The sight of a tarantula often conjures images of deserts or jungles, making its presence in a temperate state like Kentucky seem unlikely. This large, hairy arachnid’s geographical distribution is often wider than commonly believed, prompting residents to question if the species has established a foothold within the Commonwealth’s borders. This analysis will provide an evidence-based answer to whether Kentucky is truly home to a tarantula species.
The Definitive Answer: Presence in Kentucky
Tarantulas are indeed present in Kentucky, despite the state’s humid subtropical climate, though their occurrence is rare and highly localized. The species found is the Oklahoma Brown Tarantula, Aphonopelma hentzi, which is common in states to the southwest, including Missouri and Arkansas. Kentucky represents the extreme northeastern edge of its native range.
Sightings are almost exclusively confined to the westernmost counties, particularly those bordering states where the species is more established. These small populations mean that the vast majority of Kentucky residents will never encounter one in the wild.
Identifying the Kentucky Tarantula
The single tarantula species documented in the region, Aphonopelma hentzi, is also known as the Texas Brown Tarantula or Missouri Tarantula. These spiders are characterized by a robust body and a leg span that can exceed four inches in adult females. Their coloration generally consists of various shades of dark brown, often with subtle gray and red tones that become more distinct after they molt.
This species is terrestrial, spending most of its life in silk-lined burrows that it digs or takes over from other small animals. They are primarily nocturnal hunters, which contributes to the rarity of daytime sightings by humans. When threatened, the tarantula’s primary defense is not to bite, but to rapidly flick urticating hairs from its abdomen.
These fine, barbed hairs are irritating to the skin and mucous membranes of predators, and they can cause a rash or localized inflammation in humans. While the tarantula possesses venom, it is mild and non-dangerous to people unless an individual has an allergic reaction. The species is known for its docile temperament, preferring to retreat into its burrow rather than confront a perceived threat.
Common Misidentifications and Look-alikes
Most reports of “tarantulas” in the state are actually misidentifications of other large, hairy spiders native to Kentucky. The most frequently mistaken species are Wolf Spiders, particularly the Carolina Wolf Spider (Hogna carolinensis) or other large Tigrosa species. Wolf spiders are fast-moving, ground-dwelling hunters that can have a leg span approaching four inches, making their size comparable to that of a tarantula.
A key difference is that wolf spiders have a less dense, fuzzy appearance compared to the true tarantula’s heavy, uniform coat of hair. Furthermore, wolf spiders have a distinct eye arrangement, with four small eyes in a lower row, two very large eyes above them, and two medium-sized eyes on the sides.
Fishing Spiders (Dolomedes species) are also among the largest spiders in the state and can be confused with tarantulas due to their sheer size. Fishing spiders often have a dark brown pattern and are found near water or in damp areas, but they lack the heavy, thick body and dense hair characteristic of Aphonopelma hentzi.
Another related spider that may cause confusion is the Red-Legged Purseweb Spider, which is a member of the same infraorder, Mygalomorphae, as the tarantula. However, the purseweb spider is smaller and has a different build.