Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Aphonopelma sp. (New River)

Common name: New River Rust Rump

Indigenous: USA, (Arizona)

Habitat: Scrubland, desert

Temp/humidity: 65°-85° (18.3°-29.4°C) degrees/55%-70%  humidity  I keep this species temperature at 80° (26.6°C) degrees 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 the new born spiderlings fruit flies. When they reached 1/2" (1.27cm) I introduced baby crickets. My sub-adult New River Orange, I give two (2) one-inch (2.54cm) B. dubia roaches or 7 adult crickets weekly. This species is a good eater. The only time this tarantula refuses food is when it is near a molt.

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 medium. I purchased this tarantula as a spiderling of 3/4" (1.905cm) in size. After the first year she had only grown to two inch (5.08cm). With constant feeding and with temperatures in the low 80's, they should 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 their burrow.

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 a very delightful species to own. The carapace is a copper color, the abdomen is rust brown with tan legs, which make it an attractive species. It is an easy to care for T. You will have to kill or sell this tarantula to get rid of it. This will be a long lived companion.

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