Aphonopelma chalcodes
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Aphonopelma chalcodes
Aphonopelma chalcodes
The Aphonopelma chalcodes, also known as the Arizona blonde tarantula, is a big, furry spider that lives in the desert. They are gentle and mostly stay in their burrows, coming out at night to hunt for food.
Habitat: Desert
Appearance
The Aphonopelma chalcodes is a medium-sized tarantula, often called the Desert Blonde due to its pale, sandy-colored body and legs. Females are typically lighter, displaying a golden-blonde hue, while males are darker, almost black. Its entire body is covered in fine, velvety hairs.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassArachnidaOrderAraneaeFamilyTheraphosidaeGenusAphonopelma
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Males are often nearly black, a striking contrast to the blonde females!
Their bite is typically milder than a common bee or wasp sting.
These desert dwellers can go for many months without eating a single meal!
They are often called 'Desert Blondes' for their beautiful pale coloring.
Special abilities
Ability
Hair Flick Defense
Aphonopelma chalcodes can flick tiny, irritating hairs from its abdomen that helps them defend against predators.
Ability
Venomous Bite
Aphonopelma chalcodes has fangs that deliver mild venom that helps them quickly paralyze insect prey.
Ability
Silk Weaver
Aphonopelma chalcodes can produce silk that helps them line burrows and create alarm tripwires for hunting prey.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 50-70 mm
- Lifespan
- 9125-10950 days
- Leg Count
- 8
Diet & Feeding
Aphonopelma chalcodes mainly eats insects and other small creatures it ambushes from its burrow.
Age differences: Younger tarantulas eat smaller insects, while adults can tackle larger prey.
Primary Foods
- crickets
- grasshoppers
- beetles
- moths
- small lizards
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Tarantula Hawk Wasp
Pepsis formosa
This large wasp paralyzes and lays eggs on tarantulas.
eaten by
Greater Roadrunner
Geococcyx californianus
Roadrunners are fast desert birds that prey on spiders.
hunts
field cricket
Gryllus assimilis
An important food source for the tarantula in its desert habitat.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Arizona Blonde Tarantula
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Always watch from a distance and never try to touch or catch a tarantula.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Aphonopelma chalcodes?
50-70 mm
How long does Aphonopelma chalcodes live?
9125-10950 days
What does Aphonopelma chalcodes eat?
Aphonopelma chalcodes mainly eats insects and other small creatures it ambushes from its burrow.
Where is Aphonopelma chalcodes usually found?
Desert
How does Aphonopelma chalcodes hunt?
Ambush
How many legs does Aphonopelma chalcodes have?
8
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