Mexican Blood Leg
Aphonopelma bicoloratum
The Mexican Blood Leg (Aphonopelma bicoloratum) is a jewel of the Mexican dry country — deep black legs split by vivid orange-red 'blood' segments, on a heavy-bodied, docile, slow-growing terrestrial. Often confused with the Fire Leg but calmer and even less inclined to kick hairs, it's an uncommon, premium display species from the scrublands of southwestern Mexico. A slings-to-marvel spider: patience turns a little brown speck into a vibrant orange-and-black showpiece over years.
- Temperature75–82°F (24–28°C) day with a small night drop; don't let it fall below 65°F. Room temperature suits it; no heat lamp in most homes.
- HumidityLow to moderate, 50–60%, with a water dish. A dry-scrubland species — keep the substrate holding a little humidity but never damp, skip frequent misting, and ventilate well. A shallow water dish is the main moisture.
- Adult sizeA medium-sized tarantula: adults reach 4.5–5.5 inches across the legs (diagonal leg span). A slow, deliberate grower; patience is part of the deal, and long premolt fasts are normal.
- LifespanFemales long-lived at 15–25 years; mature males 5–7 years. Very slow-growing and correspondingly long-term.
Enclosure
Terrestrial, wider than tall — a 5-gallon-max footprint for an adult, substrate filled half to two-thirds so it can burrow and a fall stays short. Cork hide (it'll excavate one side to taste), water dish, cross-ventilation. Slings burrow; adults adopt a hide and display.
Substrate & water
3–4 inches of coco fibre/topsoil holding slight humidity but not damp, with a water dish. Slings dig; adults retrofit a half-buried cork hide. Keep it on the dry side; ventilate.
Feeding
A modest, steady eater and a famously slow grower — patience is the whole theme. Prey to abdomen size; slings every 7–14 days, adults every 10–18 days. Don't overfeed chasing size. Remove uneaten prey in 24 hours.
Temperament & defenses
Beginner-friendly and notably docile — slower to flick urticating hairs than most, which makes it unusually pleasant to rehouse and ship. Retreats to its hide rather than posing. Venom mild. A true display spider; handle minimally if at all.
Keeper’s notes
An underrated stunner and a veteran favourite — that blood-red-on-black is gorgeous, the temperament is angelic (it barely kicks hairs), and the slow reveal from drab sling to vivid adult is one of the most rewarding grow-ups in the hobby. Uncommon, so a real find. Keep it dry-ish and simple; reward yourself with patience.