Desert Tarantula (female) and Rifle Cartridge

Desert Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes)
This Alma, New Mexico tarantula measured 4 1-2 inches from front leg to back leg. The spent rifle cartridge also helps gives one some perspective as to the size of this tarantula.
Tarantulas are part of the family of spiders called Hairy Mygalomorphs. These are the spiders that, scientists believe, have been around for millions of years and have not changed much in that time! There are around 700 kinds, or species, of Tarantulas.
Tarantulas are found in the rainforests and jungles of South and Central America, in Africa and in the southern part of North America. Many Tarantulas live in burrows underground. They will either use their fangs to dig them or else take someone else’s burrow-home. Even though they do not spin webs, Tarantulas use their silk to make doors or soft walls for their burrow or, in the case of tree-living tarantulas, tunnel-shaped homes in trees.
Tarantulas are nighttime hunters who will pounce on their prey. They eat insects, beetles and grasshoppers.
All Tarantulas have an interesting way of defending themselves. They have hairs on their abdomen (stomachs) that have sharp little barbs, or pokey things, on them. When threatened, the spider will rub these hairs with their legs and shoot them at their predator.
Sexing tarantulas isn't too difficult if you know what to look for and where. Males have a tibial spur on each front leg behind the "knee." Females lack this claw-like appendage.

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