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 21–23 °C.
Colombian giant redleg tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Colombian giant redleg tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 15–20 years.
Colombian giant redleg tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–23 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 75–85 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 40×30×30 cm
- Substrate
- Damp coco humus 10–15 cm, large cork bark
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, roaches; large animals also take nestlings
- Feeding interval
- adults every 14–21 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- body 7–8 cm, leg span 16–20 cm
- Life expectancy
- females 15–20 years
- Origin
- Colombia, Brazil – rainforest
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them strictly singly. Solitary and cannibalistic: two animals in one enclosure regularly end up as one. That applies to animals of the same size too, and even when both are well fed. For breeding, introduce the male under observation and separate them again immediately.
Notes
A large ground spider with red leg segments. It defends itself by rolling up and striking with the hind legs. It needs permanently damp ground.
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Related species
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- Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
- Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Beginner
- Cobalt blue tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus) – Expert
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- Peruvian blue tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum) – Beginner
- Singapore blue tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Colombian giant redleg tarantula (Megaphobema robustum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×30×30 cm), substrate (Damp coco humus 10–15 cm, large cork bark), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://birdspiders.ch/megaphobema-robustum-nature/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._robustum, https://www.keepingexoticpets.com/columbian-giant-megaphobema-robustum-tarantula-care-sheet/
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).