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Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula (Aphonopelma bicoloratum)

The Mexican blood leg tarantula has bright colors on its body and legs, making it stand out. Found only in Mexico, this spider has a special name because of its vibrant appearance. Here, we’ll share interesting facts about this unique tarantula.

Scientific Classification

Aphonopelma Bicoloratum

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Adult Mexican blood leg tarantulas can reach a size between 11.43-13 cm.
  • Color: These spiders are a vibrant orange, with black segments on each leg.
  • Other Characteristic Features: There are urticating hairs all over their bodies.

Eggs

These eggs are yellow and laid inside a protective sac made of webbing.

Spiderlings

They are 0.5 cm long and take some time to mature. Younger spiderlings tend to burrow into small holes, while older juveniles are less likely to do so.

The Web

Webbing produced by these spiders covers the entrances to their burrows.

Are Mexican Blood Leg Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Mexican Blood Leg Tarantulas are venomous, like most tarantulas. Their venom helps them subdue their prey.

Can Mexican Blood Leg Tarantulas Bite?

Yes, they can bite if threatened or provoked. However, their bite is generally not harmful to humans, causing mild discomfort. They only bite their prey and use the bristles on their abdomen to deter intruders.

Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula

Mexican blood leg tarantulas contribute to their desert and scrubland ecosystems by controlling the populations of insects such as cockroaches, crickets, and mealworms. They are nocturnal hunters, preferring to ambush their prey rather than capture it in webs.

Natural Predator: The natural predators of this tarantula include larger animals and birds that can overcome their venom and defensive hairs.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The Mexican blood leg tarantula plays a dual role in its environment as both predator and prey. This balance is crucial for the health and diversity of their ecosystems.

Relationship with Humans: Human interactions with the Mexican blood leg tarantula are rare and usually occur without incident. While they are venomous, their bites are not considered dangerous to humans and are used defensively or to subdue their prey.

Quick Facts

Other namesMexican Beauty Tarantula
LifespanMales: 5-7 years, Females: 20-25 years
DistributionMexico
HabitatDesert and scrublands
DietCockroaches, crickets, and mealworms

Did You Know

  • Due to similar appearances, this spider is often confused with the Mexican fireleg tarantula (Brachypelma boehmei). The latter is a slightly darker orange than the former.

Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula Image

In conclusion, the Mexican blood leg tarantula is an essential part of its natural habitat, serving as both a hunter and a source of prey.

The Mexican blood leg tarantula has bright colors on its body and legs, making it stand out. Found only in Mexico, this spider has a special name because of its vibrant appearance. Here, we’ll share interesting facts about this unique tarantula.

Aphonopelma Bicoloratum

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Adult Mexican blood leg tarantulas can reach a size between 11.43-13 cm.
  • Color: These spiders are a vibrant orange, with black segments on each leg.
  • Other Characteristic Features: There are urticating hairs all over their bodies.

Eggs

These eggs are yellow and laid inside a protective sac made of webbing.

Spiderlings

They are 0.5 cm long and take some time to mature. Younger spiderlings tend to burrow into small holes, while older juveniles are less likely to do so.

The Web

Webbing produced by these spiders covers the entrances to their burrows.

Are Mexican Blood Leg Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Mexican Blood Leg Tarantulas are venomous, like most tarantulas. Their venom helps them subdue their prey.

Can Mexican Blood Leg Tarantulas Bite?

Yes, they can bite if threatened or provoked. However, their bite is generally not harmful to humans, causing mild discomfort. They only bite their prey and use the bristles on their abdomen to deter intruders.

Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula

Mexican blood leg tarantulas contribute to their desert and scrubland ecosystems by controlling the populations of insects such as cockroaches, crickets, and mealworms. They are nocturnal hunters, preferring to ambush their prey rather than capture it in webs.

Natural Predator: The natural predators of this tarantula include larger animals and birds that can overcome their venom and defensive hairs.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: The Mexican blood leg tarantula plays a dual role in its environment as both predator and prey. This balance is crucial for the health and diversity of their ecosystems.

Relationship with Humans: Human interactions with the Mexican blood leg tarantula are rare and usually occur without incident. While they are venomous, their bites are not considered dangerous to humans and are used defensively or to subdue their prey.

Quick Facts

Other namesMexican Beauty Tarantula
LifespanMales: 5-7 years, Females: 20-25 years
DistributionMexico
HabitatDesert and scrublands
DietCockroaches, crickets, and mealworms

Did You Know

  • Due to similar appearances, this spider is often confused with the Mexican fireleg tarantula (Brachypelma boehmei). The latter is a slightly darker orange than the former.

Mexican Blood Leg Tarantula Image

In conclusion, the Mexican blood leg tarantula is an essential part of its natural habitat, serving as both a hunter and a source of prey.