Aphonopelma smithi, also known as the Bay Area Blond tarantula, is an endemic spider to Northern California, found in California interior chaparral and woodlands habitats.
The Bay Area Blond tarantula spider lives in an underground burrow lined with silk for most of its life, until it is about 7 years old when it reaches puberty. At this time the males leave the burrow to find mates. Males can be found on Mount Diablo in Contra Costa County, looking for mates, from September to early October. Many people go to Mount Diablo to watch the tarantulas at this time of year.
Aphonopelma smithi is a relatively skittish species, and can be disturbed easily. One should not attempt to handle a Bay Area Blond tarantula, as it can upset the spider, possibly resulting in injury to it or the human handler.