Taxonomic revision of the tarantula genus Aphonopelma Pocock, 1901 (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae) within the United States
Author
Hamilton, Chris A.
Author
Hendrixson, Brent E.
Author
Bond, Jason E.
text
ZooKeys
2016
560
1
340
http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.560.6264
journal article
http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.560.6264
1313-2970-560-1
F4C1691C13584FA9A031E305DEE2B6A2
Taxon classification Animalia Araneae Theraphosidae
Aphonopelma hentzi (Girard, 1852)
Figures 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55; Suppl. material 4
Mygale hentzii
Girard, 1852: 251; male holotype from southwestern Oklahoma, 34.309094 -98.396494 7, elev. 968ft., coll. unknown, 1849-1852.
Eurypelma hentzi
Simon, 1891: 322.
Rhechostica hentzi
Raven, 1985: 149.
Aphonopelma hentzi
Smith, 1995: 107; neotype male and female exemplar from Garfield Co., Oklahoma, 36.436139 -97.872160 7, elev. 1264ft., summer 1975, coll. R.L. Lardie; deposited in Oklahoma State University collection. [not examined]
Aphonopelma clarki
Smith, 1995: 87; female holotype from Dallas, Dallas Co., Texas, 32.780141 -96.800451 7, elev. 421ft., 1968, coll. H.J. Berman; deposited in BMNH. [examined] syn. n.
Dugesiella coloradana
Chamberlin, 1940: 35; female holotype from Sugar City, Crowley Co., Colorado, 38.231949 -103.663001 6, elev. 4307ft., no collecting date, coll. unknown; deposited in AMNH. [examined]
Rhechostica coloradanum
Raven, 1985: 149.
Aphonopelma coloradanum
Smith, 1995: 90. syn. n.
Dugesiella echina
Chamberlin, 1940: 36; male holotype from Arkansas Valley, Colorado, 38.055115 -103.621743 7, elev. 4182ft., 15.xi.1938, coll. unknown; deposited in AMNH. [examined]
Rhechostica echinum
Raven, 1985: 149.
Aphonopelma echinum
Smith, 1995: 96. syn. n.
Aphonopelma gurleyi
Smith, 1995: 104; male holotype from Interstate 35, near Moss Lake, Sherman, Grayson Co., Texas, 33.781417 -97.221633 5, elev. 796ft., no collection date, coll. Russ Gurley; deposited in BMNH. [examined] syn. n.
Dugesiella harlingena
Chamberlin, 1940: 37; female holotype from Harlingen, Cameron Co., Texas, 26.190631 -97.696103 6, elev. 41ft., 1939, coll. Bryce Brown; deposited in AMNH. [examined]
Rhechostica harlingenum
Raven, 1985: 149.
Aphonopelma harlingenum
Smith, 1995: 106. syn. n.
Aphonopelma odelli
Smith, 1995: 126; female holotype from Beavers Bend State Resort Park McCurtain Co., Oklahoma, 34.13104 -94.69004 5, elev. 670ft., 13.vi.1979, coll. D.C. Arnold; deposited in Oklahoma State University collection. [not examined] syn. n.
Dugesiella wacona
Chamberlin, 1940: 38; male holotype from Waco, McClennan Co., Texas, 31.549333 -97.146670 6, elev. 498ft., 5.vii.1931, coll. unknown; deposited in AMNH. [examined]
Rhechostica waconum
Raven, 1985: 149.
Aphonopelma waconum
Smith, 1995: 156. syn. n.
Dugesiella wichitana
Chamberlin, 1940: 35; male holotype from Wichita Mtns. National Wildlife Refuge, Comanche Co., Oklahoma, 34.772106 -98.601308 6, elev. 1495ft., 5.vii.1928, coll. N.M. Newport; deposited in AMNH. [examined]
Rhechostica wichitanum
Raven, 1985: 149.
Aphonopelma wichitanum
Smith, 1995: 157. syn. n.
Diagnosis.
Aphonopelma hentzi
(Fig. 50) is a member of the
Hentzi
species group and can be identified by a combination of morphological, molecular, and geographic characteristics. Nuclear DNA identifies
Aphonopelma hentzi
as a phylogenetically distinct monophyletic lineage (Fig. 8), supported as the sister lineage to
Aphonopelma anax
, closely related to
Aphonopelma armada
, and exclusive of
Aphonopelma moellendorfi
sp. n. (a new species previously confused with
Aphonopelma hentzi
).
Aphonopelma hentzi
can be distinguished from
Aphonopelma anax
by the shapes of its spermathecae in females and palpal bulbs in males; from
Aphonopelma armada
by the pattern of setae on coxa I and the flared metatarsal scopulae of females and juvenile males; from
Aphonopelma gabeli
by its large chelicerae and general phenotypic appearance; from
moderatum
by their unique phenotypic color and banding; from
parvum
sp. n. due to the extreme small size; from
peloncillo
by its phenotypic appearance; and from
vorhiesi
due to its black appearance. Significant measurements that distinguish male
Aphonopelma hentzi
from its closely related phylogenetic and syntopic species are PTl, M1, and the extent of scopulation on metatarsus III. Male
Aphonopelma hentzi
can be distinguished by possessing a larger PTl/M1 (≥0.74; 0.74-0.88) than
Aphonopelma gabeli
(≤0.68; 0.61-0.68),
Aphonopelma moderatum
(≤0.69; 0.61-0.69), and
Aphonopelma moellendorfi
(≤0.69; 0.60-0.69); a larger L3 scopulation
extent
(69%-86%) than
Aphonopelma armada
(48%-63%),
Aphonopelma peloncillo
sp. n. (52%-68%), and
Aphonopelma vorhiesi
(44%-62%); and by possessing a smaller M1/F4 (≤0.77; 0.68-0.77) than
Aphonopelma moderatum
(≥0.80; 0.80-0.87) and
Aphonopelma moellendorfi
sp. n. (≥0.81; 0.81-0.88). The significant measurement that distinguishes female
Aphonopelma hentzi
from syntopic species is the extent of scopulation on metatarsus IV. Female
Aphonopelma hentzi
can be distinguished by possessing a larger L4 scopulation extent (42%-72%) than
Aphonopelma peloncillo
(32%-38%) and
Aphonopelma vorhiesi
(26%-37%). There are no significant measurements that separate female
Aphonopelma hentzi
from
Aphonopelma anax
,
Aphonopelma armada
,
Aphonopelma gabeli
, or
Aphonopelma moderatum
. Females of
Aphonopelma moellendorfi
are unknown and cannot be compared.
Figure 50.
Aphonopelma hentzi
(Girard, 1854) specimens, live photographs. Female (L) - APH_0576; Male (R) - APH_3216.
Description.
Male and female described by
Girard (1852)
; presumed lost. Neotype designated and redescribed by
Smith (1995)
; new female specimen designated and redescribed by
Smith (1995)
.
Redescription of male exemplar
(APH_0921; Fig. 51). Specimen preparation and condition: Specimen collected live crossing road, preserved in 80% ethanol; deposited in AUMNH; original coloration faded due to preservation. Left legs I, III, IV, and left pedipalp removed for measurements and photographs; stored in vial with specimen. Right leg III removed for DNA and stored at -80°C in the AUMNH (Auburn, AL).
General
coloration: Generally black or faded to brown. Cephalothorax: Carapace 14.89 mm long, 13.47 mm wide; Hirsute; densely clothed with brown/golden iridescent pubescence appressed to surface; fringe covered in long setae not closely appressed to surface; foveal groove deep and straight; pars cephalica region rises gradually from foveal groove, gently arching anteriorly toward ocular area; AER slightly procurved, PER recurved; normal sized chelicerae; clypeus extends forward on a slight curve; LBl 1.79, LBw 1.93; sternum very hirsute, clothed with long black/brown, densely packed setae. Abdomen: Densely clothed in short black/brown pubescence with numerous longer red/orange setae interspersed; possessing a dense dorsal patch of black Type I urticating bristles (
Cooke et al. 1972
). Legs: Very hirsute, particularly ventrally; densely clothed in a mix of medium and long black/brown pubescence. Metatarsus I slightly curved. F1 14.11; F1w 3.69; P1 5,94; T1 12.54; M1 10.48; A1 7.60; F3 12.06; F3w 3.71; P3 5.63; T3 9.32; M3 10.85; A3 7.56; F4 14.71; F4w 4.02; P4 5.86; T4 12.17; M4 14.99; A4 8.36; femur III is normal - not noticeably swollen or wider than other legs. All tarsi fully scopulate. Extent of metatarsal scopulation: leg III (SC3) = 80.9%; leg IV (SC4) = 54.3%. Two ventral spinose setae on metatarsus III; nine ventral spinose setae on metatarsus IV. Coxa I: Prolateral surface a mix of fine, hair-like and thick tapered setae. Pedipalps: Very hirsute; densely clothed in the same setal color as the other legs, with numerous longer ventral setae; one spinose seta on the apical, prolateral femur and four spinose setae on the prolateral tibia; PTl 8.525, PTw 2.77. When extended, embolus tapers but gently curves to the retrolateral side near apex; embolus very slender, no keels.
Figure 51.
Aphonopelma hentzi
(Girard, 1854).
A-I
male specimen, APH_0921 A dorsal view of carapace, scale bar = 6mm B prolateral view of coxa I C dorsal view of femur III D ventral view of metatarsus III, scale bar = 4mm E ventral view of metatarsus IV, scale bar = 5mm F prolateral view of L pedipalp and palpal tibia, scale bar = 4.5mm G dorsal view of palpal bulb H retrolateral view of palpal bulb, scale bar = 1mm I prolateral view of tibia I (mating clasper), scale bar = 5mm.
Variation (14).Cl 13.58-18.04 (16.008
+/-
0.38), Cw 12.45-17.28 (14.924
+/-
0.41), LBl 1.78-2.46 (2.09
+/-
0.07), LBw 1.92-2.79 (2.371
+/-
0.09), F1 13.1-17.31 (15.509
+/-
0.36), F1w 3.19-4.50 (3.991
+/-
0.1), P1 5.36-7.63 (6.494
+/-
0.18), T1 10.71-14.18 (12.986
+/-
0.28), M1 9.15-13.03 (11.118
+/-
0.29), A1 6.03-9.13 (7.836
+/-
0.26), L1 length 44.35-60.93 (53.943
+/-
1.31), F3 10.56-16.83 (13.026
+/-
0.42), F3w 3.23-4.71 (3.999
+/-
0.11), P3 4.16-7.57 (5.675
+/-
0.23), T3 7.89-12.61 (10.126
+/-
0.33), M3 9.69-13.93 (11.859
+/-
0.33), A3 5.92-8.88 (7.786
+/-
0.21), L3 length 38.72-59.23 (48.471
+/-
1.42), F4 12.88-17.50 (15.175
+/-
0.37), F4w 3.11-4.69 (3.924
+/-
0.12), P4 4.36-7.13 (6.046
+/-
0.2), T4 10.75-15.16 (12.809
+/-
0.32), M4 12.91-17.57 (15.406
+/-
0.33), A4 6.64-9.95 (8.803
+/-
0.26), L4 length 47.54-66.69 (58.239
+/-
1.42), PTl 7.762-10.81 (9.067
+/-
0.23), PTw 2.722-3.61 (3.003
+/-
0.07), SC3 ratio 0.691-0.866 (0.769
+/-
0.01), SC4 ratio 0.324-0.968 (0.579
+/-
0.05), Coxa 1 setae = stout/thick tapered, F3 condition = normal/slightly swollen.
Redescription of female exemplar
(APH_0812; Figs 52-54). Specimen preparation and condition: Specimen collected live from burrow, preserved in 80% ethanol; deposited in AUMNH; original coloration faded due to preservation. Left legs I, III, IV, and pedipalp removed for photographs and measurements; stored in vial with specimen. Right leg III removed for DNA and stored at -80°C in the AUMNH (Auburn, AL). Genital plate with spermathecae removed and cleared, stored in vial with specimen. General coloration: Faded brown/black, with a very hirsute appearance. Cephalothorax: Carapace 20.89 mm long, 19.82 mm wide; densely clothed with
light
brown pubescence closely appressed to surface; fringe densely covered in longer setae; foveal groove medium deep and straight; pars cephalica region gently rises from thoracic furrow, arching anteriorly toward ocular area; AER slightly procurved, PER recurved; clypeus extends forward on a slight curve; LBl 2.84, LBw 3.42; sternum very hirsute, clothed with black/brown, long setae. Abdomen: Densely clothed dorsally in short black setae with numerous longer, lighter setae interspersed (generally red or orange in situ); dense dorsal patch of black Type I urticating bristles (
Cooke et al. 1972
); ventral side with shorter dark brown/black setae. Spermathecae: Uniquely shaped; paired and separate, taper rapidly to a medium width with a secondary bulge and strongly capitate bulbs, with wide bases that are not fused. Legs: Very hirsute, particularly ventrally; densely clothed in long brown pubescence. F1 14.90; F1w 4.85; P1 6.91; T1 11.32; M1 7.95; A1 7.60; F3 12.65; F3w 4.33; P3 6.62; T3 8.82; M3 9.39; A3 7.48; F4 14.91; F4w 4.27; P4 6.34; T4 10.97; M4 13.48; A4 8.65. All tarsi fully scopulate. Extent of metatarsal scopulation: leg III (SC3) = 74.0%; leg IV (SC4) = 54.7%. Two ventral spinose setae on metatarsus III; four ventral spinose setae on metatarsus IV. Coxa I: Prolateral surface a mix of fine, hair-like and thick tapered setae. Pedipalps: Densely clothed in the same setal color as the other legs; one spinose seta on the apical, prolateral femur, one spinose seta on the prolateral patella, and three spinose setae on the prolateral tibia.
Figure 52.
Aphonopelma hentzi
(Girard, 1854).
A-E
female specimen, APH_0812 A dorsal view of carapace, scale bar = 6mm B prolateral view of coxa I C ventral view of metatarsus III, scale bar = 4.5mm D ventral view of metatarsus IV, scale bar = 4.5mm E prolateral view of L pedipalp and palpal tibia.
Figure 53.
Aphonopelma hentzi
(Girard, 1854).
A-I
cleared spermathecae A APH_0052 B APH_0571 C APH_0743 D APH_0812 E APH_0813 F APH_0833 G APH_0838 H APH_0862 I APH_0867.
Figure 54.
Aphonopelma hentzi
(Girard, 1854).
A-F
cleared spermathecae A APH_0868 B APH_0927 C APH_0934 D APH_1063 E APH_1353 F
harlingenum
holotype.
Variation (15).Cl 12.65-22.36 (17.892
+/-
0.68), Cw 11.57-19.87 (16.328
+/-
0.61), LBl 1.91-2.86 (2.399
+/-
0.08), LBw 2.13-3.42 (2.773
+/-
0.1), F1 10.41-17.13 (13.72
+/-
0.48), F1w 3.16-5.56 (4.413
+/-
0.17), P1 4.55-8.09 (6.4
+/-
0.25), T1 7.79-13.28 (10.669
+/-
0.32), M1 6.06-10.74 (7.945
+/-
0.3), A1 5.17-8.86 (6.671
+/-
0.23), L1 length 34.72-57.70 (45.404
+/-
1.51), F3 8.32-14.09 (11.281
+/-
0.43), F3w 2.79-4.99 (3.804
+/-
0.16), P3 3.94-8.06 (5.64
+/-
0.31), T3 6.11-10.56 (8.164
+/-
0.32), M3 6.46-11.65 (8.915
+/-
0.38), A3 5.46-9.03 (6.866
+/-
0.26), L3 length 30.84-53.39 (40.818
+/-
1.7), F4 10.43-17.15 (13.795
+/-
0.44), F4w 3.04-5.16 (4.072
+/-
0.15), P4 4.58-7.81 (5.906
+/-
0.23), T4 8.66-13.41 (10.851
+/-
0.31), M4 8.95-15.84 (11.924
+/-
0.47), A4 6.04-9.79 (7.672
+/-
0.27), L4 length 39.16-64.0 (50.132
+/-
1.68), SC3 ratio 0.671-0.953 (0.805
+/-
0.02), SC4 ratio 0.424-0.717 (0.547
+/-
0.02), Coxa 1 setae = stout/thick tapered. Spermathecae variation can be seen in Figures 53-54.
Material examined.
United States: Arkansas: Carroll: near Eureka Springs, 36.404273 -93.735646 5, 1201ft., [APH_2600, unknown, 1♂, H.A. Clay, AMNH]; Cleburne: 6 miles S/SW of Drasco, 35.569318 -91.998288 5, 843ft., [APH_2602, 9/1979, 1♀, D. Pearson, AMNH]; Drew: Monticello, 33.628997 -91.790964 5, 292ft., [APH_2174, 1936, 1♀, unknown, AMNH]; Lawrence: Imboden, 36.202568 -91.174573 5, 308ft., [APH_2196, 1931, 5♂, R.V. Chamberlin, AMNH]; [APH_2203, 1935, 1♀, 1♂, unknown, AMNH]; Marion: between Pyatt and Eros, near Jct Hwy 125 and MC 4054, 36.21402 -92.86224 4, 912ft., [APH_0024, 9/2002, 1♂, Lewonna Nelson, AUMNH]; Washington: Fayetteville, 36.044074 -94.169349 5, 1211ft., [APH_2172-2173, unknown, 2♂, 1♀, W.J. Baerg, AMNH]; [APH_2467, 1921, 2♀, 1♂, W.J. Baerg, AMNH]; Arizona: Greenlee: 0.4 miles N Hwy-75 on Goat Camp Rd, 32.755403 -109.110492 1, 3726ft., [APH_1352-1353, 5/8/2011, 2♀, Brent E.
Hendrixson
, Brendon Barnes, Nate Davis, Jake Storms, AUMNH]; Colorado: Bent: John Martin Reservoir State Park, 38.07612 -102.957421 1, 3839ft., [APH_0570, 10/6/2009, 1 juv, Brent E. Hendrixson, Courtney Dugas, Sloan Click, AUMNH]; Crowley: 1.5 miles N Hwy-96 on CR-20, S of Lake Henry (near Sugar City), 38.246723 -103.711337 1, 4371ft., [APH_0565, 9/6/2009, 1 juv, Brent E. Hendrixson, Courtney Dugas, Sloan Click, AUMNH]; Fremont: Canon City, Hwy 64, 5 miles N of Junction with Hwy 50, 38.496596 -105.106624 5, 5800ft., [AUMS_3334, 17/8/1987, 1♂, unknown, AUMNH]; Canon City, N toward Cripple Creek, 5 miles N off Hwy 50, 38.497302 -105.291414 5, 6248ft., [AUMS_3338, 17/8/1986, 1♀, T.R. Prentice, AUMNH]; Otero: 1.5 miles SW Hwy-109 on CR-802, in field and bluffs N of road, 37.794004 -103.521272 1, 4425ft., [APH_0560-0564, 9/6/2009, 5♀, Brent E. Hendrixson, Courtney Dugas, Sloan Click, AUMNH]; Commanche Grasslands, La Junta, 37.859983 -103.719267 6, 4440ft., [APH_0917, 10/2009, 1♂, Ken Suzuki, AUMNH]; Prowers: Prowers Co. Rd., S. of Lamar, on Deahl Ranch, 37.892338 -102.60625 6, 3914ft., [AUMS_2469, 4/7/1986, 1♂, T.R. Prentice, AUMNH]; S of Lamar, Deahl Ranch, 38.013237 -102.613274 6, 3804ft., [AUMS_2455, 4/7/1986, 1♀, T.R. Prentice, AUMNH]; Pueblo: 1.5 miles E Boone on Hwy-96, 38.243146 -104.233761 2, 4448ft., [APH_0749, 16/9/2009, 1♂, Jerry
Smith
, Mario Juvera, AUMNH]; I-25, approx. 25 miles S Pueblo, 37.93879 -104.81027 5, 5908ft., [APH_0022, 7/9/2002, 1♂, Kristin Young, AUMNH];
Pinon
Truck Stop, I-25 N of Pueblo, 38.433689 -104.610331 4, 5030ft., [AUMS_2329, 28/6/1986, 1♂, T.R. Prentice, AUMNH]; Pueblo, 0.9 miles N of Hwy-47 on Baculite Mesa Rd, 38.302884 -104.553482 1, 4814ft., [APH_0566-0569, 9/6/2009, 4 juv, Brent E. Hendrixson, Courtney Dugas, Sloan Click, AUMNH]; Kansas: Elk: 1.5 miles W of Longton, 37.377606 -96.108334 4, 935ft., [AUMS_2321, 28/4/1994, 1♂, B. Cutler, AUMNH]; Gove: along Smokey Hill River just W of Hwy 23, 38.74457 -100.50428 4, 2453ft., [APH_0027, 10/2002, 1♂, Alvis Wade, AUMNH]; Wilson: Fredonia, 37.532925 -95.826937 5, 922ft., [APH_2603, 16/8/1964, 1♂, A.R. Moldenke, AMNH]; Fredonia, 2.5 miles SW Hwy 400 and Hwy 47, 37.50556 -95.83278 5, 858ft., [APH_0003, 6/7/2003, 1♀, Jordan B. Johnson, AUMNH]; Louisiana: Allen (Parish): near town of Harmony, off Hwy-1147, 30.59583 -92.91361 2, 57ft., [APH_1171, 24/4/2010, 1 juv, Roland H. Delaune, AUMNH]; Reeves, 2250 Martin Tram Rd, 30.48063 -92.9884 2, 25ft., [APH_0060, 29/10/2006, 1♂, Gary Bellon, AUMNH]; Bossier (Parish): Haughton, 400 ft. N I-20, 1/2 mile W Hwy 614, 32.53917 -93.54944 4, 230ft., [APH_0028, 20/10/2002, 1♂, Jimmy Landen, AUMNH]; Caddo (Parish): Shreveport, 32.525152 -93.750179 6, 159ft., [AUMS_2449, 16/5/1996, 1♂, R. Moore, AUMNH]; East Baton Rouge (Parish): Baton Rouge, 30.457702 -91.14032 6, 49ft., [APH_2610, 1958, 1♂, Leon Rody, AMNH]; La Salle (Parish): Tullos, 31.819261 -92.329862 5, 121ft., [APH_2612, 1/10/1950, 1♂, W.J. Gerstch, AMNH]; Natchitoches (Parish): Kisatchie National Forest, Kisatchie District, along Longleaf Vista Trail, 31.47644 -92.99622 5, 288ft., [APH_0403,
4
/10/2008, 1♂, Brent E. Hendrixson, AUMNH]; Vernon (Parish): Near Fort Polk, 31.029236 -93.176675 6, 289ft., [APH_2202, 1957, 1♀, F.E. Potter, AMNH]; Missouri: Greene: Springfield, 37.208957 -93.292299 5, 1280ft., [APH_2183, 1931, 1♂, Truman Smith, AMNH]; [APH_2190, 10/1931, 2♂, Truman Smith, AMNH]; Henry: Hartwell, 38.435258 -93.934662 5, 761ft., [APH_2611, 1937, 1♂, J.K. Connolly, AMNH]; Hickory: 4 miles northwest of Wheatland, 37.969377 -93.427109 5, 991ft., [APH_2609, 2/10/1967, 1♂, W. Ivie, AMNH]; Newton: Joplin, 37.031191 -94.52842 5, 909ft., [APH_2191, 11/10/1942, 4♂, A.B. Gurney, AMNH]; Ozark: Caney Mountain Conservation Area, along Long Bald trail, 36.696831 -92.45143 1, 1193ft., [APH_0591, 25/6/2009, 1♀, Brent E. Hendrixson, AUMNH]; Phelps: Rolla, 37.948543 -91.771535 5, 1093ft., [APH_2175, 1/10/1954, 4♂, L. Bade and Walker, AMNH]; [APH_2177, 10/1960, 1♂, Lee Malone, AMNH]; Ripley: between Calm and Gatewood on Hwy 142, 36.560976 -91.117925 1, 786ft., [APH_0874, 6/2008, 1 juv, Matt Ingrasci, AUMNH]; St. Francois: Bonne Terre, near city lake, 37.912189 -90.55567 4, 866ft., [APH_0199, 30/9/2007, 1♂, Andrew Rieger, AUMNH]; Taney: Bradleyville, edge of floodplains of Breaver Creek, 36.7754 -92.920951 5, 814ft., [APH_2608, 25/9/1955, 1♂, N. and J. Crenshaw, AMNH]; near Branson, Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, 36.6627 -93.293056 1, 1165ft., [APH_0586-0590, 24/6/2009, 5 juv, Brent E. Hendrixson, AUMNH]; New Mexico: Bernalillo: Albuquerque, base of Sandia Mtns at Copper Trail, 35.079247 -106.484022 1, 5948ft., [APH_1437, 12/11/2011, 1♂, Jessica Ashley, AUMNH]; Dona Ana: Aguirre Springs Campground, 32.370504 -106.561475 1, 5662ft., [APH_0539-0540, 5/6/2009, 2♀, Brent E. Hendrixson, Courtney Dugas, Sloan Click, AUMNH]; CR-72, just off I-25, 32.67635 -107.012973 1, 4348ft., [APH_0654, 13/7/2009, 1 juv, Brent E. Hendrixson, Nate Davis, AUMNH]; Eddy: 0.3 miles W US-62/180 on CR 408 (Dark Canyon Rd), 32.28694 -104.28646 1, 3320ft., [APH_0363, 21/6/2008, 1 juv, Shasta Michaels, AUMNH]; 1.7 miles W US-62/180 on CR-408, 32.293874 -104.309514 1, 3392ft., [APH_0544, 6/6/2009, 1 juv, Brent E. Hendrixson, Courtney Dugas, Sloan Click, AUMNH]; Lincoln National Forest, just off Queens Hwy, 32.20002 -104.67976 1, 5583ft., [APH_0522, 31/8/2008, 1♂, Rick C. West, AUMNH]; Hidalgo: 10 miles S I-10 on Hwy-338, 32.13267 -108.87908 2, 4210ft., [APH_0795, 22/10/2009, 1♂, Clyde Mahan, AUMNH]; 2.64 miles W Hwy-338 on Hwy-9, 31.94331765 -108.8509352 2, 4403ft., [APH_0728, 18/8/2009, 1♂, Alice Abela, AUMNH]; 4 miles west of Animas, 31.942746 -108.853622 5, 4400ft., [APH_2628, 26/8/1960, 1♂, unknown, AMNH]; along Hwy-338, 32.226309 -108.879093 1, 4078ft., [APH_1510-1511, 8/9/2012, 2♂, Brent E. Hendrixson, AUMNH]; [APH_1513-1515, 8/9/2012, 3♂, Brent E. Hendrixson, AUMNH]; along Hwy-9, W of Animas, 31.94337666 -108.8874883 2, 4407ft., [APH_0726, 18/8/2009, 1♂, Alice Abela, AUMNH]; [APH_0729, 18/8/2009, 1♂, Alice Abela, AUMNH]; along US-70, SE of Hwy-92, 32.612037 -108.984613 1, 4151ft., [APH_0645, 12/7/2009, 1 juv, Brent E. Hendrixson, Nate Davis, AUMNH]; E side of Animas Mtns, 31.560017 -108.499913 6, 4430ft., [APH_0862, 2006, 1♀, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; NM-9 at Little Hatchet Mtns Rd, W of Hachita, 31.926633
-
108.363083 4, 4480ft., [APH_0408-0410, 11/10/2008, 3♂, Kari McWest, Keisha Hendricks, AUMNH]; Luna: 15.5 miles NE Hwy-180 on Hwy-26, 32.430777 -107.566477 1, 4584ft., [APH_1572, 29/10/2012, 1♂, Brent E. Hendrixson, AUMNH]; Rio Arriba: along CR 55, 36.084375 -106.12193 2, 5715ft., [APH_1248, 1/11/2010, 1♂, Chis Tough, AUMNH]; Sandoval: Rt 44 (Rt 448), 3.7 miles west of Placitas, 35.269619 -106.605786 4, 5046ft., [APH_2198, 16/11/1963, 2♂, William A. Shear, AMNH]; Taos: 70 miles N of Santa Fe, 36.650692 -105.636765 7, 7832ft., [AUMS_2476, unknown, 1♂, unknown, AUMNH]; Oklahoma: Bryan: Calera Golf Center, 2.5 miles S Calera on Hwy-75, 33.9094 -96.462 4, 755ft., [APH_0156, 22/7/2007, 1♂, Julianne Smith, AUMNH]; Cimarron: 6.6 miles S Colorado State line on US-287, 36.900429 -102.520409 1, 3924ft., [APH_0555-0559, 8/6/2009, 2♀, 3 juv, Brent E. Hendrixson, Courtney Dugas, Sloan Click, AUMNH]; Oklahoma panhandle, Cimarron River, just N off Hwy 287-385, N of Boise City, 36.945676 -102.521756 6, 3933ft., [AUMS_2472, 1/6/1986, 1♂, T.R. Prentice, AUMNH]; Cleveland: Lake Thunderbird State Park, 35.21208 -97.24742 5, 1085ft., [APH_0052, 25/6/2004, 1♀, Brent E. Hendrixson, AUMNH]; [APH_0150, 25/6/2004, 1♀, Brent E. Hendrixson, AUMNH]; Comanche: In the Wichita Mtns, 3 miles north of Medicine Park, 34.798239 -98.511099 5, 1411ft., [APH_2204, 19/5/1977, 1♀, J.C. Colkendolpher, AMNH]; N side of Wichita Mtns, 34.841533 -98.727542 1, 1771ft., [APH_0571-0574, 11/6/2009, 1♀, 3 juv, Brent E. Hendrixson, Courtney Dugas, Sloan Click, AUMNH]; Wichita National Forest, 37.683896 -97.363593 5, 1302ft., [APH_2176, unknown, 2♂, unknown, AMNH]; Wichita Mtns near Mount Scott, 34.767625 -98.724761 6, 1955ft., [APH_2601, 16/9/1971, 1♀, R. Forbes, AMNH]; Wichita Mtns Wildlife Refuge, 34.709358 -98.623307 6, 1476ft., [APH_2455, 6/9/1975, 1♂, F. Fryce, AMNH]; Wichita Mtns NWR - Comanche Rd., 34.780183 -98.598183 1, 1520ft., [APH_0873, 5/2008, 1 juv, Christian Cox, AUMNH]; Wichita Mtns NWR - Taylor Ranch Rd., 34.841783 -98.728283 1, 1712ft., [APH_0939, 5/2008, 1♀, Christian Cox, AUMNH]; Cotton: in cemetery NW of Walters, approx. 0.4 miles N Hwy-5 on CR-N2610, 34.367655 -98.329618 1, 1029ft., [APH_0575, 11/6/2009, 1 juv, Brent E. Hendrixson, Courtney Dugas, Sloan Click, AUMNH]; Creek: SW of Tulsa, 35.99622 -96.33341 1, 787ft., [APH_0918, 25/4/2008, 1♂, Christian Cox, John Morse, AUMNH]; SW of Tulsa, NE OK off route 33, 35.99622 -96.33341 1, 787ft., [APH_0834, 25/4/2008, 1♀, Christian Cox, John Morse, AUMNH]; Jackson: 498 Honeysuckle ave, Altus, Altus Air Force Base, 34.664112 -99.296041 1, 1372ft., [APH_3124, 15/6/2013, 1♂, David Welch, AUMNH]; Latimer: Along US-270, E of Red Oak, 34.950086 -95.054512 1, 571ft., [APH_0585, 24/6/2009, 1 juv, Brent E. Hendrixson, AUMNH]; unknown, 34.835035 -95.31025 7, 830ft., [APH_2182, 1931, 4♂, unknown, AMNH]; [APH_2193, 6/1931, 1♀, 2♂, 1 juv, unknown, AMNH]; Le Flore: Ouachita Mtns, S of Smithville on US 259, 34.418983 -94.676 1, 736ft., [APH_0921, 10/2008, 1♂, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; Ouachita Mtns, S on Hwy 259 from Winding Stair Mountain, 34.600767 -94.6987 1, 1701ft., [APH_0920, 10/2008, 1♂, Mike Logan, AUMNH]; Ouachita Mtns, Winding Stair Mountain, 34.7489 -94.8037 1, 2185ft., [APH_0919, 10/2008,
1
♂, Brian Fontenot, AUMNH]; Logan: Stillwater, 36.115607 -97.058368 5, 876ft., [APH_2181, 15/9/1969, 1♀, N.V. Horner, AMNH]; McCurtain: 1 mile east of Signal Mountain, Fort Hill, 34.333306 -95.024261 4, 1168ft., [APH_2201, 3/10/1952, 1♀, 2♂, T. Cohn, AMNH]; Oklahoma: Oklahoma City/Edmond at intersection of 150th St and Macarrthur, 35.623642 -97.620781 2, 1100ft., [APH_0402, 21/9/2008, 1♂, Natalie Ellis, AUMNH]; Osage: between Pahuska and Bartlesville (10 miles west of Bartlesville), 36.740071 -96.299699 5, 827ft., [APH_2606, 6/9/1940, 1♀, 1♂, A. Clay, AMNH]; Pontotoc: Ada, 34.773126 -96.678772 5, 1007ft., [APH_2607, 10/1981, 1♂, unknown, AMNH]; Washington: 2 miles W Bartlesville, Circle Mountain, forested area, 36.71598 -95.99562 4, 677ft., [APH_0026, 29/9/2002, 1♂, Jerry Tolbert, AUMNH]; Woodward: Alabaster Cavern- 9 miles south of Freedom, 36.698679 -99.147057 5, 1742ft., [APH_2605, 12/10/1952, 1♂, unknown, AMNH]; Texas: Bastrop: Wolf Lane and Pearce Rd, 30.140783 -97.5673 5, 555ft., [APH_0960-0964, 22/5/2006, 5♂, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Baylor: 7 miles north of Maybelle, 33.654334 -99.263208 5, 1325ft., [APH_2657, 8/11/1964, 2♂, Karl W. Haller, AMNH]; Brewster: 3.5 miles S US-90 on US-395, 30.15626 -103.23608 1, 4070ft., [APH_1288, 14/5/2011, 1♂, Brent E. Hendrixson, Kate Hall, Austin Deskewies, Alexis Guice, AUMNH]; Big Bend, 29.330733 -103.536367 6, 2592ft., [APH_0933, 5/2008, 1♂, Corey Roelke, AUMNH]; Black Gap WMA, 29.467633 -102.837333 6, 1833ft., [APH_0868, 2006, 1♀, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; [APH_0973, 2006, 1♂, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; [APH_0975, 2006, 1♂, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Big Bend National Park, 0.55 miles S park boundary on US-385, 29.67449 -103.17149 1, 2910ft., [APH_1289, 15/5/2011, 1♂, Brent E. Hendrixson, Kate Hall, Austin Deskewies, Alexis Guice, AUMNH]; Black Gap WMA, 29.5058 -102.884817 1, 2205ft., [APH_0932, 5/2008, 1♂, Corey Roelke, AUMNH]; [APH_0972, 6/2006, 1♂, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; [APH_0974, 2006, 1♂, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Black Gap WMA, on FM2627, 29.4867 -102.862733 1, 2009ft., [APH_0931, 5/2008, 1♂, Corey Roelke, AUMNH]; Carson: Pantex Plant, 35.302672 -101.561938 5, 3534ft., [AUMS_2328, 7/10/1997, 1♀, Felix Chavez, AUMNH]; Coleman: O.H. Ivie reservoir, 31.60165 -99.5915 1, 1684ft., [APH_0832, 9/2008, 1♀, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; Collin: Anna, 2 miles E of junction of FM455 and Hwy 75, 41 miles N of Dallas, 33.344388 -96.552215 5, 659ft., [AUMS_2327, 7/1988, 1♂, SCJ, AUMNH]; [AUMS_2330, 7/1988, 1♂, SCJ, AUMNH]; Cooke: Moss Lake, Sherman, 33.781417 -97.221633 6, 777ft., [APH_3035, unknown, 1♂, Russ Gurley, BMNH]; Coryell: Hwy 84, 14 miles W of Gatesville, 31.470143 -97.977296 5, 1041ft., [AUMS_2616, 27/6/1999, 1♂, M. Buffington, AUMNH]; Dallam: Dalhart, 36.059477 -102.51325 5, 3986ft., [AUMS_3291, unknown, 1♂, unknown, AUMNH]; just NE jct Thompson Grove Ln and Tex-Top Rd, 36.41505 -102.82264 1, 4369ft., [APH_0744, 25/6/2009, 1 juv, Zach Valois, AUMNH]; Dallas: 1455 N. Joe Wilson Road, Cedar Hill, 32.62016 -96.925792 1, 731ft., [APH_3125, 18/6/2013, 1♂, Nikki Miller, AUMNH]; Dallas, 32.802955 -96.769923 6, 515ft., [APH_2200, 5/1938, 1♀, Ottys Sanders, AMNH]; Dallas, Dallas Zoo, 32.73665 -96.815917 1, 484ft., [APH_0839, 5/2008, 1♂, Julie Post, AUMNH]; Dallas, Rest
land
cemetery, 32.924625 -96.744856 1, 593ft., [APH_0576, 12/6/2009, 1 juv, Brent E. Hendrixson, Courtney Dugas, Sloan Click, AUMNH]; [APH_0837-0838, 7/2008, 2♀, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; [APH_0915-0916, 7/2008, 2♂, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; [APH_0951, 7/2008, 1♂, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; Grand Prairie, 32.728783 -96.990383 1, 477ft., [APH_0836, 3/2008, 1♀, Stephanie Rudy, AUMNH]; Gaines: Seminole, 0.4 miles NW 11th St on Hwy-214, 32.729362 -102.661669 1, 3329ft., [APH_0546, 7/6/2009, 1 juv, Brent E. Hendrixson, Courtney Dugas, Sloan Click, AUMNH]; Gray: Pampa, approx. 12 miles S Pampa on US-70, 35.35843 -100.97436 5, 3210ft., [APH_0023, 24/9/2002, 1♂, Kyle Harrison, AUMNH]; Grayson: 6 miles southwest of Pottsboro, 33.71582 -96.73669 5, 666ft., [APH_2664, 1/11/1965, 1♂, Karl W. Haller, AMNH]; Hartley: Smith Ranch, N side of FM-767, 35.67812 -102.72925 1, 3813ft., [APH_0745, 27/6/2009, 1 juv, Zach Valois, AUMNH]; Hays: Buda, Buda High School, 30.03265 -97.89275 4, 848ft., [APH_0910, 7/2008, 1♂, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Kyle, 29.995 -97.893867 5, 801ft., [APH_0835, 7/2006, 1♀, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; [APH_0872, 2006, 1♀, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; unknown rd N of FM-3296, 35.82407 -102.95766 1, 4122ft., [APH_0743, 26/6/2009, 1 juv, Zach Valois, AUMNH]; Hill: 5 miles north of Itasca, 32.22622 -97.156988 5, 659ft., [APH_2185, 16/7/1958, 1♂, P. Carne Jr., AMNH]; Jeff Davis: Davis Mtns, 30.8044 -103.8923 1, 4087ft., [APH_0936, 31/9/2008, 1♂, Christian Cox, AUMNH]; Davis Mtns State Park, 30.592854 -103.940197 1, 5045ft., [APH_0536, 4/6/2009, 1♀, Brent E. Hendrixson, Courtney Dugas, Sloan Click, AUMNH]; Davis Mtns, Hwy 118 between McDonald observatory and Davis Mtns State Park, 30.6638 -104.0317 1, 6154ft., [APH_0934, 31/9/2008, 1♀, Christian Cox, AUMNH]; Davis Mtns, Hwy 118 between McDonald observatory and Hwy 166, 30.7049 -104.1118 1, 5905ft., [APH_0935, 31/9/2008, 1♂, Christian Cox, AUMNH]; Davis Mtns, Hwy 166 at the foothills of the Davis Mtns, 30.63155 -104.278117 1, 5393ft., [APH_0937, 31/9/2008, 1♂, Corey Roelke, AUMNH]; Fort Davis, 30.588211 -103.894625 5, 4895ft., [APH_2466, 5/1938, 2♂, unknown, AMNH]; Kimble: CR182, Junction, 30.470278 -99.756389 1, 1743ft., [APH_1066, 15/6/2010, 1♀, Skyler Stevens, AUMNH]; McCulloch: Brady, Brady Lake, 31.1235 -99.384517 1, 1759ft., [APH_0827-0831, 7/2008, 4♀, 1 juv, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; McLennan: Waco, near Lake Waco, 31.553483 -97.203633 5, 559ft., [APH_0914, 2006, 1♂, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Oldham: Boys Ranch area, Hwy 385, S of Canadian River, 35.500017 -102.25236 5, 3222ft., [AUMS_2474, 25/10/1986, 1♂, T.R. Prentice, AUMNH]; Parmer: 2 miles north of Friona, 34.670063 -102.72741 4, 4029ft., [APH_2184, 5/10/1961, 1♂, W.J. Gertsch, AMNH]; Presidio: Terlingua, 29.323867 -103.617117 6, 3020ft., [APH_0863, 2006, 1♀, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; unknown, 29.948067 -104.100133 7, 4310ft., [APH_0870, 2006, 1♀, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Randall: Canyon, field due west of Canyon Crest Apts., 34.9703 -101.92336 2, 3602ft., [APH_0041, 24/5/2002, 1♀, Brent E. Hendrixson, AUMNH]; FM Rd 1151 W jct. Whitaker Rd near playa lake, 35.09147 -101.75591 4, 3573ft., [APH_0035, 26/9/2006, 1♂, Kari McWest, AUMNH]; San Saba: Colorado Bend
State
Park, 31.095817 -98.501567 1, 1185ft., [APH_0822-0826, 6/2008, 5♀, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; [APH_0909, 6/2008, 1♀, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; [APH_0976, 6/2008, 1 juv, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; Sherman: 10 miles south of Texhoma, 36.399192 -101.803752 5, 3510ft., [APH_2645, 9/1967, 1♂, W. Ivie, AMNH]; 6 miles south of Stratford, 36.284667 -102.049499 5, 3655ft., [APH_2662, 9/1967, 1♂, W. Ivie, AMNH]; Tarrant: 537 Jakmar Rd, Benbrook, 32.6549 -97.47915 2, 800ft., [APH_0361, 6/2008, 1♂, Laura Gleason, AUMNH]; Travis: 1907 Casa Grande, Austin, 30.34272 -97.86449 2, 673ft., [APH_0015, 14/9/2002, 1♂, Mike Comai, AUMNH]; 5203 Rico Cove, Austin, 30.374853 -97.77368 2, 885ft., [APH_0401, 5/10/2008, 1♂, Rhone McCall, AUMNH]; Austin, 30.303983 -97.839883 6, 991ft., [APH_0875, 7/2008, 1♀, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Austin - City Park Rd and Pence Ln, 30.354083 -97.832567 1, 843ft., [APH_0812, 6/2008, 1♀, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; [APH_0904, 6/2008, 1♂, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; Austin - Cuernavaca area in West Lake Hills, 30.34478 -97.85278 1, 623ft., [APH_0159, Summer/2007, 1♂, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; [APH_0816-0819, 6/2008, 4♀, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; Austin - Red Bud trail in West Lake Hills, 30.2984 -97.80258 1, 784ft., [APH_0158, Summer/2007, 1 juv, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; [APH_0813-0815, 6/2008, 3♀, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; [APH_0906-0907, 6/2008, 2♂, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; Austin area, along Wild Basin Ledge, 30.307721 -97.818971 2, 774ft., [APH_0748, 5/9/2009, 1♂, Claudia Cobianchi, AUMNH]; Austin Baseball Field, 30.267153 -97.743061 6, 459ft., [APH_2186, 29/5/1958, 1♀, W.H. McAlister, AMNH]; [APH_2187, 21/7/1958, 1♂, W.H. McAlister, AMNH]; Austin, Duvall and Jolleyville Rd, 30.417283 -97.750033 6, 882ft., [APH_0911, 2006, 1♂, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Austin, near 290 and 71 split, 30.2425 -97.874367 6, 941ft., [APH_0876, 7/2008, 1♀, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Jonestown - Reed Park, 30.4779 -97.94605 1, 860ft., [APH_0160, Summer/2007, 1♀, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; [APH_0820-0821, 6/2008, 2♀, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; [APH_0908, 6/2008, 1♂, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; [APH_0949, 6/2008, 1♀, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; Val Verde: Comstock, 29.685683 -101.17145 1, 1580ft., [APH_0833, 7/2008, 1♀, Chris A. Hamilton, AUMNH]; Del Rio - Lake Amistad, 29.496167 -101.04455 5, 1147ft., [APH_0927, 2006, 1♀, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Del Rio, 29.370886 -100.895867 6, 995ft., [APH_0971, 2006, 1♂, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Del Rio, on spur 454, 29.460165 -100.948547 5, 1139ft., [APH_0957, 6/2006, 1♂, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Langtry, 29.809722 -101.5525 1, 1272ft., [APH_1063, 18/6/2010, 1♀, Travis Fisher, AUMNH]; [APH_0958, 6/2006, 1♂, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Langtry, Hwy 90, 29.814633 -101.563317 1, 1372ft., [APH_0867, 5/2008, 1♀, Corey Roelke, AUMNH]; N of Langtry on Pandale Dirt Rd, 29.828883 -101.59095 6, 1425ft., [APH_0926, 2006, 1♂, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Pandale, 30.130017 -101.575733 1, 1607ft., [APH_1070, 2/6/2010, 1♂, Lynn McCutchen, AUMNH]; [APH_1071, 26/6/2010, 1♂, Roxana Leija, AUMNH]; Wichita: 4 miles southeast of Burkburnett, 34.067561 -98.541374 5, 994ft., [APH_2665, 4/7/1975, 1♂, J. Cokendolpher, AMNH]; unknown, 33.930965
-
98.748117 7, 1007ft., [APH_2199, 23/4/1975, 1♀, M. Nipper, AMNH]; Wilbarger: 12 miles west of Electra, 34.025734 -99.145057 5, 1171ft., [APH_2179, 3/9/1998, 1♀, M.E. Janowski-Bell, AMNH]; [APH_2192, 3/9/1998, 1♂, M.E. Janowski-Bell, AMNH]; Williamson: Cedar Park, 30.5015 -97.847917 5, 1018ft., [APH_0905, 2006, 1♂, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Core Hole Cave- 1 mile south Georgetown, 30.607738 -97.687453 5, 787ft., [APH_2555, 3/11/1963, 1♀, J. Reddell, D. McKenzie, John Porter, AMNH]; Leander, 30.57295 -97.850467 5, 972ft., [APH_0896-0897, 2006, 2♂, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Round Rock, Fern Bluff Elementary, 30.517917 -97.719917 4, 806ft., [APH_0912, 6/2008, 1♂, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Taylor, 30.560167 -97.413333 5, 518ft., [APH_0913, 6/2008, 1♂, Dave Moellendorf, AUMNH]; Yoakum: unknown rd N of Hwy-380, 33.35231 -103.01736 1, 3857ft., [APH_0746, 17/6/2009, 1 juv, Zach Valois, AUMNH].
Distribution and natural history.
Aphonopelma hentzi
is the most widely distributed species in the United States. Its distribution is bound to the east by the Mississippi River but these tarantulas are found in all or parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona (Fig. 55).
Aphonopelma hentzi
thrives in a variety of habitats and can be found inhabiting the following Level III Ecoregions: Interior River Valleys and Hills, Ozark Highlands, Central Irregular Plains, Alluvial Plain, South Central Plains, Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas Valley, Boston Mountains, Western Gulf Coastal Plains, Flint Hills, Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains, Western High Plains, Southwestern Tablelands, Central Great Plains, Cross Timbers, East Central Texas Plains, Arizona/New Mexico Mountains, Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau, Southern Texas Plains, Blackland Prairies, Arizona/New Mexico Plateau, and Madrean Archipelago.
Aphonopelma hentzi
can be found in syntopy with a number of species across its distribution including
Aphonopelma armada
,
Aphonopelma gabeli
,
Aphonopelma moderatum
,
Aphonopelma moellendorfi
sp. n.,
Aphonopelma parvum
sp. n.,
Aphonopelma peloncillo
sp. n., and
vorhiesi
.
Figure 55.
Aphonopelma hentzi
(Girard, 1854). A distribution of known specimens B predicted distribution; warmer colors (red, orange, yellow) represent areas of high probability of occurrence, cooler colors (blue shades) represent areas of low probability of occurrence. Of note, the lone south Texas outlier specimen in A is the
harlingenum
holotype.
Aphonopelma hentzi
exhibits significant variation in burrowing behavior across its distribution. This species is known to inhabit freestanding burrows or scrapes (burrows under rocks, wood, etc.; see Fig. 2
A-C
) depending on the habitat.
Aphonopelma hentzi
inhabit a wide range of habitats and elevations and exhibit phenotypic differences between those (e.g., large and robust in lower elevations or plains habitats and a smaller body with longer, thinner legs in rocky or higher elevation habitats). Depending on the locality,
Aphonopelma hentzi
can exhibit two different breeding periods: a spring/summer season (April-August) and a fall season (September-October), sometimes at the same location. Additional information about the natural history of
Aphonopelma hentzi
is provided by
Smith (1995)
.
Conservation status.
Aphonopelma hentzi
would be considered rare in Arizona due to its very limited distribution in the state but this species is probably the most abundant tarantula in the United States. These spiders thrive in many different habitats and are not uncommon in major metropolitan areas. More than 40 individuals were collected by one of the authors (BEH) from a single residential lawn in suburban Fort Worth, Texas (specimens not reported). Specimens have also been collected from well-maintained grounds at a cemetery just outside Downtown Dallas, Texas near a busy freeway. This species is secure.
Remarks
.
Other important ratios that distinguish males:
Aphonopelma hentzi
possess a larger L3 scopulation extent (69%-86%) than
Aphonopelma armada
(48%-63%); by possessing a larger F4/M4 (≥0.92; 0.92-1.03) than
Aphonopelma armada
(≤0.92; 0.86-0.92); by possessing a larger PTl/T4 (>0.65; 0.65-0.77) than
Aphonopelma gabeli
(≤0.64; 0.58-0.64). Other important ratios distinguish females:
Aphonopelma hentzi
possess a larger L4 scopulation extent (42%-72%) than
Aphonopelma armada
(28%-43%, with slight overlap); by possessing a smaller L1/L3 (≤1.14; 1.07-1.14) than
Aphonopelma moderatum
(>1.14; 1.14-1.24, with slight overlap). For both males and females, certain morphometrics have potential to be useful, though due to the
amounts
of variation, small number of specimens, and the small differences between species, no others are claimed to be significant at this time (see Suppl. material 2). During evaluation of traditional PCA morphospace, males of
Aphonopelma hentzi
separate in PCA morphological space from
Aphonopelma gabeli
,
Aphonopelma moderatum
, and
Aphonopelma moellendorfi
along PC1~2, but do not separate from
Aphonopelma anax
,
Aphonopelma armada
,
Aphonopelma peloncillo
, or
Aphonopelma vorhiesi
. Female
Aphonopelma hentzi
do not separate from
Aphonopelma anax
,
Aphonopelma armada
,
Aphonopelma gabeli
,
Aphonopelma moderatum
,
Aphonopelma peloncillo
, or
Aphonopelma vorhiesi
. Females of
Aphonopelma moellendorfi
are unknown and cannot be compared. Interestingly,
Aphonopelma hentzi
males separate from
Aphonopelma gabeli
,
Aphonopelma marxi
,
Aphonopelma moderatum
,
Aphonopelma moellendorfi
,
Aphonopelma parvum
, and
Aphonopelma peloncillo
in three-dimensional PCA morphospace (PC1~PC2~PC3), but do not separate from
Aphonopelma anax
,
Aphonopelma armada
,
Aphonopelma chalcodes
, or
Aphonopelma vorhiesi
.
Aphonopelma hentzi
females separate from
Aphonopelma marxi
and
Aphonopelma parvum
, but do not separate from
Aphonopelma anax
,
Aphonopelma armada
,
Aphonopelma chalcodes
,
Aphonopelma gabeli
,
Aphonopelma moderatum
,
Aphonopelma peloncillo
, or
Aphonopelma vorhiesi
. PC1, PC2, and PC3 explain ≥87% of the variation in male analyses and ≥96% of the variation in female analyses.
Of particular note,
Warriner (2008)
determined that the type locality for
Aphonopelma hentzi
was near the Wichita Mountains.in Comanche County, Oklahoma where the Marcy Expedition likely camped in May 1852. Even though we have examined material from this area, we have chosen not to designate a new neotype at this time because
Smith's
(1995)
neotype is conspecific with this material and we were unable to secure adults. We examined most of the holotypes and/or freshly collected topotypic material of
Aphonopelma clarki
,
Aphonopelma coloradanum
,
Aphonopelma echinum
,
Aphonopelma gurleyi
,
Aphonopelma harlingenum
,
Aphonopelma odelli
,
Aphonopelma waconum
, and
Aphonopelma wichitanum
. Our morphological and molecular analyses fail to recognize these eight species as separate, independently evolving lineages. As a consequence, we consider
Aphonopelma clarki
,
Aphonopelma coloradanum
,
Aphonopelma echinum
,
Aphonopelma gurleyi
,
Aphonopelma harlingenum
,
Aphonopelma odelli
,
Aphonopelma waconum
, and
Aphonopelma wichitanum
junior synonyms of
Aphonopelma hentzi
. It is also important to note that the paratype of
Aphonopelma harlingenum
that is found in the same jar as the
Aphonopelma harlingenum
holotype is a female of
Aphonopelma anax
(see spermathecae in Fig. 12C).
Mitochondrial DNA (CO1) identifies
Aphonopelma hentzi
as a polyphyletic group with respect to
Aphonopelma moderatum
,
Aphonopelma anax
, and
Aphonopelma armada
(Fig. 7). A second lineage of
Aphonopelma hentzi
is embedded within a secondary lineage of
Aphonopelma anax
; both lineages were previously identified as putative cryptic species (
Hamilton et al. 2014
). Based on the AE results, it appears that CO1 is not effective at delimiting species boundaries within this group.