Mike's Basic Tarantula

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Aphonopelma sp., “Hualapai”

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Common name: Hualapai Dwarf

Indigenous: Arizona, Southwester USA

Habitat: The Southwest United States climate is semiarid 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 three inches (7.62cm) 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, This dwarf I give one half inch B. dubia roache or  one adult cricket weekly. This species is a casual 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 three-fourth inch (1.90cm) in size. With constant feeding and with temperatures in the low 80's (26.6C), she has reached a size of two inches (5.08cm) within three (3) years. 

Adult Size: This is a true dwarf species. It will only reach two inches (5.08cm)

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

Comments: This is a delightful, feisty dwarf species to own. The carapace is a brassy bronze color, with brown legs, which make it an attractive species and easy to care for. This being an Aphonopelma species, you can expect it to be long lived.