Thanks very much for writing in…it’s not often that I run across people who know much about North American tarantulas, much less have observed them in the wild. Any observations on Oklahoma browns that you would have a chance to pass along (or prairie dogs for that matter – I’ve yet to see them in the wild, despite having cared for hundreds in zoos!) would be most appreciated; do you find the toads often?

I agree concerning co-existence in open habitats such as the Great Plains. Some years ago I had a chance to poke around gopher tortoise burrows in a sandy, open habitat in central Fla. I was working with gopher frogs, which live almost exclusively in gopher tortoise burrows. A whole range of other animals, from spiders to indigo snakes, and even burrowing owls on occasion, rely upon these 20’ long plus burrows, especially during dry periods.

Thanks again, good luck and enjoy.

Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.

I feel like I’ve typed way too much lol. As it is, I recommend Oklahoma Browns as pets, they are actually very active and fun to watch.

Frank Indiviglio here. Thanks for your interest in our blog and question.

The Mexican or Arizona blond tarantula, Aphonopelma chalcodes, which is described in the article that you referenced, is often referred to as the desert blond tarantula, so perhaps you are referring to the same species. There are about 35 other species within the genus, however…these are not common in the trade but may also be sold as “desert blond tarantulas”.

Please let me know what additional information you are interested in…I’ll get back to you promptly. Individual blond tarantulas can vary greatly in appearance, so it may be difficult to know exactly what spider you have, or have seen. Photos of several different Arizona blond tarantulas, as well as of other spiders in the same genus, are posted at:
http://www.swiftinverts.com/species/swiftsmiscpage.htm

Best regards, Frank Indiviglio