Many people in the southeastern United States, particularly Georgia, wonder if tarantulas are part of the state’s diverse wildlife. This article explores the reality of tarantulas in Georgia, identifying what species, if any, can be found and how to identify them.
The Georgia Tarantula: Presence and Species
True tarantulas are not native to Georgia. Unless encountered as escaped pets, you are unlikely to find a true tarantula species like the Texas brown tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi) in the state’s natural environments.
The Texas brown tarantula is a common species in the Southern United States, with a distribution that includes states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico. This species is widely distributed across drier regions.
Georgia is home to several mygalomorph species, a group of spiders related to tarantulas. These ground-dwelling arachnids, such as trapdoor and purseweb spiders, share characteristics with tarantulas but are distinct.
Trapdoor spiders are found statewide in Georgia, as are purseweb spiders. The red-legged purseweb spider (Sphodros rufipes) is widely distributed across Georgia’s Coastal Plain and parts of the Piedmont region, with records even from the Atlanta area.
Identifying the Georgia Tarantula
Identifying “the Georgia tarantula” typically refers to distinguishing native mygalomorphs from other large spiders. Trapdoor spiders, for instance, are robust, dark-bodied spiders, often brown with reddish or blackish tints.
Female trapdoor spiders can reach about 1.2 inches in length, while males are smaller. They are known for constructing silk-lined burrows underground with a camouflaged, cork-like trapdoor at the surface.
Purseweb spiders (Sphodros spp.) are another type of mygalomorph found in Georgia that can be mistaken for tarantulas due to their size and somewhat hairy appearance. These spiders build tough silken tubes, often disguised with bits of lichen and moss, that extend up tree trunks and also go underground.
Adult red-legged purseweb spiders have striking colors, with tomato-red legs contrasting a jet-black body. These spiders can be up to two inches long for larger females of certain species, appearing shiny black.
Encountering a Tarantula: Safety and Response
When encountering a large, tarantula-like spider in Georgia, remember that native mygalomorphs like trapdoor and purseweb spiders are generally docile. These spiders are not aggressive and prefer to retreat or remain hidden. They will typically only bite if they feel threatened or are mishandled.
Bites from these native mygalomorphs, similar to those of North American tarantulas, are not considered medically significant to humans. Symptoms are typically mild, often compared to a bee sting, and may include localized pain, swelling, or irritation. Tarantulas and related mygalomorphs also possess urticating hairs on their abdomens, which they can kick off as a defense mechanism. These hairs can cause irritation if they come into contact with skin or eyes. If a bite or hair exposure occurs, washing the area with soap and water is recommended.