Aphonopelma chalcodes Care Sheet
Welcome to the world of Eight Legged Beauties, where we turn fuzzy fear into fascination!
Today we’re shining the spotlight on a laid-back desert classic — Aphonopelma chalcodes, also known as the Desert Blonde or Arizona Blonde Tarantula. With its sandy-blonde setae, slow growth, and long life, this species is a favorite among beginners and long-term keepers alike.
Meet the Species
Scientific name: Aphonopelma chalcodes
Common name: Desert Blonde, Arizona Blonde, Western Desert Tarantula
Type: Terrestrial / burrower
Native to: Southwestern U.S. — particularly southern Arizona — and northern Mexico
Adult size: ~4.5–6″ leg span depending on source
Temperament: Calm, docile, generally slow-moving but may flick urticating hairs if startled
Lifespan: Females up to ~25 years, males ~6–8 years
Experience level: Beginner → Intermediate
Fun Fact:
This desert tarantula is so well adapted to its arid habitat that in captivity it tolerates very dry substrate and does not require frequent misting — making its care simpler than many tropical species.
Setting Up Their Home
In the wild, A. chalcodes digs shallow burrows in the sandy, well-draining soils of the Sonoran Desert.
Enclosure Tips
• For spiderlings: Use a small acrylic box, ~3× leg span wide.
• For juveniles: Medium terrestrial enclosure, width ~3–4× leg span.
• For adults: Larger terrestrial setup, width ~3–4× (or more) leg span; height kept modest to avoid fall risk.
• Orientation: Wider than tall — emphasizes horizontal space over height.
• Security: Ensure a tight-fitting lid, well-drilled ventilation holes; these spiders can be escape artists.
Substrate
Use about ½ to ⅔ of the enclosure depth of:
Organic topsoil / Terra Aranea (or similar mix)
Keep it firm but diggable
For slings: maintain one slightly damp corner; for adults: mostly dry with a moist retreat zone
Add a hide like cork bark, a fake plant, or half a flowerpot. A shallow water dish is essential, even if rarely used.
Temperature & Humidity
Setting Ideal Range Tips
Temperature 70-85°F Room temp is usually fine. Avoid heat lamps or direct sunlight.
Humidity 50-70% Keep mainly dry substrate; lightly mist or overflow water dish occasionally.
Ventilation High Proper airflow prevents mold.
Pro Tip:
Keep substrate’s lower layers a bit damp but let the top layer dry — it gives your tarantula options to pick its comfort zone and mimics natural ground layering.
Feeding Time
Spiderlings
Feed 2× per week
Pinhead crickets, fruit flies, or tiny roaches
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours
Juveniles
Feed every 7–10 days
2–3 small crickets or one medium roach
Adults
Feed every 2–3 weeks
4–5 large crickets or one adult Dubia roach
Tip:
A healthy tarantula’s abdomen should be roughly the same width as its carapace.
Too plump = overfed. Too thin = time for a snack.
After a molt, always wait until the fangs are black again before offering food.
(Usually 24–48 hrs for slings, up to a week or more for adults.)
Behavior & Temperament
This species is known for being very calm and mellow, especially as adults.
• Spiderlings: More skittish and likely to burrow or hide when disturbed
• Adults: Calm in demeanor, will often remain in view or retreat to hides rather than show aggression
• Handling: Often tolerated better than many tarantulas, though handling should still be minimal and careful
Observation tip:
Watch for curled-up hairs, webbing in the hide, or substrate rearrangement — these can be signs of impending molt or comfort behavior.
Common Challenges
Too damp: Mold and mites increase ventilation
Too dry: Dehydration or failed molts
Overfeeding: Lethargy or injury from bloated abdomen
Frequent handling: Stress and hair kicking
Also watch for escape attempts; this species is fast and can dart out if the lid isn't secure.
Final Thoughts
Aphonopelma chalcodes (Desert / Arizona Blonde) is a beautiful, hardy, and long-lived tarantula that’s ideal for keepers who want a low-maintenance, display-focused species. Its calm temperament, adaptability, and longevity make it a standout in the hobby. With a simple terrarium setup mimicking its arid home, this eight-legged beauty will thrive and reward you with decades of calm companionship.