Yes, tarantulas are indeed found in New Mexico. These large, hairy spiders are a common sight across the state, particularly in its arid and semi-arid regions. Their presence is a natural part of New Mexico’s diverse ecosystem, with residents often encountering them seasonally.
New Mexico’s Tarantula Residents
New Mexico is home to several tarantula species, with the Desert Blonde Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) being one of the most commonly observed. This species is widespread throughout the southwestern United States. Other notable species include the Carlsbad Green Tarantula and the Texas Brown Tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi), which also ranges across much of the southern U.S. The Grand Canyon black tarantula (Aphonopelma marxi) is also found in the Four Corners region, preferring higher elevations and conifer forests.
The Desert Blonde Tarantula has a distinct appearance. Females are typically tan, while males have black legs with a copper cephalothorax and reddish abdomen. These spiders can grow to a body length of 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 cm), with females generally being larger than males. Their “blonde” name refers to the pale hairs covering their carapace, contrasting with darker legs and abdomen.
Where They Roam and How They Live
Tarantulas primarily inhabit dry, well-drained soils in deserts, grasslands, and scrublands. They often make their homes in burrows to escape extreme temperatures and predators. Burrows can be deep, often under stones or in abandoned rodent burrows. Burrow entrances are typically lined with silk, helping detect prey vibrations.
These arachnids are largely nocturnal hunters, emerging from their burrows at night when temperatures are cooler to search for food. Their diet primarily consists of insects like grasshoppers, beetles, and other small arthropods, though they may also prey on small lizards. Females can live for 20 to 30 years. Males have a significantly shorter lifespan, often living only a year or two after reaching sexual maturity.
What to Do When You See One
Tarantulas are generally docile creatures and are not aggressive unless provoked. If threatened, a tarantula may display a “threat pose” by lifting its front legs as a warning. Their bite, while painful, is typically not medically significant for humans, comparable to a bee or wasp sting. Symptoms usually include localized pain, redness, and swelling lasting several hours. Fever, nausea, and vomiting are rare.
New World tarantulas possess urticating hairs on their abdomens. As a defense mechanism, they can flick these barbed hairs towards a perceived threat, causing irritation. If these hairs contact skin, they can cause itching, redness, and swelling that may last for weeks. Avoid getting these hairs in eyes or inhaling them, as they can cause significant irritation and potential damage. The best approach when encountering a tarantula is to observe it from a distance and leave it undisturbed.