Texas Brown Tarantula, Missouri Tarantula, Oklahoma Brown Tarantula
Aphonopelma spp. (Likely Aphonopelma hentzi or related tarantula)
Theraphosidae (Tarantulas), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include large, heavy bodies covered in setae, two pairs of book lungs, and two claws on the legs with claw tufts.
Physical Description
Robust, heavy-set body with a distinct oval abdomen and a wider carapace. Covered in dense, velvety hair-like setae typical of tarantulas. The overall texture is fuzzy and matte.
Size Estimate
Body length approximately 40 to 60 mm with a leg span of 100 to 140 mm. This specimen appears to be a juvenile or a smaller adult male.
Coloration & Markings
Uniformly dark brown to blackish coloration across the carapace, abdomen, and legs, with subtle lighter brown or greyish undertones visible in well-lit environments.
Web Type
Does not build traditional aerial webs. These tarantulas are ground-dwelling and typically line underground burrows with silk rather than spinning capture webs.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes clustered together on a raised ocular tubercle at the front center of the carapace.
Leg Characteristics
Long, robust, and evenly spaced legs covered in dense setae. They radiate outward from the cephalothorax in a classic tarantula resting posture.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild neurotoxic and proteolytic venom designed to subdue invertebrate prey. Similar in potency to a bee or wasp sting for humans.
Medical Significance
Not medically significant. Bites are rare and generally result in localized pain, redness, and swelling unless an allergic reaction occurs. Urticating hairs pose a greater irritation risk to skin and eyes.
Safety Recommendations
Observe from a distance. If handling is necessary, gently guide the spider into a container rather than touching it. Avoid touching the abdomen to prevent exposure to urticating hairs.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found across the central and southern United States, particularly in grasslands, scrublands, deserts, and arid regions. They prefer dry, open areas and create burrows under rocks or logs.
Behavior & Temperament
Generally docile and slow-moving unless provoked. Nocturnal hunters that rely on ambush or active stalking. When threatened, they may rear up or flick urticating hairs from their abdomen.
Diet & Prey
Primarily feeds on large insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and occasionally small reptiles or amphibians.
Seasonal Activity
Most active during warmer months, with mature males wandering extensively in search of females during late summer and autumn mating seasons.
Description
A classic representative of North American tarantulas, this large and imposing yet generally gentle spider is an impressive sight. Known for their longevity and ground-dwelling habits, they play a vital role in controlling insect populations.
Key Features
Large, bulky body covered in dense setae, heavy legs radiating outward, and a distinct raised eye tubercle on the front of the carapace.
Similar Species
Other North American tarantula species within the genus Aphonopelma, which can be difficult to distinguish without detailed geographic and morphological analysis.
Life Cycle
Females lay hundreds of eggs in a silken egg sac inside a burrow. Spiderlings hatch and disperse. Males mature in 5 to 10 years and die shortly after seeking mates, while females can live for decades.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an important apex predator for ground-dwelling invertebrates, helping regulate insect populations and acting as a food source for larger wildlife.
Conservation Status
Not currently evaluated by the IUCN, but local populations face pressures from habitat destruction, the pet trade, and road mortality.
Interesting Facts
Female tarantulas can live for over 25 years, while males typically live only a few months after reaching sexual maturity. They use sensory hairs on their legs to detect vibrations in the ground.
Photography Tips
Use natural lighting and a macro lens from a low angle to capture the texture of the setae and the robust body proportions without startling the spider.
Identified: 2026-09-25T20:46:08.003008