Aphonopelma chalcodes (Arizona Blonde Tarantula)

Aphonopelma chalcodes

May differ from pictured

Aphonopelma chalcodes, also known as the Arizona Blond Tarantula, is a species of tarantula native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

As its common name suggests, Aphonopelma chalcodes has a distinctive golden-brown coloration on its body and legs. Females can grow up to 5 inches (12.7 cm) in leg span, while males are smaller, typically around 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) in leg span. Like all tarantulas, they have eight legs, two fangs, and can produce silk.

These tarantulas are primarily ground-dwelling, but they can climb and are known to burrow in loose soil or sand. They are generally nocturnal, and their diet consists of insects and other small invertebrates. They are relatively docile and are commonly kept as pets, although they require a specialized setup that provides them with appropriate temperature, humidity, and substrate.