Every fall in the Bay Area, male tarantulas take advantage of cooler temperatures and venture out of their dens to seek out a mate. These fuzzy arachnids might give some people the creeps, but they’re actually completely harmless. Some locals and visitors steer clear of certain Tri-Valley parks during tarantula mating season, while others seek out these eight-legged creatures.
Here’s everything you need to know about tarantula mating season in the Tri-Valley, including when and where to find them.
California is home to over 10 fascinating tarantula species. These large, hairy spiders elicit intrigue and fear in equal measure. While tarantulas appear intimidating, they pose little danger to humans. Learning about their behavior and habitat reveals the truth about these gentle giants.
I became fascinated with tarantulas after spotting one on a hiking trail Its size surprised me – its legspan was larger than my hand! After recovering from the shock, curiosity got the better of me I had to learn more about these misunderstood creatures.
When and Where Tarantulas Emerge in California
Tarantulas reside in burrows year-round, but mating season brings increased activity. From September through November, mature male tarantulas leave their burrows in search of females. Cooler weather suits their amorous ambitions.
Likely spots to encounter tarantulas in California include
- Deserts – Mojave, Colorado
- Foothills – Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains
- Parks – Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Coastal regions – Central Coast
Daytime sightings occur but peak activity happens at dusk. Ambling along trails, males quest for love before their brief lifespan ends.
Common Tarantula Species in California
California boasts 10 identified tarantula species so far, Some of the most common include
- Desert blonde (Aphonopelma iodius) – abundant in arid regions
- California ebony (Aphonopelma eutylenum) – dark brown/black, found statewide
- Western desert (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – large, pale-haired species
- Joshua (Aphonopelma joshua) – resides in Yucca Valley
- Mojave (Aphonopelma mojave) – small black species, Las Vegas outskirts
While all tarantulas are large and hairy, subtle physical differences and habitat preferences distinguish the species. For example, the Chilean rose tarantula sports pink hues on its underside.
Are Tarantulas Dangerous?
Despite their intimidating appearance, tarantulas pose minimal danger to humans. Their bite is comparable to a bee sting in pain level. However, their urticating hairs can cause skin irritation. Provoked tarantulas may rub these barbed hairs from their abdomens in defense.
Tarantulas use their venom to subdue small prey, not people. And they’d much rather hide than fight. Their docile nature makes unprovoked attacks exceedingly rare.
Fascinating Tarantula Facts
Getting acquainted with tarantulas reveals their endearing qualities beneath the hair and fangs. For example:
- Females can live 30 years but males only 1-2 years after maturity. Talk about a biological bad deal!
- Females protect their burrows with silk webbing and may eat visiting males post-mating.
- Male tarantulas find mates by tapping outside burrows. It’s the spider equivalent of knocking on her door!
- Large females can lay up to 1,000 eggs in a single sac. Baby tarantula alert!
Once you know their secrets, tarantulas transform from a source of fear to fascination. Their intricate mating rituals and family dynamics reveal sophisticated behaviors.
Respect, Not Fear
I’ve developed a deep appreciation for tarantulas since my first alarming encounter. Research has unveiled their hidden biology and habits.
If you spot a tarantula in the wild, observe respectfully from a distance. Remember, they want to avoid you as much as you want to avoid them! Their annual mating journey is dangerous enough without human interference.
Have your own tarantula encounter? Share your experience in the comments! I’d love to hear your impressions of California’s biggest little-known residents.
When to See Tarantulas During Mating Season
You can usually expect to see tarantulas out and about starting the end of August and spanning through early November. Mating season, and tarantula sightings, typically peak around mid-October.
Where to Find Tarantulas During Mating Season
Tarantulas can be found in multiple outdoor recreation areas in the Tri-Valley, but they’re most prominent at Mount Diablo State Park, Del Valle Regional Park, and Sunol Regional Wilderness. Once you’ve arrived, you’re likely to see them crawling on roads, trails, trees and other vegetation in plain sight.
While visitors are usually able to spot tarantulas on roads and trails without help, multiple organizations host naturalist-led tarantula hikes in our parks to help shed additional light on these interesting arachnids. The East Bay Regional Park District hosts tarantula treks in both Del Valle Regional Park and Sunol Regional Wilderness. Save Mount Diablo and the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association facilitate hikes at Mount Diablo State Park.
Native California Tarantula
FAQ
Are there tarantulas in California?
When are giant spiders most active in California? Tarantulas are present throughout the year, according to Los Padres ForestWatch.
What is the largest spider in California?
Aphonopelma. With large fangs, eight hairy legs, and an overall appearance that is both frightening and cute, tarantulas are one of the most recognizable spider species, and rightly so. They are the largest spiders in the world, with the largest California species reaching adult leg spans of 4.5 inches.
What time of year do tarantulas come out in California?
You can usually expect to see tarantulas out and about starting the end of August and spanning through early November. Mating season, and tarantula sightings, typically peak around mid-October.
How big are California black tarantulas?
The body of the California ebony tarantula comes in various brown tones, ranging from light beige to dark brown and ebony colors. Adult females can reach a legspan of up to 13 cm (5 inches) and live to about 25 years of age. Males reach maturity after 8–12 years and leaves their burrows after that in search of a mate.
What is a California Ebony tarantula?
The California Ebony Tarantula has a leg span of up to 5 inches and weighs about 3 to 6 ounces. Found in California’s dry, rugged landscapes, it dines on insects and other small arthropods. This tarantula has a dark, glossy appearance and tends to live in burrows where it waits to ambush its prey. 14. Giant Crab Spider
Where can you find tarantulas in San Diego?
You can find these tarantulas in grassy, rolling hills of the East Bay area, including Alameda county all the way down to San Diego. However, they are most commonly found and concentrated in the western counties of Southern California. 4. San Diego Bronze Scientific name: Aphonopelma steindachneri