Texas is home to a diversity of creepy crawlies, including several species of large, hairy tarantulas While these spiders may look intimidating, learning more about tarantulas can help Texans appreciate these fascinating creatures In this article, we’ll explore where tarantulas live in Texas, how to identify different species, and what makes them unique.
Tarantulas belong to the family Theraphosidae, a group of spiders found worldwide in tropical and semi-arid regions. There are over 900 theraphosid species, including around 14 native to Texas. Some characteristics that set tarantulas apart from other spiders include:
- Large, hairy bodies up to 5 inches long
- Eight eyes arranged in two rows
- Two fangs used to inject venom when hunting prey
- Special abdominal hairs called urticating bristles, which act as a defense mechanism
Despite their frightening reputation, tarantulas are not aggressive and rarely bite humans unless provoked. Their venom is designed to take down small prey rather than large animals.
Where to Find Tarantulas in Texas
Tarantulas can be found across most of the state but are more common in central, south and west Texas. They prefer semi-open grasslands, shrublands, deserts, and woodlands. Tarantulas build burrows or hide under rocks, logs, bark, and in abandoned rodent burrows.
Some of the best places to spot them include:
- Texas Hill Country
- Edwards Plateau
- South Texas Plains
- Chihuahuan Desert
- Plains Country
The easiest way to find tarantulas is to look for their burrows or search under debris. The entrance of their burrow may be surrounded by silk. Turning over rocks, logs, and other objects near the ground can also reveal tarantulas hiding underneath.
Late summer is prime tarantula mating season in Texas, so males can often be seen roaming in the open in search of females. Texans in rural areas sometimes encounter male tarantulas crossing roads or near porch lights at this time of year.
Tarantula Species in Texas
There are 6 main species of tarantulas officially documented in Texas so far:
Texas Brown Tarantula
The Texas brown tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi) is the most common. It has a legspan up to 4 inches and is brown or blackish-brown in color. This docile species lives in burrows lined with silk webbing to catch insects.
Texas Tan Tarantula
The Texas tan tarantula (Aphonopelma anax) is the largest tarantula found in the United States, with legspans up to 6 inches. It is mostly tan brown with darker leg banding. This spider inhabits burrows in semi-arid shrublands and grasslands.
Texas Black Spot Tarantula
The Texas black spot tarantula (Aphonopelma armada) gets its name from the black spots on its brown abdomen. It lives underground and builds burrows with surrounding web traps.
Carlsbad Green Tarantula
The Carlsbad green tarantula (Aphonopelma gabeli) inhabits west Texas and has an iridescent green sheen on its legs. It is venomous but rarely bites people. This species prefers desert scrub habitat.
Rio Grande Gold Tarantula
The Rio Grande gold tarantula (Aphonopelma moderatum) has a large, stocky body with black leg banding. As its name suggests, it lives along the Rio Grande River watershed.
Tucson Bronze Tarantula
The Tucson bronze tarantula (Aphonopelma vorhiesi) has a black body with orange-red hairs on the underside. It inhabits west Texas and much of the Sonoran Desert.
There are likely additional species not yet identified by scientists. Any tarantulas found in Texas should be treated with caution and respect.
Interesting Facts About Texas Tarantulas
Here are some fascinating details about these iconic Texas spiders:
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Female tarantulas can live over 25 years in captivity, while males only live about 1-2 years after reaching maturity.
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They use their silk to line burrows and build egg sacs. Each sac can contain 100-1000 eggs.
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When threatened, tarantulas use their hind legs to flick irritating hairs at attackers. The hairs cause localized inflammation.
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Male tarantulas wander in search of mates during late summer and fall. Texans often see them crossing roads at this time.
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Tarantula hawks, giant wasps, prey on tarantulas as food for their larvae. The wasp’s sting paralyzes the spider.
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Tarantulas are mostly docile if left alone and play an important role as predators in the Texas ecosystem.
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No tarantula bites have ever been fatal, but they can be painful. Seek medical attention if bitten.
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Only mature male tarantulas can be accurately identified to species level by experts because the females all look so similar.
Practicing Tarantula Safety and Awareness
Tarantulas rarely bite unless handled roughly or threatened. To safely appreciate them:
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Give tarantulas plenty of space and don’t touch them. Their urticating hairs can irritate skin.
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Carefully move them off roads and paths using gloves or a container to prevent accidental squishing.
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Educate children and others not to kill or harass them. Tarantulas help control insect pest populations.
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Call experts to remove tarantulas from homes humanely. Avoid pesticides that may kill them.
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Take precautions and wear gloves when working outdoors in areas where tarantulas live.
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Seek prompt medical care if bitten to treat symptoms. Tarantula bites are painful but seldom cause serious effects.
Whether you spot a tarantula crossing the trail or spy one in its burrow, these spiders are part of the Texas experience. Learning identification tips, facts about their behavior, and safety precautions allows us to coexist with tarantulas. If treated with respect, tarantulas can captivate Texans with their unique biology and presence in local habitats.
Getting to know these gentle giants and why they are on the move
If you see tarantulas moving in greater numbers around Texas, don’t fear … they’re just looking for love. There are 15 tarantula species that can be found around Texas like this one at Big Bend National Park. (Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife)
Some folks equate this annual movement of these large, fuzzy arthropods to seasonal migration. But Wizzie Brown, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomology specialist in the Texas A&M Department of Entomology, Travis County, said the mass movement of tarantulas between May and August is not a true migratory event.
The uptick in tarantula activity and movement can be attributed to males searching for females to mate, Brown said, adding that the timing of their emergence and subsequent mating season is triggered by warmer spring temperatures and moisture. This means their location across the state can be a determining factor for emergence and activity.
“This spring has been warmer, so it may begin a little earlier than normal,” Brown said. “Usually once it warms up and we get some decent rain you will begin to see them. If you think about it, those same conditions mean more insects are emerging, which means more food for tarantulas’ offspring at that point.”
Tarantulas not a danger to us
Despite their size, tarantulas shouldn’t be feared by humans, Brown said. If encountered, she recommends just admiring them and leaving them be.
Tarantulas are not venomous to humans, but they can bite. They will typically give warnings by rearing up on their hind legs to look bigger or showing their fangs before they bite. Brown equates the bite to a bee sting.
They will also kick hairs off their abdomen as a defensive mechanism, she said. The hairs are prickly like a cactus with fine spines. Some people develop rashes from the hairs.
“They can be scary when judged by their size and looks,” she said. “They’re large, but they’re no danger to us. They can be grumpy when handled roughly, but if they bite, it’s typically from being provoked. So, look at them and appreciate them because they are beneficial. But people shouldn’t handle tarantulas in the wild.”
Tarantulas in Texas
FAQ
Are there poisonous tarantulas in Texas?
Texas species of tarantula generally remain in burrows and their bite is painful, but not harmful to humans. Despite their venom not being dangerous to humans, the tarantulas here in the Americas have an additional defense: urticating hairs.
Where are tarantulas located in Texas?
Tarantulas occur throughout Texas and are common in grasslands and semi-open areas. Tarantulas use burrows, natural cavities under logs or stones, spaces under loose bark of tree trunks and even old rodent burrows as shelters. They also dig their own burrows.
What time of year do tarantulas come out in Texas?
Tarantulas in Texas typically mate from May through July. During that time, they exit their burrows in the ground and roam around, looking for potential mates. So, you’re most likely to see tarantulas out and about this time of year.
Why are there so many tarantulas in Texas?
Here in Central Texas, summertime doesn’t just mean warmer weather. It also marks the beginning of tarantula mating season. Each May, these spiders emerge from their underground hiding spots to breed. Tarantula mating season differs by region, but it typically lasts through July across Texas.