Mexican bloodleg tarantula (Aphonopelma bicoloratum)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Mexican bloodleg tarantula (Aphonopelma bicoloratum) (origin: Western Mexico). Adult size around body 4–5 cm, leg span 10–12 cm. Life expectancy females 20–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Mexican bloodleg tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×30×30 cm.
Mexican bloodleg tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 23–28 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 19–22 °C.
Mexican bloodleg tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Mexican bloodleg tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 20–25 years.
Mexican bloodleg tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 23–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 19–22 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 55–65 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×30×30 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus and sand 10 cm, a cork hide, a water dish
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- body 4–5 cm, leg span 10–12 cm
- Life expectancy
- females 20–25 years
- Origin
- Western Mexico
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler dry spell of 6–8 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly (cannibalistic). The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts too. For mating, the male is introduced under observation and separated again immediately afterwards.
Notes
A boldly black-and-orange dwarf Aphonopelma, still little kept in Europe. Calm and robust, but it grows very slowly.
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Related species
- Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
- Costa Rican zebra tarantula (Aphonopelma seemanni) – Beginner
- Texas brown tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi) – Beginner
- Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
- Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Beginner
- Cobalt blue tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus) – Expert
- Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) – Expert
- Peruvian blue tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Mexican bloodleg tarantula (Aphonopelma bicoloratum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×30 cm), substrate (Coco humus and sand 10 cm, a cork hide, a water dish), 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: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphonopelma_bicoloratum, https://tarantulacribs.com/pages/aphonopelma-bicoloratum-mexican-blood-leg-care-guide, https://www.thetarantulacollective.com/caresheets/aphonopelma-bicoloratum
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).