As the weather begins to cool and the season for spooky decorations approaches, brown tarantula mating season is also upon us. Generally running from late August through October, the mating season sees the furry arachnids leaving their usual burrows and hideouts in dry, arid areas to cross swaths of land in search of mates, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Also known as the Texas brown tarantula, Oklahoma brown tarantula, or Missouri brown tarantula,Aphonopelma hentzi is a chocolate brown color with hints of red.
They are hairy, stocky creatures who can grow to be four to five inches long, including leg span. They generally weigh between one to 3 ounces, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife.
Tarantulas are large hairy spiders that spark fascination and fear in many people. While over 50 species of tarantulas exist in North America, only one species is native to Missouri – the Texas brown tarantula. Here is a comprehensive guide to these misunderstood spiders and their presence in the Show Me State.
Also known as the Missouri tarantula or Oklahoma brown tarantula, the Texas brown tarantula (scientific name Aphonopelma hentzi) is the only tarantula species native to Missouri These stocky, dark brown spiders can grow up to 4 inches in legspan, making them the largest spider in the state
Despite their intimidating appearance, Texas brown tarantulas are actually quite docile. If threatened, they may stand up on their back legs and raise their front legs in a defensive posture. However, they rarely bite humans unless severely provoked. Their venom is comparable to a bee sting in terms of effects on humans.
Texas brown tarantulas are burrowers, spending their days in underground silk-lined burrows. They emerge at night to hunt for prey like insects, small lizards, and rodents on the forest floor. As a tarantula native to the south-central United States, they prefer hot, dry habitats like glades and prairies.
Distribution in Missouri
Texas brown tarantulas are primarily found in the southern and central regions of Missouri. They seem to be limited by the Missouri River, which acts as a barrier preventing them from spreading northward.
Within their Missouri range, Texas brown tarantulas prefer rocky glades and prairies. They dig burrows in spaces beneath rocks, in abandoned rodent tunnels, and in other natural nooks. Human-disturbed habitats are generally avoided.
The spiders may occasionally be spotted crossing roads or wandering near homes in late summer and fall as males roam in search of mates. But in general, Texas brown tarantulas reside in backcountry areas away from frequent human activity.
Life History and Behavior
Texas brown tarantulas are slow-growing, long-lived spiders compared to other arachnids. Females may live over 30 years in the wild, while males typically survive about 7 years before dying after mating.
In late summer and fall, male Texas brown tarantulas leave their burrows and wander far distances looking for receptive females. The males use specialized structures on their front legs to detect female pheromones. After mating concludes, the males usually die as winter approaches.
Females remain in their home burrows year-round. They lay eggs in late spring and guard their egg sacs vigilantly until the spiderlings emerge in early summer. Spiderlings often stay with their mother for several weeks after hatching before dispersing to find their own home ranges.
Interactions with Humans
Contrary to scary movie portrayals, Texas brown tarantulas rarely pose a threat to humans. In fact, encounters between people and tarantulas in Missouri are very uncommon. Their secretive, burrowing habits coupled with nocturnal foraging keep them hidden from humans for much of their lives.
Nevertheless, male Texas brown tarantulas do sometimes wander into backyards and homes while searching for mates in late summer and fall. Homeowners may see the large spiders on walls, floors, or basements during this period. But the docile tarantulas can simply be captured and released back into nature unharmed. Getting rid of insect and rodent nuisances around the home also discourages tarantula intrusions.
While tarantula bites are rare and generally not medically significant, it’s important to take precautions around these large spiders. Supervise children and pets closely outdoors where tarantulas occur to prevent accidental bites due to agitating the spiders. Seek emergency medical care if bitten and signs of allergic reaction appear.
The Texas brown tarantula holds a special place as Missouri’s largest native spider. But despite some common fears, these spiders are not aggressive and rarely pose threats to humans. Their fascinating natural history and lifecycle make them an iconic part of Missouri’s biodiversity to be valued rather than feared. With proper respect and education about tarantulas, we can safely coexist with these misunderstood creatures.
Where you can find brown tarantulas
Unlike web-spinning spiders, these tarantulas often take over old burrows dug by other animals or dig their own, lining the holes with webbing to trap their prey and thwart potential predators. Like many species, they are nocturnal and hunt while most of us are still asleep.
Though they look scary, tarantulas are generally shy and like to avoid human contact, meaning you’re not likely to stumble across one on the average day. During mating season, however, they really put themselves out there, so to speak.
When males begin their migration in an attempt to find mates, they can often be spotted close to houses and even crossing roadways on their great journey.
These brave males don’t have time to waste in finding the perfect mate, as their lifespan in the wild generally only stretches up to year, whereas females can live up to three decades, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife.
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Tarantula
FAQ
Are there any tarantulas in Missouri?
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Species:The Texas brown tarantula, also known as the Missouri tarantula, is the only native tarantula species in Missouri.
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Description:These tarantulas are stocky and hairy, with dark chocolate brown bodies and legs, and reddish hairs on the carapace.
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Size:They can grow to a leg span of 6 inches.
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Habitat:They are found in glades and other open, dry areas in south and central Missouri.
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Docile Nature:Despite their large size and hairy appearance, these tarantulas are docile and not dangerous to humans.
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Location:They are found in southern and central Missouri, with the Missouri River acting as a barrier to their movement into northern Missouri.
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Other States:The Texas brown tarantula is also found in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and parts of Mexico.
What is the largest spider in Missouri?
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- Description: Stocky, hairy spider with a dark chocolate brown body and legs, and reddish hairs on the carapace.
- Habitat: Prefers dry, rocky glades and is rarely found near people.
- Location: Primarily found in the southern and central parts of Missouri.
- Behavior: Shy and quick to avoid humans.
- Size: Missouri’s largest spider.
- Migration: In the summer, male tarantulas migrate across the state in search of mates, making them more visible during evening drives and strolls
- Description: Stocky, hairy spider with a dark chocolate brown body and legs, and reddish hairs on the carapace.
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Other Spiders in Missouri:
- Wolf spiders: Athletic spiders that hunt prey instead of spinning webs.
- Banded Garden Spider: Spiders with a distinctive banded appearance.
- Common House Spider: A common, drab-colored spider found in homes.
- Brown Recluse: A venomous spider that is camouflaged on dry winter grass.
- Southern Black Widow: A venomous spider.
- Northern Black Widow: A venomous spider.
- Female Adult Brown Widow: A venomous spider.
- Wolf spiders: Athletic spiders that hunt prey instead of spinning webs.
What are the most dangerous spiders in Missouri?
Of the two potentially harmful spiders found in Missouri, you are more likely to encounter the brown recluse than the black widow. Both can inflict bites that can cause severe pain and infection. Deaths due to black widow bites are extremely rare, and no deaths have been proven to be caused by brown recluse bites.
Are Texas brown tarantulas poisonous?
Texas brown tarantulas are nocturnal and spend the day burrowed underground or beneath rocks to hide from predators. These spiders are venomous, although the venom does not have much of an effect on humans and primarily serves to immobilize their prey.