
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Aphonopelma moderatum
An Aphonopelma from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Females have an orange-to-tan carapace and legs with orange femora and black patellae and tips. Docile, with females living over 20 years.
Aphonopelma moderatum (Chamberlin & Ivie, 1939), the Rio Grande gold tarantula, lives in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, with GBIF records also from Coahuila and Nuevo León, Mexico. Females have an orange-to-tan carapace and slightly darker abdomen, and legs with orange femora, black patellae, orange tibiae and black tips; males have a dark brown carapace, black abdomen and entirely black legs. Care sources give up to 14 cm diagonal leg span, females living 20+ years and males 5-7, with slow-to-medium growth. In captivity it is docile; when frightened it may kick hairs or flee, though rarely. Bites are very rare and the venom is mild and not medically significant. Spiderlings burrow readily, while adults usually use a hide and often sit in the open. It is distinct from the Arizona blond and Texas brown already listed, and is not common in Japan.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Rio Grande gold tarantula lives Females 20+ years, males 5-7 years.
The Rio Grande gold tarantula grows to Up to about 14 cm diagonal leg span.
The ideal temperature for the Rio Grande gold tarantula is 20〜24℃.
Origin
North America (Rio Grande Valley, Texas; northeastern Mexico)
Lifespan
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Only A. albiceps and A. pallidum of the genus Aphonopelma are in CITES Appendix II; this species is not. Theraphosidae are neither designated invasive alien species nor taxa requiring an identification certificate on import in Japan (September 2026). Use a lockable enclosure to prevent escapes, and never release captive animals.
Sources: Species+ CITES query (not listed) / Ministry of the Environment: list of regulated alien species, including taxa needing an identification certificate
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Females 20+ years, males 5-7 years
Size
Up to about 14 cm diagonal leg span
Temperature
20〜24℃
Carnivorous (live insects such as crickets and roaches)
Terrestrial. Fill the enclosure one-half to two-thirds with substrate and add a hide such as half a cork round and a shallow water dish. Keep singly.
Keep at 20-24 C and about 50-60% humidity with good ventilation, lightly moistening one corner about once a week.
Live prey such as crickets and roaches sized to the spider. Remove uneaten prey and wait a few days after a moult before feeding.
Calm but skittish; it may kick urticating hairs when disturbed, though not often. The venom is mild and not medically significant. Keep the setae away from eyes and airways.
Females live more than 20 years, so plan for long-term care. Use a lockable enclosure and never release captive animals.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Rio Grande gold tarantula is 20〜24℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Rio Grande gold tarantula is Females 20+ years, males 5-7 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Rio Grande gold tarantula typically reaches Up to about 14 cm diagonal leg span as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Rio Grande gold tarantula feeds on: Carnivorous (live insects such as crickets and roaches). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Rio Grande gold tarantula varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 28, 2026