Arizona Blonde Tarantula

Aphonopelma chalcodes

The Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes), also called the western desert tarantula, is a terrestrial species from the deserts and grasslands of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Females are usually tan to blonde on the carapace with darker legs and abdomen, while mature males are slimmer and roam in search of mates. Like many Aphonopelma, it grows slowly and females can live for many years.

In the tarantula hobby, this species is valued for its steady pace and straightforward setup, but it is still a fragile venomous invertebrate. A dry enclosure with a hide, suitable substrate for burrowing, a shallow water dish, and modest ventilation is usually more important than elaborate decoration. Handling should be limited because falls can kill tarantulas and urticating hairs may irritate skin or eyes. Wild collection is regulated in some areas, making captive-bred spiderlings the better option when available.