Aphonopelma vorhiesi

(Chamberlin & Ivie, 1939)

Tucson Bronze Tarantula, Madrean Red Rump

Aphonopelma vorhiesi is a tarantula in the Theraphosidae, commonly known as the Tucson Bronze or Madrean Red Rump. It occurs in Arizona and New Mexico. The species resembles Aphonopelma chalcodes but is considerably rarer in captivity. Like other Aphonopelma species, it is a ground-dwelling that constructs and occupies burrows.

Aphonopelma vorhiesi by (c) Chris A. Hamilton, Brent E. Hendrixson, Jason E. Bond, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Aphonopelma vorhiesi by (c) Chris A. Hamilton, Brent E. Hendrixson, Jason E. Bond, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Aphonopelma vorhiesi male ZooKeys 560 by Chris A. Hamilton, Brent E. Hendrixson, Jason E. Bond. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aphonopelma vorhiesi: //ˌæfənoʊˈpɛlmə vɔrˈhiːsi//

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Identification

Closely resembles Aphonopelma chalcodes (Arizona Blonde Tarantula), making -level identification challenging based on external alone. Distinguishing features from similar require examination of male and female . The species has been referred to as "Madrean Red Rump," suggesting reddish coloration on the may be a distinguishing mark, though this trait requires confirmation.

Images

Distribution

United States: Arizona and New Mexico. GBIF records indicate presence in North America with multiple USA records.

Human Relevance

Rare in the pet trade compared to the similar and more commonly kept Aphonopelma chalcodes. The ' scarcity in captivity may reflect limited collection, restricted distribution, or difficulty in maintenance.

Similar Taxa

  • Aphonopelma chalcodesExtremely similar external ; primary confusion . Distinguished by and potentially by abdominal coloration.

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Sources and further reading