Tarantulas are present in Arkansas, particularly in its drier, western and central regions. While their appearance might seem intimidating, these large, hairy spiders are generally harmless to humans.
Confirming Their Presence
The primary tarantula species found in Arkansas is Aphonopelma hentzi, commonly known as the Oklahoma Brown Tarantula, Texas Brown Tarantula, or Arkansas Chocolate Tarantula. This species represents the easternmost extent of tarantula distribution in the United States, extending into Missouri, Louisiana, and parts of Mexico. While other Aphonopelma species have been reported in the state, A. hentzi is considered the most common native tarantula species found within Arkansas. These tarantulas have been present in Arkansas for thousands of years. They are found across much of the state, though they are largely absent from the Mississippi Alluvial Plain.
Identifying Arkansas Tarantulas
Aphonopelma hentzi is one of the largest spiders in Arkansas, with adult females reaching about 2 inches in body length and a leg span of up to 6 inches. Males are slightly smaller, averaging about 1.5 inches in body length.
Their bodies and legs are covered in dense, reddish-brown to dark brown hairs. These tarantulas move slowly and deliberately.
They are primarily nocturnal predators, spending most of their time in underground burrows. They use silk to line their burrows and to detect passing prey such as beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, and other insects.
Where and When to Find Them
Arkansas tarantulas inhabit dry, open areas such as grasslands, woodlands, and rocky glades. They create silk-lined burrows in the soil or utilize abandoned tunnels made by rodents or other small animals. Their distribution spans across the Ozark Mountains, the Arkansas River Valley, and the Ouachita Mountains, extending into the West Gulf Coastal Plain.
Sightings of these tarantulas are most frequent during late summer and early fall, typically from August through October. This period marks the mating season when mature male tarantulas leave their burrows to actively search for mates. These wandering males are responsible for the majority of human encounters, as they may travel significant distances, sometimes crossing roads.
Safety and Coexistence
Despite their size and appearance, Arkansas tarantulas are not considered dangerous to humans. Their bite is generally compared to a bee sting in pain and medical significance. They are not aggressive and will retreat or defend themselves only if provoked.
A common defensive behavior involves rearing up on their hind legs to display their fangs as a warning. They may also use their legs to kick off urticating hairs from their abdomen. These fine, barbed hairs can cause irritation to skin, and if they enter the eyes, they can be particularly irritating. Observing these creatures from a distance is advisable, and handling them should be avoided.