Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Aphonopelma hentzi [dark variety]

Common name: Texas Brown

Indigenous: USA, (Colorado)

Habitat: Desert, scrubland

Temp/humidity: 70°-85° (21.1°-29.4°C)/55%-70%  humidity I keep this species temperature at 80° (26.6°C) 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 after they reached 1/2" (1.27cm) I introduced baby crickets. My Texas Brown, I give two (2) one-half inch B. dubia roaches or 2 adult crickets weekly. This species is a good eater.

Water Requirements: I keep a water dish in the tank. I have never seen mine drink. I keep the substrate in the terrarium dry.

Growth Rate: The growth rate of this species is slow. I purchased this tarantula as a spiderling of 1/4" (0.3175cm) in size. After the first year she had only grown to one inch (2.54cm). With constant feeding and with temperatures in the low 80's, they will reach a size of three inches (7.62cm) within five years. After she attained a leg length of three inches (7.62cm), they tend to stay outside of their burrow more often.

Adult Size: I read that they get five inches (12,7cm). Mine is only three inches (7.62cm).

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

Comments: This is a very delightful species to own. The carapace is a brassy bronze, with brown legs, which make it an attractive species.  It is easy to care for. You will have to kill or sell this tarantula to get rid of it. This is a long lived species.

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