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Continue ShoppingAphonopelma chalchodes - Female - Arizona Blond Tarantula
- $179.99
In stock
BEGINNERFEMALE
At a glance
- Keeper level
- Beginner
- Lifestyle
- Terrestrial
- Adult size
- 4–5 inches
- Temperament
- Calm and unhurried — a rewarding display species for keepers who enjoy watching natural behavior.
Keeper notes
Best appreciated as a display species — observe through the enclosure and enjoy the show. Use long feeding tongs for prey delivery and routine maintenance. Not a handling species.
About this species
- Scientific Name
- Aphonopelma chalchodes
- Common Name
- Arizona Blonde Tarantula
- World Type
- New World
- Growth Rate
- Very Slow
- Origin
- Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada (Sonoran Desert)
- Habitat
- Arid desert scrubland, bajadas, creosote flats
- Display Appeal
- Medium
Highlights
Healthy, active, and shipped with care
Native range: USA / Mexico
Adult size: 4–6 inches
Keeper level: Beginner to Intermediate
Terrestrial / Fossorial — desert scrubland / grassland
Display appeal: Medium
Species profile
Aphonopelma chalchodes — commonly known as the Arizona Blond Tarantula — is a New World terrestrial / fossorial species with a natural range spanning USA / Mexico. In ideal conditions, adults reach a legspan of 4–6 inches, displaying the full coloration and presence this species is prized for in the hobby. Maintain temperatures of 70–82°F with 40–60% relative humidity and this animal will reward you with years of reliable display and fascinating behavior.
Listing details
Aphonopelma chalchodes - Female - Arizona Blond Tarantula
Aphonopelma chalcodes, commonly known as the western desert tarantula, Arizona blond tarantula or Mexican blond tarantula is a species of spider belonging to the family Theraphosidae. It has a limited distribution in the deserts of Arizona and adjacent parts of Mexico but can be very common within this range. The common name "blond tarantula" refers to the carapace, which is densely covered in pale hairs, and contrasts strongly with the all-dark legs and abdomen. The female body length is up to 56 mm, males only reaching 44 mm.
These are wild caught individuals sourced from a collector in Tuscon.
Photo by NV
Care guidance
Keep in a spacious terrestrial enclosure with ample floor area. Maintain 70–82°F and 40–60% humidity. Provide dry sandy substrate at least 3–4 inches deep with a secure hide and a shallow water dish — consistency in these basics is the key to a thriving specimen.