Description
Listed for sale are captive-bred Aphonopelma bicoloratum spiderlings (the Mexican bloodleg tarantula). A. bicoloratum lives among Mexican dry scrub in the southwestern state of Guerrero. Red is an unusual color in Aphonopelma, which might account for at least some of the Mexican bloodleg’s popularity.
A. bicoloratum has a bit of a red-legged Brachypelma look. Adults resemble B. boehmei in color pattern, but A. bicoloratum adult females grow just shy of B. boehmei in size and bulk.
In addition, A. bicoloratum is rather docile. Together, beauty and temperament make the Mexican bloodleg a good first choice for hobby newcomers. Interestingly, however, most hobbyists are experienced by the time they acquire this species.
Breeders of A. bicoloratum are mainly overseas where they never quite seem to meet demand. The specimens listed here were captive bred in Germany.
Spiderlings of dry scrub-desert species aren’t as drought tolerant as adults so keep your spiderling on slightly dampened substrate. Limit ventilation enough to allow a bit of humidity to build. It’s best not to mimic desert temperature. Room temperature (68-72F) is more than fine. Warmer temperatures to 80F are acceptable, promoting faster growth for example, but watch the substrate. Don’t let it dry out on a spiderling for too long.
Different conditions apply to juveniles and adults. They have a fair amount of drought tolerance and do better in drier enclosures. We sometimes introduce a water dish for a few days to allow the spider to self-hydrate. It’s not unusual for them to seek the dish and dip their ‘heads.’
Photos: 1- adult female (breeder); 2-adult female (stock image)
Care highlights:
- slightly dampened substrate for spiderings
- slightly boost humidity by limiting ventilation
- room temperature (68-72F) up to 80F
- juveniles & older specimens can be kept on a drier substrate +/- water dish
- consider a hide, desert litter and plantings for enrichment
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