Description
Listed for sale are Aphonopelma chalcodes spiderlings (the Arizona blonde tarantula). A. chalcodes is a US desert species. Thus it’s been around as long as the US hobby. Only Aphonopelma hentzi might challenge that claim.
A. chalcodes has a soft, deserty pastel look to it. Adults show soft shades of tan, beige and brown. In addition, disposition is calm, maybe the calmest among all hobby tarantulas. All these features make the Arizona blonde an excellent first choice for hobby newcomers. Of course, these features draw plenty of hobby veterans too.
Breeders of A. chalcodes, both in the US and overseas, busily try to meet demand. The specimens listed here were bred in Germany.
Because spiderlings of desert species aren’t as drought tolerant as adults, keep your spiderling on slightly dampened substrate. Limit ventilation enough to allow a bit of humidity to build. Don’t mimic desert temperature. Room temperature (68-72F) is more than fine. Warmer temperatures to 80F are acceptable, but watch the substrate. Don’t let it dry out on a spiderling for too long.
Different conditions apply to juveniles and adults. They’ve acquired a fair amount of drought tolerance and will do better in drier enclosures. We sometimes introduce a water dish for a few days to allow the spider to optimize its water status by drinking. It’s not unusual for them to seek the dish and dip their ‘heads.’
Photos: 1,2-recently molted adult female (ArachnoEden); 3-pre- and post-molt adult females (ArachnoEden); 4-stock image
Care highlights:
- slightly dampened substrate for spiderings
- slightly boost humidity by limiting ventilation
- room temperature (68-72F) up to 80F
- juveniles & older specimens can be kept on a drier substrate +/- water dish
- consider a hide, desert litter and plantings for enrichment
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