Tarantulas are found in Nebraska. One native species makes its home within the state’s diverse ecosystems, primarily inhabiting specific regions where conditions are suitable for their survival. Understanding their habits can help people appreciate these creatures.
Nebraska’s Native Tarantula
The tarantula species found in Nebraska is the Oklahoma Brown Tarantula, scientifically known as Aphonopelma hentzi. This species is widespread across the Southern and Midwestern United States, including states like Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri, extending into parts of Colorado and New Mexico. Its presence in Nebraska is concentrated in the southern and western parts of the state, where the climate and soil conditions mirror its preferred environment.
These tarantulas favor dry, undisturbed areas such as prairies, grasslands, and open woodlands. They are burrowing spiders, creating homes underground or utilizing abandoned rodent tunnels and natural cavities under rocks and logs. These burrows provide shelter from predators and extreme temperatures. Deep substrate in these areas is ideal for their burrowing.
Identifying and Understanding
The Oklahoma Brown Tarantula is a robust spider, typically weighing between 1 to 3 ounces when fully grown. It has a leg span that can reach 4 to 5 inches. Its body is covered in dense, bristle-like hairs and displays various shades of brown, ranging from dark brown to lighter tan or even burgundy, with distinct color variations often appearing after molting.
These tarantulas are primarily nocturnal hunters, spending most of their daylight hours hidden within their burrows. They do not spin large aerial webs to catch prey; instead, they line the entrance of their burrows with silk, which acts as an alarm system to detect passing insects. Their diet consists mainly of large insects like grasshoppers and crickets, but they may also prey on small rodents, amphibians, or even young birds.
Despite their intimidating appearance, Aphonopelma hentzi is generally considered docile and non-aggressive towards humans, often preferring to retreat when disturbed. When threatened, they may stand on their hind legs to display their fangs or, more commonly, flick urticating hairs from their abdomen. These fine, barbed hairs can cause irritation and itching upon contact with skin or mucous membranes.
What to Do If You See One
Encountering a tarantula can be startling, but these spiders are not inclined to bite humans unless severely provoked or handled. Their venom is not considered life-threatening to people, with a bite typically compared to a bee sting in terms of discomfort and symptoms. Any pain from a bite is usually due to the puncture wound itself.
If you encounter a tarantula, observe it from a distance and allow it to move along. Avoid attempting to handle it directly. If a tarantula is in an undesirable location, such as inside your home, it can be gently encouraged to move. Place a clear container over the spider and slide a piece of cardboard underneath to safely capture it. Once contained, release it outdoors in a suitable, undisturbed area away from human activity.