Tarantulas are among the largest and hairiest spiders in the world, often inspiring both fascination and fear due to their imposing size. These terrestrial arachnids are native to many parts of the American Southwest. Nevada is home to a native population of these large spiders, primarily found in its vast, arid desert ecosystems. This article explores where, when, and how you might encounter them.
Yes, Tarantulas Live in Nevada
The tarantulas found in Nevada belong to the genus Aphonopelma, which includes several species commonly referred to as Desert Tarantulas. The most frequently encountered species are the Western Desert Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) and Aphonopelma iodius. These spiders are characterized by their robust, heavy bodies and a dense covering of hair, giving them a furry appearance. They are typically earth-toned, ranging from dark brown to various shades of tan or blonde, which helps them blend into the desert soil.
An adult Nevada tarantula can have a leg span measuring between three and five inches across, making them the largest spiders in the state. Females tend to be slightly larger and more uniformly colored than males, who often exhibit distinct color patterns such as black legs and reddish abdomens. These large arachnids are burrowing spiders, spending the majority of their lives protected from the desert heat inside silk-lined underground tunnels.
Where to Find Nevada’s Tarantulas
The distribution of tarantulas in Nevada is concentrated in the warmer, lower-elevation desert regions that mimic their preferred arid habitat across the Southwest. They are prevalent in Southern Nevada, particularly in areas like Clark County near Las Vegas, including Red Rock Canyon and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Their presence also extends into central parts of the state, with notable populations reported in Nye County.
These spiders thrive in desert scrub environments, dry grasslands, and rocky terrain where the soil is suitable for digging their deep retreats. A tarantula’s burrow can be up to eight inches deep, often constructed under a stone to maximize temperature stability. They are largely solitary and nocturnal, emerging from their burrows after sunset to ambush prey like insects, smaller spiders, or even small lizards. Due to their reclusive, burrowing lifestyle, they are rarely seen by humans during the day.
When Tarantulas Are Most Active
The most common time for public sightings of tarantulas is during their annual mating season, which generally runs from late summer through the fall, typically starting in September and lasting until early November. This period is a specific behavioral event involving only the mature males. Male tarantulas, having reached sexual maturity, leave the safety of their burrows and begin wandering across the landscape.
These wandering males are searching for the silk-lined burrows of receptive females. Females are extremely sedentary and may live in the same burrow for up to 20 years or more, rarely leaving their home. The males are often seen crossing roads, trails, and open ground at dusk or dawn as they undertake their quest to find a mate. Once a male successfully mates, his life cycle is nearly complete, and he will typically die shortly after.
Assessing the Risk
Despite their large size and intimidating appearance, Nevada’s tarantulas are not considered dangerous to humans. They are generally docile and non-aggressive, preferring to avoid confrontation by remaining still or retreating. If provoked, their first line of defense is not their fangs, but specialized hairs on their abdomen known as urticating hairs.
When threatened, the tarantula will use its hind legs to kick a cloud of these barbed hairs toward the perceived threat. If these hairs contact the skin, they can cause localized itching, redness, and irritation, similar to a rash. A bite is a last resort, and while they possess venom, its toxicity is mild, often compared to the sting of a honeybee. For a healthy adult, a bite may cause temporary localized pain and swelling, but it is rarely medically significant. The best practice upon encountering one is to observe the animal from a distance and allow it to continue on its way unharmed.