Aphonopelma chalcodes female • 2 1/2″ (Arizona blonde)

Description

Listed here for sale is a juvenile Aphonopelma chalcodes female. A. chalcodes, the Arizona blonde tarantula, is a New World desert species, found in Arizona and surrounding states. Its range even extends to northern Mexico. The Arizona blonde is a cornerstone species. Many a hobbyist has kept one as their first tarantula. Many experienced keepers continue to enjoy them.

A. chalcodes is a docile, remarkably gentle tarantula. Because of this trait, it and the curly hair tarantula (Tliltocatl albopilosus) make excellent first choices for newcomers. A. chalcodes has a soft, deserty look to it, presenting in shades of pastel tan, beige and brown. Aphonoplema in general are hardy tarantulas with long lifespans.

One advantage to starting with a juvenile female is that the hobbyist, especially the new hobbyist, doesn’t have to worry about raising the more sensitive spiderling. Another reason is it can take over a year to raise a spiderling to the size of this female and statistically one has to raise at least 3 to likely have a female at all. Thus, even experienced keepers will purchase this tarantula.

We suggest you keep her on slightly dry substrate, preferably with a clean water dish to support hydration. Limit ventilation somewhat to allow just a bit of humidity to build.

There’s no need to mimic desert temperatures. Indeed, it’s better to use lower temperatures. Tarantulas such as A. chalcodes live away from the heat of the sun, under a rock that’s perhaps in the shade of brush for example. It’s cooler and more humid there. Turns out that anything in the 70s is more than fine. The warmer the temperature the faster her growth will be. Just make sure things don’t go completely dry inside for too long. Even a desert spider needs water.

Photos: 1-representative photo of the specimen for sale (ArachnoEden), 2-pre- and post-molt adult females (ArachnoEden); 4-adult female (ArachnoEden)

Care highlights:

• slightly dry substrate for juveniles through adults
• slightly boost humidity by limiting ventilation +/- a water dish
• room temperature (68-72F) up to 80F
• consider a hide, desert litter and plantings for enrichment