Tarantula Mating Season Arrives in the Southwest

The time for tarantula mating is upon us, particularly in the southwest. If you happen to be in that area, you may notice a parade of these large spiders making their way across the terrain.

From late summer through autumn, male tarantulas leave their burrows on a quest—essentially, to find mates before their time runs out. It’s a bit sad when you think about it. According to Cara Shillington, a biology professor at Eastern Michigan University, “These guys… they’ve lived for five or eight years. They have one mating season. At the end of the season, they’ll die.” So, if you see one between August and October, you’re witnessing their grand finale.

During the cooler months, though, tarantulas tend to slow down. Paul Biggs, a certified entomologist from Orkin, explains that they spend this time resting in their burrows to conserve energy, given the harsh environmental conditions.

Where to Spot Them

Tarantulas are mainly found in the southern and southwestern United States. States where you’re likely to encounter them include:

• Texas
• Arizona
• California
• Oklahoma
• New Mexico
• Nevada
• Utah
• Southeastern Colorado

In certain locales, their movement is so significant that it’s even referred to as “movement” on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. Interestingly, the town of La Junta in southeastern Colorado hosts an annual tarantula festival, which sounds kind of fun and, well, a bit creepy.

Tarantulas don’t just inhabit forest floors; in Colorado, they’re often found in trees and prairie areas. In contrast, in Missouri, they typically seek shelter under rocks. It’s all about the soil type—hard clay makes burrowing tricky, so they may opt for natural cover instead.

What to Do If You Encounter One

Firstly, there’s no need to freak out. Tarantulas are not aggressive creatures and generally prefer to steer clear of humans. “The tarantula poses no threat at all,” says Shillington. They might be more afraid of you than you are of them.

While bites are rare, if one does happen, it’s mostly a defensive reaction. Shillington points out that if you try to grab a tarantula, it will instinctively try to escape, perceiving you as a threat.

If you find one in your home, the best approach is to capture it gently in a large container and take it outside. Biggs cautions against using pest control products that could worsen the situation. “If we can contain it in one area for the time being without direct confrontation, that’s the way to go,” he suggests.

Tarantulas may be a common topic in pop culture, yet there’s still so much to learn about them, especially when it comes to their behavior as pets. Shillington admits, “We know little about it,” expressing curiosity about their mating habits and how far they travel in search of a partner.