13 States Across America Where Tarantulas Might Surprise You
Tarantulas are large, hairy spiders that can be found in various habitats across the southern and western United States. While they may look intimidating, most species have relatively mild venom that is not life-threatening to humans.
If you live in or plan to visit any of these states, you might just come face to face with these fascinating arachnids.
1. Florida
In Florida, the Mexican Redrump Tarantula (Brachypelma vagans) has established a population, particularly in South Florida’s citrus groves. First identified in 1996, this species has been noted for its rapid spread in the area, thriving in overgrown regions near swamps and canals.
The tarantula is mostly black with reddish hairs on its abdomen and can grow to a leg span of approximately 5 inches. While their venom is not life-threatening to humans, it can cause painful bites, and they may pose a threat to small pets and wildlife.
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2. Texas
Texas is home to several tarantula species, with the Texas Brown Tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi) being the most common. This species can be found throughout the state, particularly in grasslands and rocky areas.
They are known for their large size, with leg spans exceeding 4 inches. The mating season occurs from May to August, during which males are particularly active in search of females. Although their bites can be painful, they are generally not dangerous to humans unless an allergic reaction occurs.
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3. Louisiana
In Louisiana, the Texas Brown Tarantula is also prevalent. This species prefers sandy uplands and is typically found in central to north-central parts of the state. They spend most of their lives hidden in burrows but become more visible during mating season in spring and summer.
Despite their intimidating appearance, they are generally docile and pose little threat to humans. Their bites can be painful, and they may kick urticating hairs that can itch and irritate skin and eyes.
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4. Arkansas
Arkansas hosts the Texas Brown Tarantula as well, which shares similar habitats and behaviors as in Texas and Louisiana. These tarantulas are found in various environments, including forests and grasslands.
Like their counterparts in other states, they are primarily ground-dwelling and spend much of their time in burrows, becoming more active during the mating season. Their bites are not life-threatening but can be painful.
5. Missouri
In Missouri, the Texas Brown Tarantula is also present, often referred to as the Oklahoma brown tarantula in some regions. They inhabit grasslands and are known for their burrowing behavior.
Similar to other states, they are most active during the warmer months, especially during mating season. Their presence in Missouri contributes to the tarantula’s range across the Southern United States, and they are generally non-aggressive towards humans.
6. Kansas
Kansas is a state where there are more than 500 tarantula breeds, including the Texas Brown Tarantula. They thrive in the state’s grasslands and open areas.
Their lifecycle and behavior are consistent with those observed in neighboring states, with a notable increase in activity during the mating season.
7. Oklahoma
The Texas Brown Tarantula is named as the Oklahoma Brown Tarantula, which is the most common species found throughout the state. The Texas Brown Tarantula is known for its large size, with leg spans exceeding 10 cm.
During the mating season from May to August, males become more active in search of females. While their bites can be painful, they are generally not dangerous to humans unless an allergic reaction occurs.
8. Arizona
Arizona is home to the Arizona Blond Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes), which is typically found in saguaro-dominated plant communities. This species is a 3 to 4 inch, large-bodied, burrowing spider, commonly seen during the summer rainy season.
The female is usually a uniform tan color, while the male has black legs, a copper-colored cephalothorax, and a reddish abdomen. Arizona blond tarantulas are nocturnal predators that rarely venture far from their burrows unless it is mating season.
9. New Mexico
New Mexico is home to several tarantula species, including the Texas Brown Tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi), Aphonopelma gabeli, and Aphonopelma marxi. These spiders can be spotted on roads and highways in northern New Mexico, particularly around Santa Fe and Albuquerque, during their mating season from August through October.
The best places to observe them are on Santa Fe Desert County Road 42 and in Cerrillos Hills State Park, where guided tours are sometimes offered.
10. Colorado
In southeastern Colorado, three to five species of Aphonopelma tarantulas have been reported. These spiders are generally dark brown to black, with longer hairs on the abdomen that may be a lighter brown color.
Some banding of colors may be present on the legs. Almost all tarantulas observed in Colorado are mature males migrating in late summer and early fall.
11. Utah
Utah is home to the Great Basin Tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius), which is found in the western part of the state. This species is typically dark brown to black in color, with some lighter banding on the legs.
Great Basin Tarantulas are burrowing spiders that prefer dry, well-drained soils in open areas throughout the desert and grassland habitats.
12. Nevada
Nevada hosts the Desert Tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius) in the southern part of the state. This species shares similar characteristics and habitat preferences with its counterparts in Utah, preferring dry, well-drained soils in open areas throughout the desert and grassland habitats.
According to reports, Southern Nevada tarantulas are similar to “giant teddy bears”. The Valley of Fire Highway and Lake Mead National Recreation Area road are good places to spot them.
13. California
California is home to several tarantula species, including the Aphonopelma eutylenum in the southern part of the state. This species is typically dark brown to black in color, with some lighter banding on the legs. Aphonopelma eutylenum is a burrowing spider that prefers dry, well-drained soils in open areas throughout the desert and grassland habitats.
While they may seem intimidating due to their size and appearance, most tarantulas are harmless to humans and prefer to avoid confrontation.
