Sub-Adult Arizona Blonde Tarantula, Aphonopelma Chalcodes

About

The Arizona Blonde Tarantula, also known as Aphonopelma chalcodes, is a tarantula species native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a medium-sized tarantula, with a leg span of around 5 inches and a body length of about 2 inches. As a fossorial burrowing species, it prefers a dry habitat and can often be found hiding under rocks or logs. This species is named for its stunning golden-brown body which expertly camouflages into its native desert habitat.

Temperament

Arizona blonde tarantulas are considered extremely docile and handleable, making them perfect for beginner keepers. However, like all tarantulas, this species can become stressed or frightened if it feels threatened or handled too roughly. When threatened, it may flick urticating hairs from its abdomen, which can be irritating or cause an allergic reaction.

Care Difficulty

The Arizona Blonde Tarantula is considered to be a relatively easy species to care for and is a good choice for beginner tarantula keepers. This species is generally hardy and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, as long as their basic needs are met. They require a terrarium that is at least three times their leg span, with a substrate that allows for burrowing. They prefer temperatures between 70-85°F / 21-29°C and a humidity level of around 40-60% RH. Arizona Blonde Tarantulas are carnivorous and primarily feed on live insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. They are also known to eat other small invertebrates such as grasshoppers, beetles, and even small lizards or rodents in the wild. In captivity, it's important to provide a varied diet of appropriately-sized prey items to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients for their health and wellbeing.