The Desert Blonde Tarantula
The Desert Blonde Tarantula is scientifically known as the Aphonopelma Chalcodes. Other common names include the Arizona Blonde, the Mexican Blonde and the Western Desert tarantula. This species is a beautiful display tarantula and is suitable for newcomers to the hobby.
Origins and Natural Habitat
This species hails from the Southern Arizona desert in the USA and Northern Mexico. Temperatures range from low 60s to 115 deg F in summer and can drop to freezing in winter.
This species is a new world terrestrial tarantula who burrows to avoid the harsh desert climate. The A. Chalcodes isn’t a heavy web maker, instead creates a silkscreen around the opening of its burrow and within the burrow itself. The silkscreen opening traps prey and alerts this species that dinner is served. Silk is added to the walls of the tunnel to provide comfort and safety within its home.
This species generally docile in nature, will run from danger and kick urticating setae should it feel threatened.
Growth and Colouration
The female of this species is a blonde/tan colour while the male can be tan with black legs and a red-tinted abdomen. The A. Chalcodes can grow up to 6 inches in size and is considered a slow grower within the hobby. Females can live for 25+ years while the males can live up to 8 years. Both male and female can take years to mature, usually up to 5 or 6 years.
But does it make a good pet?
The A. Chalcodes is suitable as a first tarantula for newcomers to the hobby or as a new addition to existing collections. The blonde colour of this species makes it a stunning display tarantula. However, there are pros and cons to keeping any tarantula as a pet, and here we hope to highlight what we feel are important points to note.
The A. Chalcodes is considered as suitable for beginners – it is generally docile in nature and easily found within the pet trade. This species isn’t regarded as being expensive, and females have a long lifespan.
The A. Chalcodes possesses urticating setae and mildly venomous fangs. Although regarded as being gentle in nature, this species has been known to kick hairs and strike a threat pose. A specimen may be a model pet for years and can suddenly change temperament after a molt. It is worth noting that each specimen has its own individual personality. Although this species is considered docile, different specimens may kick hair or bite given the opportunity.
It is not recommended to handle your pet tarantula; however, there are times when this is unavoidable. If you must handle your tarantula, it is highly recommended to test the temperament of your pet before doing so, and always wash your hands after handling.
This species is also known to go on hunger strike for weeks and months at a time. Some keepers welcome this behaviour, making the species easier to keep, while others find this stressful – fearing their pet is going to starve itself to death. For newcomers, this is certainly something to remember in times of fasting, that everything is as standard, and there’s no need to panic.
Enclosure
This species prefers a large enclosure with lots of floor space. Aim for x3 leg span in width. Lots of ventilation holes should be provided, allowing for plenty of air movement. This species will be perfectly happy at temperatures between the high 60s to 73 deg F.
Like most species, only one spider per enclosure. The substrate should be kept dry, adding a water bowl in one corner of the enclosure to provide hydration and to maintain humidity. The substrate should be at least 4 – 6 inches deep, as this species is a keen burrower.
A. Chalcodes likes to move substrate around and will create its own burrow – so expect your new friend to make itself at home and rearrange its living quarters. It will spend a lot of time in its newly built home.
Cork bark and fake plants are always a welcome addition. They provide hiding spots should the spider feel stressed or about to molt.
Feeding time
As mentioned earlier, this species is known to go on hunger strike for weeks and months at a time. This is a time to remain calm. Your specimen will develop an appetite when it is ready to do so.
When your Desert Blonde does eat – crickets, roaches and mealworm are recommended. Pre-kill prey for spiderlings. Juveniles and adults can handle live food and will gladly hunt them down. Feed a couple of insects a week to keep your tarantula healthy. It’s essential to remove any remains of uneaten food from the enclosure within 24 hours to prevent mould and mites from developing.
Breeding Time
This is a tricky species to breed. Due to their nervous nature, the smaller male is intimidated by larger and more dominant females. As a result, the male will retreat and seek cover before mating can occur. This is not to say that it can’t or won’t happen in captivity, just that it has been reported as being complicated by experienced breeders and keepers.
Breeding the A. Chalcodes is similar to breeding many other tarantulae. The male should be introduced to the female enclosure, and at a distance. Allow the pair to grow accustomed to each other and begin to perform their ritual. The couple will perform a drumming pattern to declare their interest and will approach each other to start. The process is a lengthy one and must be supervised throughout. Pay close attention to when the act is completed as the female may attack and kill the much smaller male afterwards. When finished, the male will run away to escape the female and protect itself from attack. The time from successful mating to hatching can be as little as 4 months. It’s essential to keep a close eye on the female during this period. Ensure she is well fed and try not to disrupt her enclosure.
In Conclusion – the Key Points
The Desert Blonde (A. Chalcodes) is recommended for both beginners and experienced keepers in the hobby. This species is readily available and easy to pick up. The A. Chalcodes is not recommended as a first tarantula due to its mood swings and fasting behaviour. This species can be easily kept as a second/third tarantula. A. Chalcodes species will burrow for the duration of its life; however, the colour of this species make it a stunning display tarantula.
