Aphonopelma moderatum

Aphonopelma moderatum is a species of spider in the family Theraphosidae, found in United States, in the state of Texas.[2] Commonly called the Rio Grande Gold Tarantula as they are found in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.[3]

Aphonopelma moderatum
Female
Male
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Mygalomorphae
Family: Theraphosidae
Genus: Aphonopelma
Species:
A. moderatum
Binomial name
Aphonopelma moderatum
Synonyms[2]
  • Aphonopelma heterops Chamberlin, 1940

Description

Females

Females live around 22 to 40 years.[4][5] They own an orange to tan carapace with a slightly darker opisthosoma. The legs are mainly orange, beginning with an orange femur, with a black patella, followed by an orange tibia, while the tarsus and metatarsus are fully black.

Males

Males live around 7 years,[4][5] owning a dark brown carapace, with a black opisthosoma covered by dark orange hairs. While the legs are completely black.

Behavior

They are known for their docile nature; if frightened they may fling hairs or run away, though this is rare. In very unique cases this spider may bite, though the venom is mild. While slings are more prone to burrowing, adults will usually find a hide instead of burrowing. Adults will usually stay out of their hides in an open area.[4]

References
  1. "Taxon details Aphonopelma moderatum (Chamberlin & Ivie, 1939)", World Spider Catalog, Natural History Museum Bern, retrieved 2016-02-10
  2. Hamilton, C.A.; Hendrixson, B.E. & Bond, J.E. (2016), "Taxonomic revision of the tarantula genus Aphonopelma Pocock, 1901 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) within the United States", ZooKeys (560): 1–340, doi:10.3897/zookeys.560.6264, PMC 4768370, PMID 27006611
  3. Schlutz, S.A.; Schultz, M.J. (2009), The Tarantula Keeper's Guide Comprehensive information on care, housing, and feeding, Hauppauge, New York: Barron's Educational Series, inc., pp. 324–329
  4. "Welcome to our new information site! - Aphonopelma moderatum (Rio Grande Gold) Care Sheet". www.jamiestarantulas.com. Retrieved 2022-06-17.
  5. "Rio Grande Gold Tarantula: Facts, Identification & Pictures". Spider Identifications. 2022-06-10. Retrieved 2022-06-17.


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