This is a generalised care sheet for Aphonopelmas, a genus titled (Aphonopelma). For more in this femily see Category:Theraphosidae, or for a more detailed species care sheet see Category:Aphonopelma.
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Aphonopelma is a genus of tarantulas which are native to the Americas. It includes nearly all of the North American tarantulas north of Mexico and a considerable part of the tarantulas which range into Central America. Only a few species are described from South America. About 90 species have been described, but many, if not most, of these are inadequately studied and very little is known about them. Most are large and, like other New World tarantulas, they have urticating hairs. Most are docile in captivity. The taxonomy is poorly understood and species are difficult to tell apart, especially those that are brown or black without other pattern. In captivity they will eat crickets, in the wild they will eat most smaller insects.
Breeding Aphonopelma
Breeding tarantulas can be extremely difficult but can also be extremely rewarding. From a successful mating, anywhere from 50 to 2000 eggs can be produced, depending upon the size and species of the female. The Brazilian Salmon Pink (Lasiodora parahybana) are of the larger species and have been known to produce some 1500-2000 eggs in one sac. Another popular species The Goliath Bird Eater (Theraphosa blondi) however, has been known to produce as little as 50 eggs despite its “goliath” size.
The basic steps involved in breeding tarantulas are discussed further:
- Preparation for breeding
- Tarantula breeding
- Looking after an egg sac
- Birthing
- Caring for the female
- Caring for the spiderlings