
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Aphonopelma hentzi
A large terrestrial tarantula common across the southern United States. It is a subdued brown all over, brightest just after a moult. It burrows in grassland, is calm and easy to keep, and females live more than 30 years.
Aphonopelma hentzi is the most common tarantula of the southern United States and also occurs in northern Mexico. The body is dark brown with individual variation; mature males develop black legs and a copper carapace. It burrows in grassland and also uses logs, stones and dens abandoned by other animals, lining the entrance with silk to detect passing prey. Females lay 200 to 1,000 eggs in a hammock-shaped sac kept in the burrow, and they hatch in 45 to 60 days. Females live more than 30 years while males die about a year after maturing. In autumn males have been recorded travelling as far as 1.7 km in search of females. The species is placid: when disturbed it rears onto its hind legs with the front legs raised and kicks urticating hairs from its abdomen. Room temperature of 21-25 C and dry substrate are enough in captivity.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Texas Brown Tarantula lives Females 30+ years; males about a year after maturing.
The Texas Brown Tarantula grows to 10-12.5cm leg span.
The ideal temperature for the Texas Brown Tarantula is 21〜25℃.
Origin
Southern United States (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Colorado and neighbouring states) and northern Mexico
Lifespan
Sources: The Tarantula Collective: Aphonopelma hentzi / Wikipedia / GBIF
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.
Accepted name: Aphonopelma hentzi (Girard, 1852)
Synonyms: Aphonopelma clarki Smith, 1995, Aphonopelma coloradanum (Chamberlin, 1940), Aphonopelma gurleyi Smith, 1995
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Females 30+ years; males about a year after maturing
Size
10-12.5cm leg span
Temperature
21〜25℃
Live insects such as crickets and roaches
Ordinary room temperature of 21-25 C works well. It prefers dry conditions: keep the substrate dry, dampening it only slightly with occasional misting or by overflowing the water dish.
A terrestrial burrower. Use a horizontal enclosure with deep substrate, a cork bark hide and a shallow water dish. Keep the enclosure low to avoid falls that can rupture the abdomen.
Live insects such as crickets and roaches: adults every 3-4 weeks, spiderlings once or twice a week. Do not feed right after a moult until the mouthparts have hardened.
One of the more tolerant species. When threatened it rears up and kicks urticating hairs from the abdomen; these irritate skin and eyes, so keep your face away.
Bites are not reported to cause serious harm, but the large fangs make the puncture painful and prone to secondary infection. Growth is slow and females take years to mature.
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 Texas Brown Tarantula is 21〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Texas Brown Tarantula is Females 30+ years; males about a year after maturing. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Texas Brown Tarantula typically reaches 10-12.5cm leg span as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Texas Brown Tarantula feeds on: Live insects such as crickets and roaches. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Texas Brown Tarantula varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026