Icenogle’s Tarantula (Aphonopelma icenoglei)
Comprehensive Species Care Guide — The Vivarium Vault
Quick Facts
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Aphonopelma icenoglei |
| Scientific authority | Hamilton, Hendrixson & Bond, 2016 |
| Common name | Icenogle’s Tarantula (descriptive common name) |
| Family | Theraphosidae |
| Native distribution | Southern California, United States |
| Ecoregions | Southern Mojave Desert and north-western Sonoran Desert |
| Recorded elevation | Approximately 545–1,220 metres |
| Adult size | Miniaturised terrestrial tarantula |
| Lifestyle | Ground-dwelling, burrowing |
| Natural retreat | Underground burrow with soil-and-silk entrance turret |
| Natural mating period | October–November |
| Mating activity | Documented during daylight |
| Diet | Small terrestrial invertebrates |
| Female lifespan | Not reliably established |
| Urticating hairs | Present, as expected for Aphonopelma |
| Venom | Present |
| Cohabitation | Solitary |
| Keeper experience | Advanced |
| CITES status | Verify current species-specific listing |
| Principal requirements | Secure housing, stable burrowing substrate, drinking water and appropriate thermal conditions |
Evidence distinction: Taxonomy, distribution, elevation, turreted burrows and autumn mating are supported by published field research. Captive enclosure dimensions, feeding intervals, temperature ranges and moisture-management recommendations are provisional, not scientifically established species-specific requirements.
1. Species Overview
Icenogle’s Tarantula (Aphonopelma icenoglei) is a small terrestrial tarantula native to the desert regions of southern California.
It was formally described in 2016 during a major revision of North American Aphonopelma.
Although its external appearance closely resembles that of Aphonopelma mojave, genetic research supports its recognition as a separate species.
This distinction is important for scientific identification, breeding records and responsible management of captive populations.
The species is associated with portions of the southern Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert subdivision of the Sonoran Desert.
Wild individuals construct underground retreats, often with distinctive mounds or turrets around their entrances.
These structures are formed from excavated soil and silk.
This natural behaviour provides a particularly useful basis for enclosure design.
The species should be offered enough compactable substrate to construct a retreat, rather than being maintained in a shallow container with minimal ground cover.
Its desert distribution should not be interpreted as a requirement for constant high temperatures or completely dry conditions.
Protected underground microhabitats may differ considerably from exposed desert surfaces.
Captive care should therefore focus on environmental stability, access to water, a suitable substrate moisture gradient and opportunities for natural behaviour.
Because published captive husbandry information remains limited, careful observation and record keeping are essential.
2. Taxonomy and Identification
Scientific classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Mygalomorphae
- Family: Theraphosidae
- Genus: Aphonopelma
- Species: Aphonopelma icenoglei
Original description
The species was described by Hamilton, Hendrixson and Bond in 2016.
Scientific significance
The original revision recognised A. icenoglei as genetically distinct despite its close morphological similarity to A. mojave.
Similar species
Species requiring comparison include:
- Aphonopelma mojave
- Aphonopelma atomicum
- Aphonopelma joshua
- Aphonopelma prenticei
- Aphonopelma xwalxwal
Identification challenges
General colouration and body shape may be insufficient for reliable identification.
Morphological characters
The original scientific description provides diagnostic measurements and ratios that help distinguish the species from related taxa.
Molecular evidence
Genetic evidence is particularly important in separating A. icenoglei from A. mojave.
Provenance
Accurate locality and captive-breeding records are valuable.
Sex determination
Examination of a suitable moult may assist with sex determination.
Mature males possess specialised reproductive structures.
Breeding precaution
Do not pair animals identified only as “Mojave dwarf tarantulas”.
3. Natural Distribution and Ecology
Geographic distribution
Aphonopelma icenoglei is known from portions of southern California.
Its documented range extends along the northern foothills of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains.
Records also extend eastwards towards the Coxcomb Mountains and the north-eastern part of Joshua Tree National Park.
Desert regions
The species occurs in:
- Southern Mojave Desert environments.
- The north-western Sonoran Desert, including the Colorado Desert subdivision.
Ecoregion
It is associated with the Mojave Basin and Range ecoregion.
Elevation
Published specimens have been collected between approximately 545 and 1,220 metres above sea level.
Natural habitat
The region includes desert foothills, bajadas, rocky ground and scrub habitats.
The precise microhabitat of an individual should not be assumed solely from the broader landscape.
Burrow construction
Wild burrow entrances are commonly surrounded by a distinct mound or turret of excavated soil and silk.
This is a documented species-specific behaviour.
Importance of burrows
Burrows provide protected retreats and opportunities for environmental buffering.
The exact temperatures and humidity levels inside wild burrows have not been established here.
Associated tarantulas
A. icenoglei occurs alongside Aphonopelma iodius in parts of its range.
It may also occur near:
- Aphonopelma mojave around Kramer Junction.
- Aphonopelma joshua around Joshua Tree National Park.
Reproductive season
Mating occurs during daylight hours in autumn, particularly October and November.
Conservation pressures
The original taxonomic study identified development and human encroachment near Los Angeles as potential threats to some populations.
Captive implications
Provide secure burrowing accommodation and avoid destroying soil-and-silk entrance structures during routine maintenance.
4. Adult Size, Growth and Lifespan
Adult size
Aphonopelma icenoglei is a miniaturised tarantula.
It is considerably smaller than many familiar North American Aphonopelma species.
Body measurements
The scientific description provides specimen measurements and diagnostic body ratios.
A single universal adult leg-span figure is not provided because measurements vary and should not be inferred from carapace dimensions.
Growth rate
Reliable species-specific captive growth data are unavailable.
Female lifespan
A verified maximum female lifespan has not been established.
Male lifespan
Mature males generally have shorter remaining lifespans than females.
Growth monitoring
Maintain records of:
- Moulting dates.
- Feeding.
- Body condition.
- Changes in activity.
- Reproductive development.
Individual variation
Growth and development may vary with sex, temperature, nutrition and other conditions.
5. Housing and Enclosure Requirements
Housing must reflect the species’ small size and documented burrowing behaviour.
Adult enclosure dimensions
For a small adult, a practical starting enclosure is:
8 × 8 × 8 inches (20 × 20 × 20 cm)
A larger alternative is:
12 × 8 × 8 inches (30 × 20 × 20 cm)
These dimensions are provisional husbandry recommendations rather than scientifically validated minimum requirements.
Floor space
Provide enough horizontal space for movement, retreat construction and access to water.
Substrate depth
A practical adult starting depth is:
4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
Additional depth may be provided where enclosure design permits.
Burrowing accommodation
Provide compactable substrate and a shallow starter excavation beneath a stable hide.
Soil-and-silk turrets
Allow the spider to construct or modify an entrance turret.
Do not remove the structure unnecessarily.
Enclosure height
Minimise unobstructed climbing height.
Fall prevention
Terrestrial tarantulas can sustain serious abdominal injuries from falls.
Security
Inspect:
- Lid fittings.
- Door gaps.
- Ventilation openings.
- Cable openings.
- Sliding-door tracks.
- Feeding access points.
All openings must be too small for the spider to pass through.
Ventilation
Provide effective airflow through secure, appropriately sized openings.
Enclosure materials
Suitable plastic, acrylic or glass enclosures may be used.
Mesh safety
Avoid coarse mesh that could trap claws.
Furnishing stability
Support heavier objects so excavation cannot cause collapse.
Spiderling housing
Spiderlings require much smaller secure containers.
Provide:
- Proportionate substrate depth.
- A small retreat.
- Fine ventilation openings.
- Carefully managed moisture.
- Appropriately sized prey.
Juvenile housing
Increase enclosure dimensions gradually.
Subadult housing
Provide additional floor space and substrate depth as needed.
Individual housing
House all specimens separately.
6. Substrate and Burrowing
Substrate design is particularly important because the species constructs soil-and-silk entrance turrets.
Suitable substrate materials
- Reptile-safe topsoil.
- Soil-based terrestrial tarantula substrate.
- Topsoil blended with coco coir.
- Other clean, compactable soil mixtures.
Structure
Lightly compact the substrate during enclosure preparation.
Depth
Approximately 4–5 inches is a practical adult starting point.
Starter burrow
Provide a shallow excavation beneath cork bark.
Turret construction
Allow the spider to modify the entrance with soil and silk.
Moisture gradient
Maintain slightly moist lower substrate in one area.
Surface conditions
Allow substantial surface areas to remain relatively dry.
Avoid saturation
Do not maintain permanently waterlogged substrate.
Unsafe materials
Avoid:
- Fertilised compost.
- Pesticide-treated soil.
- Sharp gravel.
- Strongly scented wood shavings.
- Unstable loose substrate.
Burrow preservation
Avoid unnecessary disturbance of established retreats.
7. Furnishings and Environmental Enrichment
Suitable furnishings include:
- Small cork bark hides.
- Stable ground-level shelters.
- Fine leaf litter.
- Secure low stones.
- A shallow drinking-water dish.
Environmental choice
Provide sheltered and more exposed areas where practical.
Natural behaviour
Allow excavation, silk placement and retreat modification.
Stability
Secure heavier furnishings.
Avoid climbing hazards
Tall branches and elevated platforms are unnecessary.
8. Temperature and Heating
The species occurs in desert regions with substantial seasonal and daily temperature variation.
However, exposed surface temperatures are not appropriate captive targets.
Provisional captive temperature recommendations
| Condition | Suggested temperature |
|---|---|
| General daytime | 21–25°C |
| Slightly warmer area | Up to approximately 26°C |
| Cooler retreat | Approximately 20–22°C |
| Night-time | Approximately 18–21°C |
These are conservative starting recommendations, not experimentally established thermal preferences.
Microclimate
Provide sheltered areas where the spider can avoid warmer conditions.
Heating in Ireland
Supplementary heating may be needed in a cold room during winter.
Preferred method
Stable room heating is generally easier to manage than concentrated heat sources.
Thermostatic control
Use suitable thermostatic control where supplementary heating is required.
Under-enclosure heating
Avoid heating directly beneath deep substrate.
Monitoring
Measure temperatures within the enclosure.
Seasonal variation
Do not impose severe winter cooling or extreme summer heating without species-specific evidence.
9. Lighting and UVB
Light-dark cycle
Provide a regular daily light-dark rhythm.
UVB
Dedicated UVB lighting is not routinely required.
Ambient lighting
Indirect room light is generally sufficient.
Display lighting
Low-output LEDs may be used if they do not raise enclosure temperatures.
Avoid
Do not use intense basking lamps or direct sunlight.
10. Humidity, Ventilation and Hydration
A scientifically validated relative humidity target is unavailable.
Drinking water
Provide a small, stable drinking-water dish.
Moisture gradient
Maintain slightly moist lower substrate in one area.
Surface conditions
Allow substantial surface areas to remain relatively dry.
Ventilation
Provide effective air exchange.
Spiderlings
Very small containers can dry rapidly and require careful monitoring.
Misting
Routine heavy misting is unnecessary.
Warning signs
Persistent condensation, mould or waterlogged substrate indicate unsuitable conditions.
Burrow management
Do not flood established retreats.
Observation
Monitor feeding, moulting, retreat use and activity.
11. Feeding and Nutrition
The species is a carnivorous predator of small invertebrates.
Suitable prey
- Small crickets.
- Small feeder cockroaches.
- Appropriately sized mealworms.
- Other suitable captive-bred insects.
Spiderlings
Offer tiny prey or suitable portions of freshly killed feeder insects.
Juveniles
Approximately weekly feeding is a practical starting point.
Adults
Offer appropriately sized prey approximately every 7–14 days initially.
Feeding adjustments
Modify feeding according to body condition, appetite and moulting.
Prey size
Avoid prey that is excessively large relative to the spider.
Burrow feeding
Offer prey near the retreat entrance without repeatedly disturbing the spider.
Uneaten prey
Remove uneaten insects promptly.
Wild insects
Avoid wild-caught feeders because of pesticide and parasite risks.
Vertebrate prey
Vertebrate feeding is unnecessary.
12. Calcium and Vitamin Supplementation
Routine reptile-style calcium and vitamin dusting is not required.
Tarantulas consume whole prey.
Maintain feeder insects under appropriate conditions.
No validated supplementation schedule exists for A. icenoglei.
13. Moulting and Growth
Premoult signs
- Reduced appetite.
- Increased concealment.
- Burrow closure.
- Reduced activity.
- Changes in abdominal appearance.
During moulting
Do not disturb the spider.
A tarantula lying on its back may be moulting normally.
Do not turn it over.
After moulting
Allow the exoskeleton and fangs to harden before feeding.
Burrow closure
Do not excavate a closed burrow merely because the spider has not emerged.
Complications
Do not forcibly remove retained exoskeleton.
Seek specialist advice where necessary.
14. Urticating Hairs and Defensive Behaviour
Aphonopelma tarantulas possess defensive urticating hairs.
Defensive responses
A disturbed spider may retreat, release hairs, adopt a defensive posture or bite.
Possible effects
Urticating hairs may cause:
- Itching.
- Skin irritation.
- Eye irritation.
- Respiratory irritation.
Eye exposure
Do not rub the eye.
Seek prompt medical assessment.
Individual variation
Defensive behaviour varies.
Prevention
Avoid unnecessary handling.
15. Venom and Bite Safety
The species possesses venom-bearing fangs.
Possible effects
- Puncture wounds.
- Local pain.
- Swelling.
- Redness.
- Individual reactions.
Detailed species-specific clinical evidence is limited.
First aid
Wash a bite wound with clean running water.
Seek medical advice where appropriate.
Severe allergic symptoms or breathing difficulties require urgent medical attention.
16. Handling and Safe Rehousing
Routine handling is not recommended.
Main risks
- Escape.
- Falls.
- Bites.
- Urticating-hair exposure.
- Unnecessary disturbance.
Rehousing equipment
Use a suitably sized catch cup, soft brush and secure receiving enclosure.
Preparation
Prepare the receiving enclosure before moving the spider.
Transfer
Gently guide the spider into a transfer container.
Burrowed individuals
Avoid unnecessary excavation.
Escape prevention
Work in a controlled area without accessible gaps or drains.
Final checks
Confirm that the spider is accounted for and all enclosure openings are secure.
17. Cohabitation
House Icenogle’s Tarantulas individually.
Risks
- Cannibalism.
- Injury.
- Competition for retreats.
- Feeding interference.
- Stress.
Temporary supervised breeding introductions do not justify permanent cohabitation.
18. Cleaning and Routine Maintenance
Daily
Check water, temperature and enclosure security.
After feeding
Remove uneaten prey.
Weekly
Clean the water dish, remove visible waste and inspect for mould.
Periodically
Review substrate condition, ventilation and equipment.
Burrow preservation
Avoid destroying established soil-and-silk structures.
Substrate replacement
Replace contaminated substrate when necessary.
Avoid unnecessary complete enclosure disruption.
19. Common Health Concerns
Dehydration
Ensure access to drinking water and appropriate substrate moisture.
Moulting complications
Incomplete moults can cause serious injury.
Falls
Abdominal injuries may be fatal.
Mites
Not all small organisms in substrate are parasites.
Persistent mites concentrated on the spider require investigation.
Mould
Persistent mould may indicate excessive moisture or inadequate ventilation.
Feeding refusal
Consider premoult, body condition and seasonal inactivity.
Abnormal posture
Severe leg curling, weakness or unresponsiveness warrants urgent specialist assessment.
Veterinary support
Seek advice from a suitably experienced exotic or invertebrate veterinarian.
20. Quarantine
Maintain new acquisitions separately from established collections.
A precautionary observation period of approximately 60–90 days may be used.
This is not a scientifically validated disease-free interval.
Monitor
- Feeding.
- Moulting.
- Body condition.
- Visible mites.
- Abnormal behaviour.
- Enclosure hygiene.
Equipment
Use separate maintenance equipment where practical.
Provenance
Retain identification and acquisition records.
21. Breeding and Reproduction
Breeding Aphonopelma icenoglei requires reliable identification and experience with small terrestrial tarantulas.
Species identification
Confirm both animals’ identity and provenance.
Sex determination
Examine suitable moults where possible.
Mature males
Mature males develop specialised reproductive structures.
Natural breeding season
Field research documents mating during daylight hours in October and November.
Pairing
Supervise introductions carefully.
Cannibalism
Females may attack or consume males.
Egg sacs
Successful mating may result in egg-sac production.
Incubation
A validated species-specific captive incubation protocol is unavailable.
Spiderlings
Provide secure accommodation, suitable substrate, carefully managed moisture and appropriately sized prey.
Records
Maintain accurate parentage, pairing and offspring records.
Avoid hybridisation
Do not pair A. icenoglei with other dwarf Aphonopelma species.
22. Conservation and Responsible Captive Breeding
The original 2016 taxonomic revision described A. icenoglei as moderately common within its documented range.
Conservation considerations
Some populations may face pressures from development and human encroachment.
Habitat pressures
Potential threats include:
- Urban expansion.
- Habitat disturbance.
- Development near the Los Angeles region.
- Inappropriate collection.
Conservation status
The original authors’ assessment should not be confused with a current formal IUCN Red List category.
Captive-bred acquisition
Prioritise legally sourced captive-bred individuals with credible provenance.
Wild collection
Do not assume collection is permitted.
Breeding responsibility
Maintain accurate identification and parentage records.
Conservation value
Responsible captive breeding may reduce demand for wild-collected specimens.
However, captive breeding does not replace habitat conservation.
Release
Never release captive tarantulas into the environment.
23. Legal and CITES Information
CITES
Check the current CITES Checklist before international trade.
United States
Collection, possession and export requirements may vary by jurisdiction and protected-area status.
Protected areas
Collection in national parks and other protected lands may be prohibited without specific authorisation.
European Union
Check applicable wildlife trade, customs and import requirements.
Ireland
Consult the National Parks and Wildlife Service where clarification is required.
Documentation
Retain:
- Scientific identification.
- Supplier details.
- Acquisition date.
- Evidence of lawful origin.
- Captive-bred records where available.
- Relevant permits.
- Breeding records.
Important distinction
Absence from CITES does not necessarily mean that collection or international trade is unrestricted.
24. Common Husbandry Mistakes
- Confusing A. icenoglei with A. mojave.
- Relying on colour alone for identification.
- Using an enclosure intended for a much larger species.
- Leaving escape-sized ventilation openings.
- Providing excessive enclosure height.
- Providing insufficient substrate.
- Using unstable substrate.
- Destroying burrow turrets during maintenance.
- Maintaining permanently wet conditions.
- Providing no accessible drinking water.
- Overheating a small enclosure.
- Heating directly beneath deep substrate.
- Offering excessively large prey.
- Leaving live prey during moulting.
- Routine handling.
- Communal housing.
- Breeding animals of uncertain identity.
25. Husbandry Summary
| Requirement | Practical recommendation |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Aphonopelma icenoglei |
| Common name | Icenogle’s Tarantula |
| Native range | Southern California |
| Habitat | Southern Mojave and north-western Sonoran deserts |
| Recorded elevation | Approximately 545–1,220 m |
| Adult size | Miniaturised |
| Lifestyle | Terrestrial and burrowing |
| Natural burrow | Soil-and-silk entrance turret |
| Adult enclosure | Approximately 8 × 8 × 8 inches |
| Larger enclosure | Approximately 12 × 8 × 8 inches |
| Substrate depth | Approximately 4–5 inches |
| Daytime temperature | Approximately 21–25°C |
| Night-time temperature | Approximately 18–21°C |
| Moisture | Modest gradient, relatively dry surface |
| Ventilation | Effective, escape-proof airflow |
| Water | Small accessible drinking-water dish |
| Lighting | Normal day-night cycle |
| UVB | Not routinely required |
| Diet | Small captive-bred feeder insects |
| Natural mating season | October–November |
| Mating activity | Daytime |
| Urticating hairs | Present |
| Venom | Present |
| Handling | Not recommended |
| Cohabitation | Solitary |
| Experience | Advanced |
| CITES | Verify current status |
The environmental values in this table are provisional captive husbandry starting points, not proven species-specific physiological limits.
26. References and Further Reading
- Hamilton, C. A., Hendrixson, B. E. & Bond, J. E. (2016). Taxonomic revision of the tarantula genus Aphonopelma within the United States. ZooKeys, 560, 1–340. Taxonomic revision of the tarantula genus Aphonopelma Pocock, 1901 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) within the United States
- World Spider Catalog. Aphonopelma icenoglei Hamilton, Hendrixson & Bond, 2016. Natural History Museum Bern. https://www.wsc.nmbe.ch/spec-data/61157
- Prentice, T. R. (1997). Theraphosidae of the Mojave Desert west and north of the Colorado River. Journal of Arachnology, 25(2), 137–176. Historical regional taxonomic context.
- Foelix, R. F. Biology of Spiders. General reference for spider anatomy and physiology.
- CITES. Checklist of CITES Species. https://checklist.cites.org
- National Parks and Wildlife Service, Ireland. https://www.npws.ie
Evidence Note
The accepted taxonomy, geographical distribution, recorded elevation, turreted burrow construction, October–November daytime mating activity and potential conservation pressures are documented in the 2016 taxonomic revision.
The enclosure dimensions, temperature ranges, feeding intervals and moisture-management recommendations are provisional captive husbandry guidance.
Detailed species-specific captive longevity, preferred thermal conditions and successful breeding protocols remain insufficiently documented.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace species-specific research or veterinary advice. Individual requirements may vary.
Always check current legislation governing the acquisition, collection, import, transport, keeping, breeding or sale of reptiles and invertebrates in your jurisdiction.
If you have concerns about an animal’s health or care, consult a suitably experienced exotic or invertebrate veterinarian.
Information correct at the date of publication, subject to subsequent changes in scientific knowledge and legislation.
ReptileCommunity.com | Revised: October 2026