Desert / Mexican Blond Tarantula

It has a limited distribution in the deserts of Arizona and adjacent parts of Mexico but can be very common within this range. The common name "blond tarantula" refers to the carapace, which is densely covered in pale hairs and contrasts strongly with the all-dark legs and abdomen. The female body length is up to 56 mm, males only reaching 44 mm.

Also Known As:

Mexican Blonde Tarantula

Size:

Desert Blonde Tarantulas can have a leg span of up to 6 inches (leg

Life Span (females):

About 20 years (as with other tarantulas the life span of males is much shorter)

Housing:

A small (5-10 gallon) tank is suitable for Desert Blonde Tarantulas. The width of the tank should be two to three times wider than the leg span of the spider wide, and only as tall as the spider's leg span. 3 inches of peat moss, soil, or vermiculite can be used as a substrate. Wood, cork bark, or half of a small clay flower pot can be used for a shelter/retreat. Desert blondes will often dig a deep burrow in the substrate.

Temperature:

75-80 F (24-27 C)
Humidity: 65-70%

Feeding:

Crickets and other large insects (must be pesticide free), occasional pinky mouse for adults.

Temperament:

Desert Blonde Tarantulas are considered slightly more aggressive than other "beginner" species.

Notes:

This is a long-lived but slow growing species.

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