Aphonopelma hentzi Care Guide

The Texas Brown Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Alright, today we’re talking about Aphonopelma hentzi, also known as the Texas Brown Tarantula (it’s also called the Oklahoma Brown or Missouri Tarantula). This New World terrestrial species is native to the southern United States, particularly in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas. With its muted bronze or brass-colored carapace, burgundy or brown abdomen, and black legs, it might not be as flashy as some species, but its docile nature, long lifespan, and low-maintenance care make it a favorite, especially for beginners.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Aphonopelma hentzi

• Common Names: Texas Brown Tarantula, Colorado Brown Tarantula, Oklahoma Brown Tarantula, Missouri Tarantula

• Type: Terrestrial

• Native Range: Southern United States

• Size: 4”-5” diagonal leg span (10-12.5 cm)

• Growth Rate: Slow

• Life Expectancy: Females 30+ years / Males 7-10 years

• Experience Level: Beginner

What Makes A. hentzi So Special?

The Texas Brown Tarantula may not have the flashy colors of some of its exotic relatives, but what it lacks in bold markings, it more than makes up for in hardiness, ease of care, and impressive longevity. With its rich, earthy tones ranging from warm brown to subtle bronze highlights, Aphonopelma hentzi has a natural beauty that reflects the rugged landscapes of its native habitat. While it’s often mistaken for its close cousin, the Arizona Blonde (Aphonopelma chalcodes), A. hentzi is generally darker and more subtly colored, blending seamlessly into the scrublands and prairies of the southern U.S.

One of the biggest draws of this species is its calm, docile temperament, making it an excellent choice for beginner keepers looking for a low-maintenance tarantula. While it is a burrower by nature, often taking up residence in abandoned rodent burrows or creating its own, it tends to be more visible than some of the deeper-digging fossorial species, especially as it matures. Its adaptability and resilience make it a fantastic display species for those who appreciate a no-fuss, laid-back tarantula with a steady routine and a long lifespan.

A Species at Risk

Though Aphonopelma hentzi is common in the pet trade, its natural habitat faces challenges from urban expansion and land development in the southern U.S. As always, it’s wise to source your tarantulas from reputable breeders who offer captive-bred specimens.

Natural Habitat & What That Means for Enclosure Setup

In the wild, A. hentzi inhabits drier savannas, scrublands, and prairies where the environment is generally warm and low in humidity. Mimicking these conditions in captivity can help your tarantula thrive. A setup with a deep substrate for burrowing is ideal, allowing them to create a secure hide and regulate their body temperature naturally.

Housing & Substrate

Spiderlings

• Enclosure Size: Sling Crib, 3" Tarantula Cube, Small Slider Crib, Small Cuboid, Terrestrial Sling Crib, Slider Crib Mini, Cuboid Mini

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

• Humidity: Keep the environment slightly damp (but not swampy) with a small water dish or by gently dripping water on the enclosure sides once a week.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size: Medium Slider Crib, 6" Tarantula Cube, 8" Tarantula Cube, Medium Cuboid

• Substrate: I recommend using Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude, filling the enclosure to at least 2/3 of its depth.

• Humidity: Aim to keep the substrate mostly dry while allowing for a slight damp area—this helps mimic their natural, low-humidity habitat.

• Additional Features: A cork bark hide and a full water dish are useful for providing shelter and hydration.

Adults

• Enclosure Size: Large Slider Crib, 12" Cube, 18" Cube, Terrestrial XL

• Substrate: Line the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude, filling it about halfway to 2/3rds deep to accommodate deep burrowing.

• Additional Features: A hide, water dish, decorations, and ample space to burrow are recommended. A secure, tight lid is preferred (avoid thin mesh lids).

Note: Consider using this affiliate link or entering the affiliate code TTC10 at Tarantula Cribs to save 10% on everything.

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: Aim for around 70-78°F (21-25°C) — standard room temperatures work well.

• Humidity: Moderate; since A. hentzi prefers a drier environment, try to keep the substrate on the dry side with only occasional misting or drips to maintain slight dampness.

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings

• Frequency: 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)

Juveniles

• Frequency: Once every 7-10 days

• Prey: 1-2 small to medium crickets, adjusted according to the tarantula’s appetite and abdomen size. Avoid overfeeding, as it can trigger premature molting.

Adults

• Frequency: Every 2 weeks or as needed

• Prey: 6-8 large crickets; note that adults may go long periods without feeding as they are opportunistic feeders. Adjust feeding frequency based on their condition, especially after molting.

Feeding Guidelines:
Feed based on the size of the tarantula’s abdomen. Smaller abdomens might benefit from slightly more frequent feedings, while a wider abdomen suggests less frequent feeding to help prevent obesity and other issues.

Behavior & Temperament

The Texas Brown Tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi) is known for its laid-back and tolerant nature, making it one of the most beginner-friendly species in the hobby. As a terrestrial burrower, it spends much of its time near or inside its burrow, occasionally venturing out to explore or hunt for food. While juveniles tend to be more skittish and prone to darting into hiding at the slightest disturbance, adults are typically much more relaxed, preferring to stay put rather than react with speed or aggression.

When startled, A. hentzi is more likely to retreat to safety than stand its ground defensively. While it possesses urticating hairs, it rarely kicks them unless it feels seriously threatened. Biting is even more uncommon, as this species generally relies on its burrow as its primary line of defense. That being said, like any tarantula, it should be respected and observed rather than handled unnecessarily.

Breeding Aphonopelma hentzi in Captivity

Breeding Aphonopelma hentzi (Texas Brown Tarantula) is relatively straightforward, but like many Aphonopelma species, it requires patience due to their slow growth rate and long maturation period. Fortunately, captive breeding is a great way to ensure healthy, sustainable populations in the hobby without the need to remove wild specimens.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Male Maturity: Males typically mature between 5–8 years, developing tibial hooks and enlarged pedipalps for sperm transfer.

• Female Maturity: Females take longer, often 8–12 years, before reaching reproductive maturity.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: The female should be well-fed before introduction to reduce aggression. Some breeders also introduce a cooling period (65–70°F for a few months) before pairing to mimic seasonal changes.

Mating Process

• Introduce the male at night, when both tarantulas are more active.

• The male will drum on the substrate to signal his presence.

• 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.

• After mating, the male should be removed immediately, as the female may attack him, though A. hentzi is typically less aggressive than some other species.

Egg Sac Production

• If fertilization is successful, the female will begin developing an egg sac 4–6 months after mating.

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

• The female will guard the egg sac, which typically contains 300–800 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 after 8–10 weeks, molting into 2nd instar within 3–4 weeks.

Raising Spiderlings

• Once the spiderlings 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. hentzi is generally docile, but females may still attack the male after mating, so supervision is necessary.

• Slow growth rate: With long maturation times, breeding this species requires patience and long-term commitment.

• Seasonal breeding cues: Some breeders have higher success rates when introducing a cooling period before mating to simulate seasonal changes.

• Male lifespan: Males usually survive only 6–12 months after reaching maturity, so breeding should be attempted as soon as possible.

• Winter Diapause Required for Egg Sac Production: Unlike many 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.

The Texas Brown Tarantula is one of the most commonly encountered wild tarantulas in the U.S., but that doesn't mean they should be taken from their natural habitat. By supporting captive breeding efforts, we can ensure healthy, captive-bred specimens are available without the need to remove wild populations. Captive breeding preserves wild ecosystems while providing hardy, well-adjusted tarantulas for keepers of all experience levels.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a hardy, beginner-friendly tarantula with a laid-back temperament and an impressive lifespan, Aphonopelma hentzi is a fantastic choice. This species may not have the bold colors of some of its tropical relatives, but its rugged charm, calm disposition, and fascinating behaviors make it a standout in its own right. Found throughout the central and southern United States, A. hentzi is a true testament to the resilience and adaptability of North American tarantulas.

A Name with History

The species name hentzi is a tribute to Nicholas Marcellus Hentz, a French-American entomologist and arachnologist who made significant contributions to the study of North American spiders in the 19th century. His work laid the foundation for much of what we know today about native tarantula species, making this tarantula’s name a nod to early arachnological research in the U.S.

Field Observations in the Wild

This past fall, I traveled to Colorado to document Aphonopelma hentzi in its natural habitat as male tarantulas began their seasonal migration in search of mates. Every year, as temperatures cool, mature males abandon their burrows and embark on an incredible journey, wandering across grasslands and roads in pursuit of receptive females. This event is often mistaken for a "tarantula migration," but in reality, it’s a desperate final mission for these males, who typically won’t survive much longer after mating. You can watch my full video on this phenomenon over on my YouTube channel for a closer look at these fascinating behaviors in the wild.

Why Keep Aphonopelma hentzi?

As a pet, A. hentzi is a fantastic option for keepers of all experience levels. Its docile temperament, tolerance of a wide range of conditions, and minimal care requirements make it one of the easiest tarantulas to keep in captivity. It also boasts impressive longevity, with females living 20+ years in ideal conditions. Whether you’re a first-time tarantula owner or an experienced keeper looking to add a piece of North American tarantula history to your collection, Aphonopelma hentzi is a rewarding species that embodies the rugged beauty of the U.S. tarantula scene.

Additional Recommendations

For enclosures, I highly recommend Tarantula Cribs—they make some of the best acrylic enclosures on the market. Be sure to use affiliate code TTC10 for 10% off your purchase. When it comes to substrate, I suggest using Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude, which holds humidity well and supports natural behaviors like burrowing.

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