Tarantulas are present in Dallas, Texas, and the broader North Texas region. These large spiders are a natural part of the local ecosystem. They are considered harmless to humans and play a role in the natural environment. Understanding their presence and habits helps people coexist peacefully with these arachnids.
Tarantulas in North Texas
The most common tarantula in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and North Texas is the Texas brown tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi). This species is widespread across the southern United States, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. Texas brown tarantulas are among the largest spiders in the region, with a body length around 1.5 inches (40 mm) and a leg span that can exceed 4 inches. Their bodies are covered in fine, velvety hairs, ranging from light to dark brown, with a lighter brown cephalothorax.
Tarantula Characteristics and Habits
Texas brown tarantulas are terrestrial spiders inhabiting burrows. They either dig their own silk-lined burrows or utilize existing natural cavities, such as those under logs, stones, or abandoned rodent dens. They are nocturnal predators, remaining in or near their burrows during the day and hunting at night. They do not use webs to capture prey but rely on ambush, detecting vibrations of passing prey with silk trip lines near their burrow entrances. Their diet consists of insects like crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles, along with small vertebrates such as lizards.
Tarantulas are docile and non-aggressive unless provoked. While females spend most of their lives in burrows, males become more active from late summer to early fall (May through October) as they search for mates. This period, known as “tarantula season,” is when they are most frequently observed wandering across open areas, including roadways.
What to Do If You See a Tarantula
Texas tarantulas are not dangerous to humans. Their venom is mildly toxic and causes effects similar to a bee sting, resulting in localized pain, redness, and swelling at the bite site. Puncture wounds from their fangs can be painful, but serious harm is rare.
Many New World tarantulas, including the Texas brown tarantula, flick urticating hairs from their abdomen as a defense. These fine, barbed hairs can cause irritation, itching, pain, and redness if they come into contact with skin, and can be particularly irritating if they get into the eyes or respiratory tract. If urticating hairs affect the eyes, medical attention from an eye doctor may be necessary.
If encountered outdoors, observe tarantulas from a distance and avoid handling them. If a tarantula enters a home, safely remove it by placing a cup over it and sliding paper underneath to trap it. The tarantula can then be released outdoors in a sheltered area. Medical attention is not required for tarantula bites or hair exposure unless an allergic reaction occurs, which might include symptoms like difficulty breathing, widespread rash, or significant swelling.
Living Alongside Tarantulas
Tarantulas contribute to the local ecosystem by controlling insect populations. As predators of various arthropods, they help maintain ecological balance and reduce the numbers of common pests. They are not pests themselves and prefer to avoid human interaction.
To minimize tarantulas entering a home, ensure door seals and window screens are intact. Sealing cracks and crevices around the foundation prevents entry. Keeping outdoor lights off at night may reduce insects attracted to the home, making the area less appealing to tarantulas. Understanding their behavior and ecological role helps appreciate these large spiders as part of North Texas wildlife.