Rio Grande Gold Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

carapace and legs

Females have an orange to tan carapace, orange legs with black patellae and black tarsi and metatarsi, and a slightly darker abdomen. Males are dark brown with a black abdomen covered in dark orange hairs and completely black legs.4

Personality what they are like

This tarantula is known for its calm and docile nature. When startled it usually retreats or flicks urticating hairs rather than becoming aggressive. Bites are very rare and the venom is mild. It is not considered a handling pet because it can be skittish and quick to flee.451

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low activity needs. Provide a hide and enough substrate for burrowing (especially for spiderlings). Adults often stay out in the open and do not require a large enclosure; floor space is more important than height.56

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming. Keep the enclosure clean by removing uneaten prey after a few hours to prevent mould and pests. Substrate only needs changing if it becomes mouldy or overly soiled. Provide a shallow water dish and rinse it each time it is refilled.5

Home where they are happiest

A terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height. Use a deep, shape-holding substrate such as organic coco fibre, peat moss or potting soil (no sand or wood chips). Provide a hide (e.g. half-buried cork tube) and a shallow water dish. Temperature 68-80°F (20-27°C), humidity 50-70% with good ventilation. Spiderlings prefer to burrow; adults often use a hide.512

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed live insects such as crickets, mealworms, roaches and superworms. Spiderlings need small prey like pinhead crickets or flightless fruit flies. Adults eat every 10-18 days; spiderlings every 7-14 days. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours. Wait several days after a moult before feeding.51

Company who they like around

This tarantula must be housed alone; it is not communal. It is not venomous to humans in a medically significant way, but it can flick urticating hairs. There are no legal restrictions on keeping it in most countries, but always check local rules.23

The story where it all began

Aphonopelma moderatum was first described by Chamberlin and Ivie in 1939. It is native to the Rio Grande Valley region of southern Texas and parts of Mexico, where it lives in dry grasslands and desert scrub. Recent genetic studies have confirmed it as a distinct species within the Aphonopelma genus. It has become a popular pet tarantula due to its beautiful golden colouration and calm temperament.71

Recognised by the official bits

Integrated Taxonomic Information System

Taxonomic Serial No. 8511128