Aphonopelma sp. 'Michoacan’ Tarantula

Aphonopelma sp. 'Michoacan' (Michoacan Tarantula)

The Michoacan Tarantula, or Aphonopelma sp. 'Michoacan', is a terrestrial tarantula from Michoacan, Mexico. Adults of this species have a gray-to-blonde base with reddish highlights throughout. Spiderlings do not start out colorful and the adult colors come in around 2 to 2.5 inches, while the species only grows to about 5 inches in diagonal leg span. Like others in the genus, along with Brachypelma, this species lives a long time, with females living 20 to 30 years while males live 3 to 5 years. This species is also very calm and forgiving, and one we recommend for beginner keepers or anyone who wants an easier keeping experience. Grab this docile new world tarantula for sale today, offered here as a juvenile or sexed female.

Why do hobbyists keep Aphonopelma sp. 'Michoacan'?

• Gray To Blonde Coloration: This species has a gray-to-blonde base color with reddish highlights throughout.
• Docile Temperament: This species is slow moving and very deliberate, not particularly skittish, and docile on top of that.
• Great Beginner Species: A calm temperament and forgiving care needs make this one of the easiest Aphonopelma for a first-time keeper.
• Great Display Species: This species stays out in the open on the surface rather than staying hidden below ground, so there is usually something to see.

How should Aphonopelma sp. 'Michoacan' be kept?

• Enclosure: Sized in three stages so the enclosure is never bigger than the animal needs at each point in its growth. Good ventilation is critical. Cross ventilation works best, but ample top ventilation can also be effective as long as the enclosure is not over-misted. Exact dimensions for each size are on that size's own page.
• Rehousing: Each size page states the remaining cage sizes and roughly how long each one lasts at this species' growth rate.
• Temperature: Keep this species between 65 and 75°F, in line with the terrestrial range it comes from. Typical indoor room temperature works well without any extra heating.
• Humidity: Water it and let it dry rather than keeping it damp. Aim for substrate that dries out within about a day after you add moisture, and never let it sit soaking.
• Water: A shallow textured water dish works well, something they can grip when climbing out.
• Diet: We recommend prey size from a pinhead cricket up to a cricket about a quarter the length of the leg span, depending on the size you choose. Feed at least once a week at every stage, spiderlings included.
• Temperament: Docile and unlikely to act defensively, more likely to retreat than stand its ground when startled.

Which size should I choose?

• 2-2.5" Juvenile: our most affordable entry into this species, with the gray-to-blonde coloration already showing.
• 2.5-3" Female: a confirmed female, further along with the full coloration on display.

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

• Captive Bred: All tarantulas at Exotics Unlimited are captive bred.