Desert Blonde/Arizona Blond Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes)

Scientific Name: Aphonopelma chalcodes

Common Name: Desert Blonde/Arizona Blond

Type: Terrestrial 

Category: New World

Endemic Location: southern Arizona and northern Mexico

Body Length: 2.75” (7cm)

Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): 6” (15cm)

Urticating Hairs: Yes

Growth Rate: Slow...very sloooow

Life Expectancy: Females 25 years / Males 6-8 years

Recommended Experience Level: Beginner

Aphonopelma chalcodes or the Desert Blonde Tarantula is a terrestrial, New World T from southern Arizona and northern Mexico. A. chalcodes are famous for their “blonde” hairs and chill demeanor. Females are usually a solid tan color while males normally have black legs, a copper-colored carapace and a reddish abdomen.

 This is a slow growing species that takes years to reach maturity. These tarantulas can grow up to about 6 inches with males living between 6-8 years while females can live over 25 years. 

  The husbandry for this species is very typical of most new world terrestrials so you will want to provide an enclosure with more width than height. As spiderlings I keep mine in a standard spiderling enclosure and provide plenty of substrate and a hide as they like to burrow, especially when this small. I keep the substrate dry and provide a little water dish or drop water on the sides of the enclosure. About once a week or so, I will moisten the substrate then let it dry out. For juveniles I move them into a basic juvenile enclosure and provide them with a hide and water dish, ensuring there isn't too much height as to avoid them climbing the walls and falling risking rupture. And as adults, I keep them in a 5-10 gallon enclosure on dry substrate with a hide and water dish and provide at least 4 inches of substrate. I keep this species at the same room temperature as most of my spiders, 68-72 degrees, though you can keep your slings at a slightly warmer temperature in an attempt to have them grow faster. If you're comfortable, they're comfortable. 

  When it comes time to feed I feed my smallest sling confused flour beetles, cricket legs or pre killed tiny crickets twice a week. As they grow larger I feed them small crickets or roaches. Once they're juveniles I feed them 1 or 2 medium crickets once a week. And once they're adults, I feed my female 2 or 3 large crickets a week. One thing to note with this species, they are prone to go on hunger strikes, not eating for weeks or months at a time...usually when weather begins to get cooler. My smallest sling hasn't eaten all winter. 

  This species is usually very docile and not calm, but this temperament differs between individual tarantulas and even between molts of the same tarantula. Though they tend to be relaxed, these ts can be defensive and kick hairs, show a threat pose, and even bite. So always check the temperament of your t before attempting to handle. And always remember to handle at your own risk. This tarantula has mild venom and the danger of handling is more for the tarantula than the human. If the t were to suddenly bolt while you were holding it, there is a great risk of a fall and the abdomen rupturing. So if you decide to handle your t, always try to handle them over a table or while sitting on the floor so the distance of a fall will be greatly minimized.

  This is an amazing tarantula and a perfect species to add to your collection whether you're a beginner or more experienced keeper. Don’t over look this tarantula just because it is a native species to the US. It is always tempting to gravitate towards the exotic and brightly colored Ts from other countries, but there are plenty of amazing species right here in America.  It is a gorgeous display tarantula and a perfect addition to any collection.