Arizona Blond Tarantula

Aphonopelma chalcodes

Arizonablondetarantulagallery

About the Arizona Blond Tarantula

Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Family: Theraphosidae
Genus: Aphonopelma
Species: chalcodes

This medium-sized tarantula has a light-colored carapace (upper section of its exoskeleton) that's contrasted by its dark legs and abdomen. They're very well adapted to the temperature shifts found in the desert. When disturbed, this spider will use its legs to kick off spine-like hairs from its abdomen. These hairs are irritating and deter predators from eating them. As a last resort, this tarantula will use its fangs to issue a defensive bite. The bite isn't dangerous to humans and can be compared to a bee sting or a mosquito bite.

Tarantula Facts

Size:
6+ inch leg-span

Diet:
Small invertebrates: grasshoppers, crickets, cockroaches, beetles and moths.

Mating/Reproduction:
A mature male tarantula will approach the female’s burrow with caution, tapping and vibrating his legs to draw her out. If the female is receptive, she will allow him to breed. In the weeks following fertilization, the female produces a large egg sac which she aggressively defends.

Behavior:
When disturbed, the Arizona blond will use its legs to kick off spine-like urticating hairs from their abdomens. These hairs are irritating and deter predators. As a last resort, this tarantula will use its fangs to issue a defensive bite.

Habitat/Range:
Saguaro-dominated deserts of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico .

Life Expectancy:
This is a large, slow-growing tarantula. Males are shorter-lived than females and often don’t live past 10 – 12 years, usually dying after reproduction.
Females can live 15 – 20 years, or possibly longer.

Threats:
Tarantulas face threats from loss of habitat and the pet trade.

You Can Find This Animal in the Animal Discovery Center

Fun Fact

Tarantulas get almost all of their moisture from the foods they eat, and they can go for long periods of time --even months-- without eating!

Plan Your Visit To

Stone Zoo