Description
Aphonopelma sp. “El Grullo” is a not-so-commonly seen New World species found western central Mexico. Listed here for sale is a captive-bred, juvenile A. sp. “El Grullo” female.
A. sp. “El Grullo” is another of the docile Aphonopelma series. Adult females are medium size and dark, almost black in freshly molted specimens. Aphonoplema in general are hardy tarantulas with long lifespans. All these traits make the dry cross tarantula suitable for newcomers to the hobby.
As we’ve mentioned with respect to Aphonopelma chalcodes, an 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 that it can take over a year to raise a spiderling to this female’s size and statistically, one has to raise at least 3 to likely have a female at all. Even experienced keepers appreciate this advantage.
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, better to use lower temperatures. Aphonopelma live away from the heat of the sun, under a rock perhaps in the shade of brush for example. It’s cooler and more humid there. In captivity, anything in the 70s is more than fine. The warmer the temperature the better her appetite and the faster her growth will be. Just make sure things don’t go completely dry inside for too long.
The most recent photo shows the dry cross tarantula with its distinguishing dark base color.
Photos: 1-specimen for sale, recent molt (ArachnoEden), 2-specimen for sale before recent molt (ArachnoEden); 3-adult color (breeder)
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
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