My favorite group of arachnids would have to be the Theraphosidae family, more commonly known as; TARANTULA. This group of spiders is found worldwide with over 900 species found thus far. Most people associate tarantula’s as big, hairy, scary spiders that some weird people (like myself) keep as pets or a hobby. There are several species native to the United States, most occurring in the southwest states, and not venturing past the Mississippi River. Some reports of tarantula’s have been noted in southeast states, such as Florida, but those species are not native to Floirda. Noted species include; Brachypelma vagans (Mexican Red Rump), and Avic avic (Pink Toe).

Luckily, for someone like me, I happen to live in an area of the United States that does have a native T. I’m specifically talking about the Alphonopelma smithi, more commonly known as the Bay Area Blonde, to locals. You can find this hearty T along the hillsides on the peninsula as well as tucked in the hills in the east bay. This blonde bombshell isn’t so blonde, sporting a sort of dirty blonde color if you will. A. smithi’s are known for their burrowing tendencies, giving their homes a nice silk lining. They stay underground until they reach their maturity, which is right around 7 years old. At that time, the males will go on a hunt for females to mate with, which usually occurs in September/October of every year. Many times during these months, you can be lucky, or maybe unlucky depending on your preference, to find mature males walking along at dusk looking for the perfect mate. A popular spot in the San Francisco Bay Area to see this is on Mt. Diablo, about 40 miles east of San Francisco.

California isn’t the only place to find sun, surf, and tarantula’s. If you like 10 gallon hats and cowboys, you could find native tarantula’s in Texas, Oaklahoma, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and many other southwestern states. In fact, there are at least 12 states confirmed with native tarantula’s. Texas is home to the Alphonopelma hentzi, or the Texas Brown, or Missouri Brown, or also known as the Oaklahoma Brown. Same spider, different name- which is why most people interested in entomology-like subjects prefer to the scientific name over a common name. These T’s are known to be docile and non-aggressive, that grow to be quite an impressive size so you can’t miss them. Like their California cousin, they are also ground dwellers, mostly enjoying life in burrows. 

So, how did the United States get tarantula’s anyway? Well, according to Missouri’s state government website, tarantula’s apparently arrived in this part of the country about 8,000 years ago when the climate was warmer, drier, and more like the desert southwest is today. When the climate here changed again, about 4,000 years ago, and become cooler and wetter, tarantulas were able to remain in the relatively desertlike glade environments where they can be found today.

Even though they typically come big in size, their venom is pretty small compared. Most tarantula venom is weaker than a honeybee’s. And it’s really true what they say… Spiders generally don’t like human interaction. They would much rather hide in their burrow and focus surviving. Tarantula’s, like other spiders, have their own characteristic signs of attack. If a tarantula is being picked on, they’ll usually go through a series of warnings before actively biting. This includes flicking hairs located on their abdomens, threat posing, and just running in the other direction.

Tarantula’s are just another part of life that we, as the human race, are stuck co-existing with. You don’t have to like them, but finding the beauty in them makes living on this planet with them a little bit more bearable.

Many thanks to those who graciously allowed me to use their pictures for this wordy post on one of my favorite creatures!