Tarantulas are present in Mississippi, where these large, hairy spiders are a natural part of the state’s ecosystem. Understanding their behavior and characteristics can alleviate concerns about their appearance.
The Mississippi Tarantula
The Texas brown tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi) is the species found in Mississippi. This species is also commonly referred to as the Oklahoma brown, Missouri, or Louisiana tarantula. Its range extends across the southern United States, primarily west of the Mississippi River, encompassing states like Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
These tarantulas inhabit grasslands, scrublands, and prairies, preferring warmer temperatures and lower humidity. They are terrestrial spiders, spending much of their lives underground in burrows they excavate or take over from other animals. In Mississippi, they are often found in upland areas and sandy soils, where they create silk-lined retreats.
How to Identify Them
The Texas brown tarantula has a robust, hairy, and stocky body. Adults typically have a leg span of 4 to 6 inches and a body length of 2 to 3 inches. Their coloration varies from rich to dark brown across their body and legs.
A key identifying feature is their slightly lighter brown cephalothorax (the fused head and thorax). They are covered in bristly, often rusty-orange hairs, particularly on their abdomen. These features distinguish them from other large, dark spiders in the region, such as wolf spiders, which lack the tarantula’s bulk and consistent hairy texture.
Encountering a Tarantula Safely
Texas brown tarantulas are generally docile and non-aggressive. Their primary defense is to retreat and hide. If cornered or severely threatened, they may rear up on their hind legs and raise their front legs in a warning posture to appear larger.
They can also flick urticating hairs from their abdomen. These small, barbed hairs cause irritation, itching, and redness if they contact skin or eyes. Bites are uncommon, occurring only if the tarantula is provoked or mishandled. A bite is generally comparable to a bee sting, causing mild pain, redness, and localized swelling. It is not considered medically significant or fatal to humans, unless an individual has an allergic reaction. If you encounter one, observe it from a distance and allow it to move away. If a tarantula enters your home, gently guide it into a container and release it outdoors in a safe, secluded area.