Colombian Redleg Tarantula

1 Overview

The Colombian redleg is native to the Bogotá region of Colombia; Bogotá sits at 2,640 m elevation with a high of 25°C, so temperatures are not high. It suits keepers at the intermediate level.

Chinese Name: Colombian Redleg Tarantula

Scientific Name: Megaphobema robustum

Kingdom: Animalia

Distribution: Colombia

2 Physical Characteristics

Rare both at home and abroad and fairly expensive, it is recommended for intermediate keepers. Adults reach a 16–18 cm leg span.

The Colombian redleg is gentle and flicks urticating hairs when startled. It is often described as one of the least defensive tarantulas: although 10–12.5 cm long, its venom and aggression are weak, and living on the ground it is often attacked by other animals; its only defense is to turn its rear toward the enemy and rake off hairs with its legs, making the attacker get a mouthful of hairs and let it go, deciding it is not tasty.

3 Care Guidelines

A rare prize both at home and abroad, it is quite expensive. Provide at least 3 inches of soil for burrowing.

It is native to the Bogotá region of Colombia; Bogotá lies at 2,640 m with a high of 25°C, and nights can be quite cold! Southern keepers must avoid overheating. Some individuals are quite hardy, but this species may be somewhat aggressive, flicks hairs readily, and its urticating hairs affect humans more strongly. Therefore, individuals over 6 cm are better left to keepers with some tarantula experience.

4 Feeding Requirements

A prized species at home and abroad, the Colombian redleg excites enthusiasts; its handsome form makes it a highly praised and sought-after species.

The adult’s fourth pair of legs is stouter than the others, giving it a commanding look. In truth it is a highly nervous, hair-flicking species; when touched in captivity it freezes in a ‘play dead’ posture, which is quite interesting. In captivity, pinky mice can be offered occasionally.