Arizona ’s divers desert landscape are home to a surprising potpourri of enthralling arachnids , particularly tarantulas . From the sunbaked Sonoran Desert to the rough mountain foothills , tarantula in Arizonahave accommodate to flourish in some of the most arid and broken environment in the United States . These impressive spider often remain hidden during the day but become active during the summertime monsoon time of year , when sighting are more common .
In this guide , we ’ll explore 18 uniquetypes of Lycosa tarentula in Arizona , each with its own strong-arm trait , habitat preferences , and regional distribution . For nature fancier , hikers , and anyone interested in Arizona ’s wildlife , understanding these species can assist with identifying them in the wild or even apprize them as ducky .
From the wide realise Arizona blond Lycosa tarentula to lesser - cognise and recently draw species , tarantula in Arizonarepresent an incredible slice of the state ’s rude biodiversity . understand on to discover their appearance , behavior , and where you ’re most likely to encounter them .
Different Types of Tarantulas in Arizona
Aphonopelma chalcodes (Arizona blond tarantula)
Aphonopelma chalcodes , commonly know as the Arizona blond Lycosa tarentula , is the most frequently meet tarantula species in the state . It is especially alive during the summer monsoon time of year when male cheat on in search of mate . This species is known for its serene disposition , making it a popular choice among tarantula keeper .
This spider is easily identified by its contrasting colouration — unaccented tan or blond shell and darker brown to black-market wooden leg and belly . Adult females typically have a body length of about 2 inches ( 5 cm ) , while males are slightly small but more slender . Both sex have dumb hairs brood their bodies , devote them a velvety appearance .
In Arizona , Aphonopelma chalcodes is commonly found in the Sonoran Desert and surround arid regions . They live in burrows they dig themselves or modify from existing crevices , and they prefer loose , arenaceous or silty soil . These tarantulas are nocturnal ambush predators and feed on louse and other modest invertebrates .
Aphonopelma iodius (Desert tarantula)
Aphonopelma iodius , also known as the desert tarantula , has a wide image across the southwest United States , including declamatory parting of Arizona . It is a hardy species that thrives in extremely waterless environments . This Lycosa tarentula is particularly active in the evening and at night when temperature put down .
The coinage vary in semblance but generally sport a chocolate-brown to dark brown body with a slightly lighter shell . pornographic female person grow up to 2.5 inches ( 6.3 cm ) in body distance , while males tend to be more slender and long - legged . The pilus on their legs and venter may have a reddish or coppery sheen in the ripe light .
In Arizona , Aphonopelma iodius can be find in desert scrublands , grasslands , and bumpy hillsides , specially in areas with compendious grunge suitable for burrowing . They are solitary and reclusive , rarely leaving their burrows except during sexual union season . This specie is also know for its seniority — females can subsist over 20 years in the wild .
Aphonopelma marxi (Grand Canyon black tarantula)
Aphonopelma marxi , commonly concern to as the Grand Canyon smutty tarantula , is mainly found in the northern regions of Arizona , including areas surrounding the Grand Canyon . It is one of the darker Lycosa tarentula in the region and is adapt to cooler , mellow - elevation home ground .
This species is characterized by its deep black coloration , including the wooden leg , carapace , and abdominal cavity . It is typically medium - sized , with females reaching up to 2 inches ( 5 cm ) in body length . The thick , black hair cut through its body makes it easy to identify from other local species .
In the wilderness , Aphonopelma marxi is find in pinon - juniper forest and mountainous terrain . Unlike many desert species , it prefers higher elevation and more temperate microclimates . Thesespidersare rarely seen during the day , staying hidden in burrow or rude crevices , and are most active during the coolheaded month of late summertime and fall .
Aphonopelma vorhiesi (Tucson bronze tarantula)
Aphonopelma vorhiesi , or the Tucson bronze tarantula , is native to southern Arizona and named after the city of Tucson . It is particularly abundant in area with desert grassland or oak woodland habitats , often at mid - elevations where humidness is somewhat high than in down in the mouth desert region .
This tarantula features a metal bronze or dour atomic number 29 sheen on its shell , contrasting with its darker leg and abdomen . grownup females reach about 2 inches ( 5 atomic number 96 ) in body length , and males are usually more lithe . The bronze tincture ease up this species a trenchant appearance among other Arizona tarantulas .
Aphonopelma vorhiesi typically inhabits region like the Santa Rita Mountains and foothill near Tucson . It live on in shallow burrows and come out at dark to hunt small insects . The species is known for its timid behaviour and is rarely strong-growing , often choosing to retreat rather than face menace .
Aphonopelma gabeli (Carlsbad green tarantula)
Aphonopelma gabeli , also known as the Carlsbadgreen tarantula , is find in southeasterly Arizona and neighboring regions of New Mexico . It is make after Carlsbad Caverns , though it inhabits a wide change of semi - waterless landscapes across its range .
This coinage often has a subtle green - brown colouration , particularly on the cuticle , giving it a slenderly iridescent show under natural lightness . It is pretty size , with adult female person measuring around 1.5 to 2 column inch ( 4–5 cm ) in body length . Its legs and abdomen are typically a deadening grayness to brown , cover in all right hairs .
Aphonopelma gabeli prefer scrubby , open environs with sandlike or jumpy soil where it can dig up burrow . In Arizona , it is more frequently line up in the southeast recession of the state , including Cochise County . This tarantula is relatively elusive and mostly nocturnal , often continue hidden during the day to avoid the ironical desert heat .
Aphonopelma paloma (Paloma dwarf tarantula)
Aphonopelma paloma , known as the Paloma dwarf tarantula , is one of the small tarantula species found in Arizona . Though it is relatively plebeian in southerly Arizona , particularly in Pima County , it is rarely seen due to its midget sizing and secretive nature . It has been the focus of several scientific study because of its unique ecological version .
This metal money typically has a trunk length of less than 1 inch ( about 2 centimetre ) , making it one of the modest in the genus . It has a picket to average brown colour with short hairs and a subtle luster on the cuticle . Its lilliputian sizing get it easy to confuse with jejune tarantula or other pocket-size terra firma - brood spiders .
Aphonopelma paloma live desert grasslands and lowland scrub in the southern part of the res publica . It favor flaxen soils where it can make shallow burrows . Despite its baffling nature , researchers often situate it during the later summer rains when male emerge briefly to search for females .
Aphonopelma mojave (Mojave dwarf tarantula)
Aphonopelma mojave , or the Mojave dwarf tarantula , is aboriginal to the northwestern edges of Arizona , peculiarly in areas where the Mojave Desert extends into the state . As a dwarf mintage , it stay relatively humble and circumspect , often miss in the natural state .
This species has a thickset body structure and is unremarkably light to dark brown in color . Adult females reach just over 1 inch ( 2.5 curium ) in body distance , while male are thinner and slenderly more leggy . The legs may have weak stripe and are covered in o.k. , velvety hair .
In Arizona , Aphonopelma Mohave Desert is typically determine in dry , rocky habitats with sparse vegetation . It constructs diminished tunnel in severely - packed desert filth , often at the foot of shrubs . Like many desert tarantulas , it is most active at night and during the inadequate conjugation season in late summer and early fall .
Aphonopelma armada (Texas black spot tarantula)
Aphonopelma armada , also refer to as the Texas black spot tarantula , is more commonly found in Texas , but its compass gallop into southeastern Arizona . This species is distinctive due to the obscure markings on its venter , which give it its coarse name .
It has a thickset consistence with a black to dark chocolate-brown venter often featuring a faint central dark spot or patch . The carapace is usually a lighter burn or brown color . grownup female person arrive at up to 2 inches ( 5 cm ) in body length , while male person are slightly littler and more nimble during mat time of year .
In Arizona , Aphonopelma armada is typically encounter in desert and scrub surround of Cochise and Santa Cruz counties . They survive in silk - line burrows and tend to be more cloistered than other local metal money . Their statistical distribution is limited , but they are more probable to be found during rainy months when male roam in hunting of female .
Aphonopelma steindachneri (San Diego bronze tarantula)
Aphonopelma steindachneri , or the San Diego bronze European wolf spider , is preponderantly found in southern California but extends into westerly Arizona , peculiarly in regions close to the state line . It is part of the bronze tarantula group have a go at it for their metal carapaces .
This specie has a rich bronze to coppery coloration on its carapace , with darker legs and abdomen . It is moderately size , with adult females measuring around 1.5 to 2 inches ( 4–5 cm ) in body length . The hairs on its body chew over Inner Light , give it a slightly shimmery visual aspect .
In Arizona , this European wolf spider is typically discover in border areas with coastal scrub and chaparral - like habitats . Its front is most noted in western Yuma and La Paz counties . It live well - drain grunge and emerges in the main during the summertime monsoon to participate in the mating time of year .
Aphonopelma madera (Madera Canyon tarantula)
Aphonopelma madera , commonly called the Madera Canyon European wolf spider , is a localise species found in and around Madera Canyon in southern Arizona . Its dispersion is limited , but within this area , it is one of the most recognizable tarantulas due to its singular coloration and habitat .
The mintage has a dark brownness to reddish eubstance with reddish hairs on the legs and abdomen . pornographic females are medium - sized , with body lengths reach up to 2 in ( 5 cm ) . The rich coloration and heavy hair coverage make it stand out from other nearby specie .
This tarantula dwell oak tree - true pine woodlands and mid - elevation mountain gradient in the Santa Rita Mountains . Unlike desert - lie in European wolf spider , Aphonopelma madera prefers more shaded and humid environments . It is nocturnal and spend much of its time in burrow , becoming more seeable during the showery time of year .
Aphonopelma catalina (Santa Catalina Mountain tarantula)
Aphonopelma catalina is a uncommon and endemic species found only in the Santa Catalina Mountains of southern Arizona . This modified distribution makes it one of the most baffling tarantula in the part . Its name flat excogitate its extremely set home ground , and it is rarely encountered by the general world .
The tarantula typically has a dark browned or grim organic structure with a slimly lighter shield , covered in fine hairs . It is a medium - sized species , with adult females reaching about 1.5 in ( 3.8 cm ) in body length . Due to its mountain habitat , it is more adapted to cool and morehumid environmentsthan most desert - dwelling relatives .
Aphonopelma catalina lives in forested mountain slopes , often at higher elevations where oak tree and pine woodlands overtop . These environmental conditions are quite unlike from the desert and scrublands that many Arizona tarantulas inhabit . The metal money remains mostly underground in burrow , rise occasionally during the monsoon time of year .
Aphonopelma hentzi (Texas brown tarantula)
Aphonopelma hentzi , known as theTexas dark-brown tarantula , is a widespread species throughout Texas and other central states . In Arizona , its image is much more special , mainly occurring near the state ’s eastern border . It is recognisable and well - studied due to its far-flung presence outside Arizona .
This metal money is known for its gravid sizing and robust soma . Females can reach body length of over 2 inches ( 5 centimetre ) , with a leg span outstrip 4 inches ( 10 cm ) . Its coloration is typically average brown with slightly darker legs and a dense screening of short hairs across the eubstance .
In Arizona , Aphonopelma hentzi is usually find in grasslands and semi - desiccated habitats close to the New Mexico border . It prefers loose , dry soils for burrowing and becomes more fighting during the summer pelting . Its gentle disposition has made it a popular tarantula in the pet trade .
Aphonopelma eutylenum (California ebony tarantula)
Aphonopelma eutylenum , also call the California jet black tarantula , is primarily find in California but has been occasionally documented in far western Arizona . These rarified occurrences advise it may traverse into Arizona along the Colorado River corridor .
This metal money has a dark-skinned black or ebon - colour body with minimum patterning . Adult female can grow up to 2 inches ( 5 cm ) in dead body distance , and their overall appearance is suave and velvety due to the fine setae get over their bodies . male person are mostly slimmer and have longer legs .
In Arizona , Aphonopelma eutylenum is found in home ground exchangeable to those it engage in California : juiceless scrubland , open timber , and rough slopes . Its sightings in Arizona are sporadic , typically near the state of matter ’s westerly border , and it is not deliberate a coarse resident .
Aphonopelma johnnycashi (Johnny Cash tarantula)
Aphonopelma johnnycashi was diagnose in honor of musician Johnny Cash , as it was first described near his provenience in California . While the specie is chiefly found in fundamental California , its chain may extend marginally into Arizona , though confirmed sighting are limited .
The tarantula is predominantly black with a flatness appearing , which exhort its naming after the “ Man in Black . ” grownup females reach about 1.5 to 2 inches ( 4–5 cm ) in consistency length , and the species overall has a aerodynamic , uniform colour across the soundbox and leg .
Potential Arizona populations of Aphonopelma johnnycashi would be located in the westernmost parts of the state of matter , particularly in alike wry , rocky habitats . However , more enquiry is ask to corroborate its position in Arizona , as only limited grounds supports its presence .
Aphonopelma moderatum (Rio Grande gold tarantula)
Aphonopelma moderatum , usually known as the Rio Grande gold European wolf spider , is mostly associate with Texas but may come about very sparsely in southeastern Arizona near the Rio Grande Valley . Its striking colouration distinguishes it from many of its congener .
This tarantula has a light halcyon to tan carapace with a contrasting gloomy chocolate-brown abdomen and legs . The setae give it a golden glow , specially under sunlight . Adult females measure out up to 2 inches ( 5 curium ) in dead body duration and have a tranquil , gentle disposition .
In Arizona , if present , Aphonopelma moderatum would belike populate the waterless grassland and brushing areas near the state ’s eastern boundary . It construct inscrutable burrow and stay hide out during the Clarence Day , come out mostly at night during the breeding season in late summer .
Aphonopelma superstitionense (Superstition Mountains tarantula)
Aphonopelma superstitionense is a rarefied tarantula species advert after Arizona ’s iconic Superstition Mountains , where it was first identified . The species is not wide observed in the wild and rest one of the lesser - known members of the Aphonopelma genus . It is considered regionally autochthonic to this specific area .
Its visual aspect is not drastically different from other desert - dwelling European wolf spider in Arizona . It has a gloomy brown to black consistence , sometimes with slightly lighter legs or carapace . Adult females are intermediate - sized , generally rise to around 1.5 inches ( 3.8 curium ) in body length . Due to its cryptic modus vivendi , it often snuff it unnoticed by fooling perceiver .
Aphonopelma superstitionense is believed to inhabit rocky desert terrain and foothill area within the Superstition Mountains . Its burrows are likely located in shaded crevices or under tilt , and it may become more active during the summertime monsoon season . The metal money remains poorly examine and is seldom witness in the field .
Aphonopelma prenticei (Prentice’s tarantula)
Aphonopelma prenticei is a badly understood species , with most info coming from taxonomical literature rather than field observations . It is believed to populate the southern desert regions of Arizona , but exact distribution data are limited . The species was name in honor of a contributor to arachnology .
This tarantula has a brown to black coloration and appears similar to other desert Aphonopelma species . Adult size is modest , with females reaching roughly 1.3 to 1.6 inches ( 3.3 to 4 cm ) in physical structure duration . designation in the field is hard without detailed morphological analytic thinking , particularly of the reproductive structures .
Aphonopelma prenticei is presumed to inhabit in wry , sandy habitat such as creosote bush scrub or semi - arid grasslands . Like other coinage in this genus , it probably construct burrow and stay hide during the twenty-four hour period . Its elusive nature and limited sightings entail that much remains unknown about its bionomics and behavior .
Aphonopelma xwalxwal
Aphonopelma xwalxwal is one of the most recently described European wolf spider mintage in the United States and is be intimate for its extremely qualified ambit . The name “ xwalxwal ” come from the Cahuilla spoken language and reflects cultural connections to the land . It is among the rarest tarantulas in Arizona .
Physically , this mintage appears similar to other dwarf tarantulas , with a compact consistence and dingy , muted coloration . Adult female person are pocket-size , usually no more than 1 in ( 2.5 cm ) in body length . The limited number of specimen and field of view data has made it difficult to distinguish it easily from related to metal money .
Aphonopelma xwalxwal is know from a very modest geographical area , possibly extending into southerly Arizona from southeastern California . Its home ground belike includes rocky desert outcrops or low - elevation scrublands . The coinage is seldom observed in the natural state and is of interest in the first place to researchers and taxonomists .
