Texas Tan Tarantula

Aphonopelma anax Care Guide

Texas Tan Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Aphonopelma anax, commonly known as the Texas Tan Tarantula, is a large, slow-growing, and long-lived New World terrestrial tarantula native to the southern United States, particularly Texas, Oklahoma, and parts of northern Mexico. This species is an excellent choice for keepers looking for a hardy, docile, and easy-to-care-for tarantula. With its impressive leg span of up to 6 inches and its striking brown and tan coloration, Aphonopelma anax is the largest Aphonopelma in the USA and a beautiful addition to any collection. While not as well-known as Aphonopelma chalcodes or Aphonopelma hentzi, it shares many of the same care requirements, making it a great option for beginners and experienced keepers alike.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Aphonopelma anax

• Common Name: Texas Tan Tarantula

• Type: Terrestrial

• Category: New World

• Native Range: Texas, Oklahoma, Northern Mexico

• Size: Up to 6” (15 cm) DLS

• Growth Rate: Slow to Medium

• Life Expectancy: Females 20-30 years, Males 5-8 years

• Urticating Hairs: Yes

• Venom Potency: Mild (Not medically significant)

• Recommended Experience Level: Beginner

Taxonomy & Research Update

Aphonopelma anax is a member of the Aphonopelma genus, which includes a variety of North American tarantulas, many of which are found in arid and semi-arid environments. This species was first described in 1884 and has remained a staple in the hobby due to its gentle nature and ease of care. There has been ongoing taxonomic revision within the Aphonopelma genus, with some species being reclassified. However, Aphonopelma anax remains a well-established and recognized species.

Behavior & Temperament

Aphonopelma anax is a docile and slow-moving species that rarely shows defensive behavior. When disturbed, it is more likely to retreat to its burrow rather than throw a threat pose or kick urticating hairs. While it is not prone to biting, handling is still discouraged, as tarantulas can be fragile, and a fall could result in serious injury.

Like most Aphonopelma species, this tarantula spends much of its time burrowed underground or hidden within a secure retreat. It may be more visible at night or during feeding times. Some individuals may remain out in the open more frequently, while others are more reclusive. Sometimes this behavior will even change with each molt. So if your tarantula spends an inordinate time hidden in their burrow, that is perfectly normal behavior and not something to worry about.

Housing & Substrate – Terrestrial Setup

Spiderlings

• Enclosure Size:
  Use a small acrylic enclosure (e.g., Sling Crib, 3" Tarantula Cube, Small Slider Crib, Small Cuboid, Terrestrial Sling Crib, Slider Crib Mini, or Cuboid Mini) that is no smaller than three times the tarantula’s leg span. We recommend enclosures by Tarantula Cribs for quality and safety.

• Substrate:
  Fill at least 2/3rds of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Humidity:
  Maintain a slightly damp substrate (but not swampy) by offering a small water dish or gently dripping water on one corner about once a week.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size:
  Use a medium enclosure (e.g., Medium Slider Crib, 6" or 8" Tarantula Cube, or Medium Cuboid) that is at least 3–4× the tarantula’s leg span. Consider Tarantula Cribs for consistent quality.

• Substrate:
  Fill the enclosure 1/2 to 2/3 full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude. This ensures ample depth for burrowing while minimizing fall risk.

• Humidity:
  Keep the substrate mostly dry with a full water dish; occasionally overflow one corner to create a slightly damp area.

• Additional Features:
  Provide a half cork bark round for a secure hide.

Adults

• Enclosure Size:
  Use a large enclosure (e.g., Large Slider Crib, 12" Cube Switch, 12" Cube, 18" Cube, or Terrestrial XL) that is at least 3× the tarantula’s leg span (ideally 4–5× for enhanced natural behavior while minimizing escape risks). Enclosures by Tarantula Cribs are highly recommended.

• Substrate:
  Fill the enclosure 1/2 to 2/3 full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude to provide sufficient depth for burrowing while reducing the risk of falls.

• Additional Features:
  Include a secure hide (preferably a half cork bark round) and a shallow water dish. Ensure the enclosure is a horizontal rectangle (wider than it is deep) with secure ventilation and a tight, secure lid to prevent escapes.

Note:
The general rule of thumb for tarantula enclosures is that the enclosure should be no smaller than three times the tarantula’s leg span for spiderlings, 3–4× for juveniles, and 3–4× for adults. This setup ensures ample space for natural burrowing while minimizing fall risk. Remember, tarantulas are escape artists—always verify that ventilation holes, lids, and gaps are too small for your tarantula to squeeze through. They can and will climb up glass and other smooth surfaces.

Affiliate: Please use Tarantula Cribs (affiliate code TTC10) and Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for substrate.

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: Maintain ambient temperatures between 68°F and 76°F (20°C to 24°C).

• Humidity: Aim for 50-60% humidity. Ensure that the substrate remains dry on top but has some moisture in the lower layers for burrowing stability.

• Ventilation: Good airflow is essential to prevent mold growth.

• Water Dish: Always keep one shallow water dish full.

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings

• Frequency: Feed once or twice a week.

• Prey: Offer small prey such as flightless fruit flies, confused flour beetles, or pre-killed tiny crickets/roach nymphs. Remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours. increase the size of the prey as the spider grows. Prekill any prey that is over 2/3 the size of the sling. For more detailed information on feeding spiderlings, watch this video: How To Feed Spiderlings & Scorplings (Baby Tarantulas & Scorpions)

• Post-Molt: Wait 24–48 hours before feeding. When the fangs are black, they are ready to be fed.

Juveniles

• Frequency: Feed every 7–10 days.

• Prey: Provide 1–2 small/medium crickets (or roaches).

• Post-Molt: Wait 3–7 days before feeding.

Adults

• Frequency: Feed every 2–3 weeks (or as needed).

• Prey: Offer 3–4 large crickets or a few mealworms/roaches.

• Post-Molt: Wait 5–10 days before feeding.

Breeding Aphonopelma anax in Captivity

Breeding Aphonopelma anax (Texas Tan Tarantula) can be a slow process, as this species has a long maturation period and lower reproductive output compared to some other tarantulas. However, with patience and proper conditions, successful breeding is possible.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Male Maturity: Males typically mature between 5–7 years, developing tibial hooks and enlarged pedipalps for sperm transfer.

• Female Maturity: Females take significantly longer, often 7–10 years, before they are fully mature and ready for breeding.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: The female should be well-fed before introduction to reduce the risk of aggression.

Mating Process

• Introduce the male at night when activity levels are higher.

• The male will drum on the substrate to signal the female.

• If receptive, the female will either drum back or remain still, allowing the male to lift her with his tibial hooks and insert his emboli.

• Once mating is complete, remove the male immediately to prevent cannibalism, though this species is generally less aggressive than others.

Egg Sac Production

• If fertilization is successful, the female will produce an egg sac in 4–8 months.

• Maintain temperatures around 72–78°F (22–25°C) with a humidity level of 55–65% to encourage egg sac development. (see Challenges & Considerations section)

• The female will guard the egg sac, which typically contains 200–400 eggs.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

• Some breeders choose to pull the egg sac after 30–45 days for artificial incubation.

• If left with the mother, 1st instar spiderlings will emerge in about 8–10 weeks and molt into 2nd instar after another 3–4 weeks.

Raising Spiderlings

• Once they reach 2nd instar, they should be separated into individual enclosures.

• Feeding should begin with pinhead crickets, flightless fruit flies, or small roaches every 3–4 days.

Challenges & Considerations

• Female aggression: A. anax is generally more tolerant than other species but should still be monitored closely during pairing.

• Long maturation time: This species takes years to mature, so breeding projects require long-term planning.

• Male lifespan: Males typically survive only 6–12 months after their ultimate molt, so breeding should be attempted as soon as they mature.

• Winter Diapause Required for Egg Sac Production: Unlike some other tarantulas, Aphonopelma species require a winter diapause to trigger consistent egg sac production. This means exposing them to cooler temperatures for several months to mimic their natural seasonal cycle.

• Spring Feeding and Humidity Increase: As temperatures rise in the spring, females should be fed heavily and humidity should be increased to simulate natural conditions. If gravid, they will typically begin producing an egg sac a few weeks later.

• Long Timeline from Pairing to Egg Sac: The entire process from pairing to egg sac production typically takes around six months, making patience and seasonal adjustments critical for success.

While Aphonopelma anax does not produce the massive egg sacs seen in some other species, their spiderlings are hardy and can be successfully raised with proper care and patience.

Final Thoughts

The Texas Tan Tarantula (Aphonopelma anax) is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced keepers alike, thanks to its hardy nature, calm temperament, and straightforward care requirements. While it may not have the vibrant coloration of some other species, its impressive size, long lifespan, and adaptability make it a rewarding tarantula to own.

Compared to other North American species like Aphonopelma chalcodes (Arizona Blonde) and Aphonopelma hentzi (Texas Brown), A. anax stands out as one of the larger members of the genus. However, it also tends to be more reclusive, often spending significant time in its burrow rather than out in the open. That said, when it does make an appearance, its sheer size and subtle earthy tones give it a unique presence.

All three of these Aphonopelma species share similar care requirements and mild temperaments, making them fantastic representatives of North American tarantulas. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a low-maintenance introduction to tarantula keeping or an experienced keeper wanting to expand your collection with a native species, Aphonopelma anax is a fascinating and rewarding choice.

Additional Recommendations

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• Enclosures: Tarantula Cribs (Code TTC10 for 10% off!)

• Substrate & Bioactive Supplies: The Bio Dude

• Tarantulas: Spider Shoppe (Code TTC10 for 10% off!)

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