Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Aphonopelma armada

Common name: Texas Black Spot

Indigenous: Southwest USA

Habitat: The Southwest United States climate is semi-arid to arid. This area encompassed southern inland California, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Nevada and Texas.

The arid (desert) area receives less than 250 mm (10 in) of rainfall annually. During the day temperatures are high. In the evening, temperatures drop quickly, resulting in great variations in temperature within a 24-hour period. Winter is brief and mild. Summer is long and scorching hot. Temperatures during the hottest months average from 29° C - 35° C (from 85° F - 95° F), and the midday readings of 40° C - 43° C (105° F - 110° F). The winter daily maximum usually averages 18° C - 24° C (65° F - 75° F). Winter nights are chilly, averaging 7° C - 13° C (45° F - 55° F).

The coastal Southwest summers are dry and winters are rainy, but pleasant. Summer temperatures range from 20°- 28.9° C (68° - 84° F), and winter temperatures are 4° - 10° C (40° - 50° F). The average precipitation of 360 mm - 640 mm (14 in - 26 in) per year occurs during the cool winter season. Summer months are dry.

Plants and animals that live in deserts have adapted to the arid condition so that they require less water. During the day many critters burrow into the ground to avoid the blistering sun heat and then come out at night to feed

Temp/humidity: This species can be kept at 21.1°-29.4°C (70°- 85° F) and 55%-70% humidity I keep my girl's temperature at 26.7C (80°)  and the humidity at 65%.

Enclosure: Use an terrarium that will allow at least four inches (10.16cm) of substrate

Substrate: I use four inches (10.16cm) of substrate. (I use a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber and dirt for firmness, as the substrate).

Retreat/Hide: Place a bark for a starter burrow hide

Food Consumption: I fed my new born spiderlings fruit flies, than when they reached one-half inch (1.27cm) I introduced baby crickets, My sub-adult Aphonopelma armada, I give two (2) one inch B. dubia roaches or five (5) adult crickets weekly. This species is a so-so eater.

Water Requirements: I keep a water dish in the tank, but she always filled it with substrate. I have never seen mine drink. I basically keep the substrate in the terrarium dry.

Growth Rate: The growth rate of this species is slow. I purchased this tarantula as a sub-adult of four inches (10.16cm). With constant feeding and with temperatures in the low 80's, she should reach a size of five inches (12.7cm) within three (3) years. 

Adult Size: I read that they get five inches (12.7cm). Mine is only four inches (10.16cm).

Temperament: This is a docile species. It has never kicked hair at me nor given a threat pose

Comments: This is one of the few wild caught tarantulas I own. This is a delightful species to own. The carapace is a brassy bronze, with brown legs, which make it an attractive species and easy to care for. You will have to kill or sell this tarantula to get rid of it. This is another long lived Aphonopelma.

All rights reserved, ©

All photos on this website are courtesy of Mike Basic Tarantula unless stated otherwise. It's prohibited to copy without permission of author.