#aphonopelma chalcodes

[crevicedwelling]

introducing Cassandra!

she is an Aphonopelma chalcodes, or Desert Blonde Tarantula, a species native to southwestern North America.

I got her some years ago before I learned to be suspicious of all bug vendors, so she’s unfortunately wild caught (please do not ever buy a wild caught tarantula, no matter how cheap). that means I don’t know her real age—she could be over 10 years old since the species is slow growing. I’ve given her a home of naturalistic deserty clay that she’s dug an impressive cavern into, and I’d like to think she’s quite content here.

these are some of the first photos I took of her.

Cassie doesn’t do much. I left the lid off her tub for about 12 hours early on, and she’d “escaped” about a foot away under the nearest shelf. her walking speed could be surpassed by a particularly lethargic snail, but she can move blindingly fast if she’s hungry, which she usually isn’t between molts (she hasn’t eaten since June of this year).

female mygalomorphs have it all figured out, I think.

her skills include fat storage, hair kicking, sitting very still, and making gauzy web doors and mats. and also looking cute:

[8-legged-cats]

Debbie and I are on speaking terms again

[laneybeetle]

sorry, what did you say about not anthropomorphizing tarantulas? I was too distracted by heather being a coquette icon, a barbie girl in a barbie world, even

[alienbath]

Look at this little fella with his winter boots, so cute!

(Source: Dave the Bug Guy)

Thank you anonymous ask!

[wildzinkyu]

I haven't posted here in.....what, years? Anyway. I'm. Very leased with the results of my latest needle felting project. Ive been really into tarantulas recently, as part of trying to work on my arachnophobia, and realized just how well wool would work for making a big lady!!

This is SUPPOSED to be an Aphonopelma chalcodes, or Arizona blond- her legs could be a little lighter in color and maybe her butt could be a bit more plump, but she really turned out FANTASTIC I think. Her fangs were made from sculpy clay, painted and then given a gloss finish, and her eyes are teeny tiny rhinestones.

Her name is Peanut Butter, by the way :)

[countrybutchjamboree]

The most beautiful!!!

[pigeon-feet]

you are the sweetest thing in the world

[myrmonarch]

Lovely girl sitting pretty in their enclosure tonight

[aviculor]

[currydomi]

Barker practice

Stopped the presses to take another crack at drawing practice. This time, focusing on a complicated character design. Actually reduced detail in the legs for sanity.

Let’s see. He is scared easily; middle-aged; a tarantula; walks on walls when avoiding conflict (or scared); and is voiced by Arin Hanson (in my head).

His goggles are based on a phoropter. He can take them off, but he’s completely blind without them and has to rely on his legs to guide him around if they get stolen by someone as a prank. His eyes are not as big as those lenses.

He is venomous (via the chelicerae on the sides of his head) and completely forgets this fact, even during dire straits. No, he cannot web. Yes, he loves cookies.

[liminalmotels]

Her.

[8-legged-cats]

“Don’t talk to me or my Kodama ever again”

[laneybeetle]

🕷 pet intro . heather

Heather is a 1-2 year old, confirmed female, captive bred, juvenile Arizona Blonde Tarantula (aphonopelma chalcodes) that I picked up at an exotics expo on January 28th, 2024.

She is named for the movie Heathers! <3

She has a very gentle and docile temperament 🤎

[thecaramelidiot]

Someone turned up again after months of burrow-time :D Had three crickets so far and also kindly wanted to let me know that it´s time to refill the water dish

[cmajor7]

i got a tarantula! her name is baby and i got to see her catch her food for the first time today 👼

[mirkwood-trash]

Got another friend today!