Mike's Basic Tarantula
A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast
Aphonopelma sp. (paysoni)
Common name: Payson Blonde
Indigenous: USA, (Arizona)
Habitat: desert, scrubland
Temp/humidity: 70-85 degrees/55%-70%  humidity  I keep this species temperature at 80 degrees and the humidity at 65%.
Enclosure: Use a spiderling vial that will allow at least three inches (7.62cm) of substrate for burrowing, and four inches (10.16cm) as sub-adult-adult.
Substrate: I use three inches 7.62cm) of substrate in vial and four inches (10.16cm) in terrarium. (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 first fed her fruit flies, than when she reached 1/2" (1.27cm) I introduced baby crickets. Now I give my Payson Blonde (2) - one-half inch B. dubia roaches or two (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" (0.635cm) in size. After the first year she had only grown to one inch (2.54cm). With constant feeding and with temperatures in the low to mid 80's, it will probably reach a size of three inches (7.62cm) within five years at this growth rate.
Adult Size: I read that they get five inches (5") leg length. Mine is only four inches (10.16cm).
Temperament: This is a docile specie. It has never kicked hair at me nor given a threat pose.
Comments: This is a undescribed species. I am a avid collector of the genus Aphonopelma; therefore any new species that I have an opportunity to collect, I will. This is a very delightful species to own. She has not attained her true color as of yet, stay tuned. It is easy to care for. I expect this to be  a long lived species, for most Aphonopelma species are.
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