Mexican Bloodleg

Mexican Bloodleg, also known as Mexican Bloodleg Tarantula in English and Aphonopelma bicoloratum in Latin, is native to the dry desert in Mexico. It is one of the most well-known pet bird-eating spider species in the Aphonopelma genus. The adult spider has a body size of about 15 centimeters and mainly feeds on crickets.

Chinese Name: 墨西哥血脚

Latin Name: Aphonopelma bicoloratum

Distribution Area: Dry desert in Mexico

English Name: Mexican Bloodleg Tarantula

Habitat: Burrowing spider

Reproduction Method: Oviparous

Diet: Crickets

Adult Size: About 15cm

Growth Rate: Slow

Optimal Temperature: 25-27 degrees

Optimal humidity: 70-75%

Temperament: Gentle

Enclosure Conditions: Burrowing spider, use about 2-5 inches of substrate, provide a tree hole for it to hide, and don't forget to place a small dish for it to drink water.

Mexican Bloodleg is native to the dry desert in Mexico. It is one of the most well-known pet bird-eating spider species in the Aphonopelma genus. If you only look at the photos, many people think it looks like Mexican Fireleg. However, in fact, they are quite different. Mexican Bloodleg is not as red as Mexican Fireleg, their color is more orange-yellow. In addition, Mexican Bloodleg is smaller in size and its kicking ability is not as strong as Mexican Fireleg. In the pet market, they are not very common, which of course also results in relatively higher prices. However, their docile temperament and strong adaptability still make them a suitable pet bird-eating spider species for beginners.

Recommended for pet lovers who enjoy raising climbing animals. Easy to care for, the substrate should not be too wet, it should be semi-dry. Place a water dish in the enclosure while allowing enough space, but not too large. Very easy to raise.

Emaciation

When you find that the spider's body becomes dull and the skin starts to dry and turn yellow, it is likely that emaciation has occurred. This condition is generally caused by the spider not eating well and experiencing long-term malnutrition.

Gastroenteritis

In contrast to emaciation, this condition is caused by overeating. The owner keeps feeding the spider or feeds it with food at a low temperature, which can cause bloating and abdominal pain, eventually leading to gastroenteritis.

Paralysis

Spiders do not require a high environmental temperature, but when the temperature is too high, especially in summer, with high humidity, if the spider's cage is far away from the air vent, it can cause the spider to become almost heat stroke-like, with its legs paralyzed and unable to move properly.

Constipation

The main reason for constipation is usually a lack of water. In addition to food, spiders also need to drink water. If the owner only focuses on feeding the spider but does not provide water, the moisture in the food cannot provide the water needed by the spider's body.

Necrosis

If the spider refuses to eat and move, becomes mentally depressed, and has black ulcerative lesions on the abdomen, it is a manifestation of spider necrosis. The reason for this is that the water and food are not fresh. If the spider eats food contaminated with bacteria, it can contract necrosis, which can eventually lead to death.

Mold Disease

Especially in the south, during the warm and humid weather in summer, the spider's body is prone to bacterial invasion. The spider's joints become stiffer, and its body becomes more moist. Bacteria thrive and reproduce in this type of environment, causing mold spots to appear on the spider.

Parasites

Parasites can be said to be the most disgusting disease for spiders. If it's a small insect, it's fine, but those aggressive parasites will crawl on the spider's body, which looks very disgusting. Besides affecting the spider's rest, they may also carry other viruses, causing multiple infections and threatening the spider's life.

Mexican Bloodleg is highly adaptable and can be kept in any container under artificial breeding conditions. Mexican Bloodleg grows slowly and has a moderate appetite. If you feed them too much food, they may have a period of fasting, which is normal.

Mexican Bloodleg does kick hairs and may cause severe reactions in some people. So it is necessary to wash your hands after handling them to remove the scattered hairs.

Feeding Mexican Bloodleg spiders mainly consists of small animals such as mealworms and small earthworms. You can also feed them animal blood (without adding salt) or use commercially available artificial feed if conditions permit. The formula can be 50% egg yolk, 20% honey, 20% milk, 4% vitamin supplement, and 3% parent milk mixed together and fed on a plate or sponge. Crickets can also be fed.