Megaphobema mesomelas
✓ VerifiedCosta Rican Red Leg Tarantula
Quick Facts
Adult Size
5.5-7 inches
Growth Rate
medium
Temperament
defensive
Taxonomy
Community
Experience Required
Intermediate
Some experience recommended
🌡️ Climate Requirements
Temperature Range
72–82°F
(22–28°C)
Humidity Range
70% - 80%
🏠 Enclosure Sizes
Sling
Small vial or 2x2x3"
Juvenile
5x5x5"
Adult
12x12x8"
🪨 Substrate
Type
coco fiber and topsoil mix, slightly moist
Depth
3-4 inches
🍽️ Feeding Schedule
Sling
Every 4-5 days
Juvenile
Once per week
Adult
Every 1-2 weeks
Prey Size
Appropriately sized prey (up to 2/3 body length)
💧 Additional Care Notes
Water Dish
Required
Webbing
light
Burrowing
Yes
🕷️ Behavior & Temperament
General Temperament
defensive
Care Guide
**Costa Rican Red Leg Tarantula** — Distinguished by its vivid red-orange leg coloration and black body, similar in appearance to Brachypelma species but from Central America. A beautiful display animal that is rarer in the hobby than its relatives.
Care is similar to M. robustum: warm and humid conditions with a moist substrate layer. Provide deep enough substrate (3-4 inches) for opportunistic burrowing and a cork hide. M. mesomelas tends to be more defensive than similar-looking Brachypelma, particularly slings and juveniles.
A solid intermediate choice for keepers wanting a large, colorful terrestrial species with a different geographic origin than the commonly kept Mexican Brachypelma.
⚠️ Safety Information
Urticating Hairs
This species has urticating hairs that can cause irritation if handled. Use caution during maintenance.
Venom Potency
Venom is not considered medically significant to humans, though reactions may vary.
Species Statistics
0
Total Keepers
N/A
Community Rating
Intermediate
Care Level
🕷️
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