Thousands of tarantulas are surfacing across the U.S. as mating season begins, triggered by warm weather and moisture in grasslands and desert regions.
Arachnophobes, brace yourselves. The tarantula mating season is in full swing, with hordes of the eight-legged giants crawling above ground in search of love.
But while the sight of these hairy spiders might send shivers down some spines, experts insist there’s little to fear.
Why Thousands of Tarantulas Are Crawling Out?
Driven by warmer spring temperatures and recent rainfall, male tarantulas are surfacing in droves, leaving their burrows in a quest to find a mate. It’s an annual event that plays out across states like Texas, Arizona, and Colorado.
“It’s kind of shocking to people that may have never experienced it because most have not seen a tarantula before — even if they have lived in that area most of their life (they’re pretty secretive),” said Dr. Chris Hamilton, Associate Professor at the University of Idaho, speaking to The Independent.
In Texas, reports suggest the mass crawl is already well underway, particularly across the arid grasslands and desert plains of the south. And this is just the beginning.
States such as California, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico will soon witness their own tarantula influx.
In Colorado, the spider surge has become something of a spectacle. Locals and visitors alike gather near Comanche National Grassland from mid-September to October to catch a glimpse — ideally about an hour before dusk.
Lyn Neve from the National Forest Service shared her experience: “We’ve counted as many as 50 [tarantulas] in an hour and a half. That’s pretty substantial,” she told Denver 7.
But before you conjure up scenes from a 1950s horror flick, remember — this isn’t Tarantula! the movie. These creatures may be large, but they’re far from monstrous.
As male tarantulas crawl their way across grasslands and roads during peak mating season, wildlife experts urge caution — and curiosity. These spiders might look menacing, but they’re more lovers than fighters.
Facts Over Fear
There are 29 species of tarantula native to the United States, most of which only grow to about 4.5 inches in diameter. The ones currently seen crawling above ground are usually males, while females tend to stay tucked away in their burrows.
According to the National Park Service, female tarantulas are “basically homebodies.” While males might live up to 10 years, their female counterparts can live for as long as 25.
Their journey, however, is fraught with danger. Many males don’t survive their romantic odyssey — some fall prey to predators like foxes, snakes or owls, while others are crushed on roads or simply succumb to exhaustion.
“It makes me feel bad for the little dudes. You know, he just wants a girlfriend and hopefully one that doesn’t eat him. And if she doesn’t, he’s going to die anyway,” said Cristi Painter, a wildlife biologist with the National Forest Service.
Want to See Them? Here’s When
If you’re keen on observing this natural spectacle, the best time to catch a glimpse is late at night during the summer months. You’ll likely spot them moving across open terrain — or even roads — especially in areas near grasslands.
But resist the urge to get too close. While tarantulas rarely bite, they can do so if provoked. Their venom isn’t deadly and is often compared to a bee sting, but allergic reactions can occur in sensitive individuals.
“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,” advised Wizzie Brown, entomology specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
As creepy as they might appear, tarantulas play a vital role in the ecosystem — controlling insect populations and adding to the region’s biodiversity. So, if you see one on your evening walk, pause and admire. Just maybe not too closely.
