A native tarantula species can be found living in the southeastern United States, extending its range to the very edge of Georgia. This large, hairy spider represents the easternmost border of the tarantula’s natural North American territory. While sightings are uncommon, Georgia’s unique southern ecology provides a suitable, albeit limited, environment for this terrestrial spider to survive and thrive.
The Native Species of Georgia
The tarantula species that occasionally ventures into Georgia is the Aphonopelma hentzi, commonly known as the Texas Brown Tarantula or Oklahoma Brown Tarantula. This New World terrestrial species is the only true tarantula found in the region and is one of the most widely distributed in the United States. Females are long-lived, sometimes surviving for twenty to forty years, though males have a much shorter lifespan after reaching maturity.
These spiders are substantial in size, with adult females typically reaching a leg span of four to five inches. Their bodies are covered in a dense coat of hair, presenting a rich, earthy coloration that ranges from dark brown to a subtle bronze or brass on the carapace. The long legs are thick and powerful, supporting a robust, oval abdomen.
The appearance of Aphonopelma hentzi can sometimes lead to confusion with other large, hairy spiders native to Georgia, particularly various species of wolf spiders. However, the tarantula’s sheer size and the specific orientation of its fangs, which point downward and parallel to the body, distinguish it from smaller arachnids. These spiders reach full maturity slowly, often taking eight to ten years to grow to their adult size.
Where They Reside: Habitat and Range
The presence of Aphonopelma hentzi in Georgia is restricted to the extreme southwestern portion of the state, marking the easternmost limit of its range extending from states like Texas and Louisiana. This species requires a specific habitat, favoring dry, open areas that permit the construction of its subterranean home. The Coastal Plain physiographic province, with its sandy soil, longleaf pine savannas, and warmer climate, offers the necessary conditions for the tarantula to establish a population.
The tarantula is a terrestrial burrower, spending the vast majority of its life underground inside a silk-lined burrow. This burrow serves as its primary defense against predators, temperature extremes, and excessive moisture. The entrance is often camouflaged with silk, soil, and debris, making it incredibly difficult to spot in the wild.
The scarcity of sightings is primarily due to the tarantula’s nocturnal nature and reliance on the burrow. Females, which live the longest, rarely leave the immediate vicinity of their established home. The most likely time to encounter one is during late summer and early fall, which is the mating season. During this period, mature males leave their burrows to wander across the landscape, actively searching for females, increasing the chance of encounter.
Assessing the Danger: Temperament and Bite
Despite their imposing size, Aphonopelma hentzi is a docile species with a calm disposition. They are non-aggressive and prefer to retreat into their burrows or flee when disturbed, making a confrontation rare. A tarantula will only exhibit defensive behavior if it feels directly threatened or physically handled.
This species employs two main defense mechanisms when threatened. The first involves specialized, irritating urticating hairs found on its abdomen. If provoked, the tarantula uses its hind legs to quickly brush these fine hairs toward the perceived threat. These microscopic hairs cause temporary itching, rash, or irritation upon contact, acting as a deterrent to predators.
The second, and least common, defense is a bite. The venom is not considered medically significant to humans, meaning it poses no serious health risk beyond localized symptoms. The sensation of the bite is often described as similar to a bee or wasp sting, accompanied by mild swelling and pain at the puncture site. While the fangs are large enough to break the skin, the primary concern from a bite is the potential for secondary bacterial infection, not the venom itself.