🕷️ Mexican Blonde Tarantula Care Guide
| 🏆 VITAL STATS & DIFFICULTY | |
|---|---|
| Experience Level: | Absolute Beginner |
| Max Leg Span: | 5–6 Inches |
| Lifespan: | Females: 20–30 Years | Males: 5–10 Years |
🏗️ Enclosure & Terrestrial Safety
The Mexican Blonde (Aphonopelma chalcodes), often called the "Desert Blonde," is a hardy, terrestrial species from the deserts of Arizona and Mexico.
Minimum Enclosure Dimensions:
- Adults: 5 to 10 Gallon horizontal tank (approx. 18" x 10" floor space). They do not need large roaming areas.
- Rule of Thumb: 3x the leg span in length and 2x in width. Height should be low.
⚠️ FALL HEIGHT WARNING
This is a heavy-bodied spider. A fall from even 10 inches can rupture its abdomen. Fill the tank at least halfway with substrate so the ceiling is low.
☀️ Light Sensitivity & Ferguson Zone 0
Like most tarantulas, the Mexican Blonde is nocturnal and does not require UVB lighting. They prefer darkness and security.
Ferguson Zone Equivalent:
- ★ Zone 0 (Subterranean): Shade seekers. Target UVI: 0.0.
- Lighting: Normal room ambient light is sufficient to set their day/night cycle.
Avoid heat lamps. Heat lamps can dry them out too quickly. If heat is needed, use a heat mat on the SIDE of the tank, never the bottom.
🌡️ Temperature & Dry Humidity
This is a desert species. They are incredibly tolerant of dry conditions and standard room temperatures.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Ideal Temperature | 70°F - 85°F |
| Humidity Level | 40% - 60% (Dry) |
| CRITICAL LOWER LIMIT | 60°F (Will stop eating) |
| CRITICAL MISTAKE | WET/SWAMPY SOIL |
Pro Tip: Do not mist this species regularly. A water dish is all the humidity they typically need. Wet substrate causes stress and fungal issues for Desert Blondes.
🦗 Insectivorous Feeding & Fasting
Mexican Blondes are opportunistic feeders but have a very slow metabolism. They are famous for "seasonal fasting."
Feeding Schedule:
- Slings: Small crickets/Fruit flies twice a week.
- Adults: 3-4 Large Crickets or 1 Dubia Roach every 2 weeks.
🚨 THE "PET ROCK" FAST
It is completely normal for this species to stop eating for 4 to 6 months during the cooler winter months. As long as the abdomen is not shriveled, do not panic.
🌿 Substrate & Burrowing Depth
In the wild, they dig deep burrows in hard-packed desert soil. You should try to mimic this stability.
Depth & Type:
- Depth: Minimum 4–6 inches. Deeper is better.
- Materials: A mix of ReptiSoil and Play Sand (70/30 mix) works best to hold a tunnel shape. Pure coco fiber is often too soft/fluffy for them.
Note: Pack the substrate down firmly. They like a solid floor, not walking on fluffy dirt.
📝 Maintenance & Behavior Hygiene
✅
Daily: Check the water dish. This is their primary source of hydration.
✅
Weekly: Look for food waste (boluses). They are very clean spiders and usually dump trash in one corner.
✅
Monthly: Check substrate dryness. If it's bone dry, you can overflow the water dish slightly, but don't soak the tank.
✅
Yearly: Deep clean is rarely needed unless the enclosure looks dirty.
🛒 Essential Setup Reference Checklist
Housing & Hardware:
📦 5-10 Gallon Tank (Critter Keeper or Glass)
🏜️ Organic Topsoil and Play Sand
🏠 Cork Bark Hide or Half-Log
🥣 Small shallow water dish (bottle cap size for slings)
🌡️ Digital Thermometer
Care Supplies:
🥢 12" Feeding Tongs (Never use hands)
🧪 Soft Paintbrush (For moving the spider)
🦗 Crickets or Mealworms
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are they good for beginners? They are arguably the BEST beginner tarantula. They are docile, slow-moving, and very hardy.
Can I handle it? They are very tolerant and often considered the "teddy bears" of the spider world, but handling always carries a risk of dropping them.
Why is it burying itself? They are fossorial (burrowers). It is normal for them to disappear into a hole for weeks at a time.
Does it have urticating hairs? Yes. While they rarely kick them, they do have itchy hairs on their abdomen. Wash hands after maintenance.
How fast do they grow? Incredibly slow. It can take 5 to 10 years for a female to reach full adult size.
Why is it bald on its butt? Either it has kicked hair due to stress, or it is in "pre-molt." If the bald spot turns black, a molt is coming soon.
Do they bite? Bites are extremely rare. They prefer to flee or hide. The venom is mild, similar to a bee sting.
Wild caught vs Captive Bred? Many adults in pet stores are wild-caught. Try to buy Captive Bred (CB) to ensure the age and health of the spider.
Why is it climbing the walls? This usually means the substrate is too wet. They hate wet feet. Let the enclosure dry out.
What is a "Death Curl"? If the legs curl strictly UNDER the body, the spider is dehydrated or dying. Place its mouthparts in a water dish immediately.
Do they need a heat mat? Unless your house is freezing (<65°F), no. Room temperature (72-76°F) is perfectly fine for them.
Can I feed it pinky mice? No. Vertebrate meat is too high in calcium and fat for tarantulas and can cause molting issues. Stick to bugs.
Why is the abdomen shriveled? Dehydration or hunger. Offer water immediately and try feeding.
Is it dead or molting? If it is on its BACK, it is molting (alive). If it is on its stomach with legs curled under, it is sick/dying.
Do they make webs? Very little. They might web a "welcome mat" at the entrance of their burrow, but they don't web up the whole tank like other species.
