Tarantulas often spark curiosity about their habitats. This article explores whether these large spiders are found in South Carolina and what to know about them.
Are Tarantulas Native to South Carolina?
Native tarantula species are generally not found in South Carolina. Scientific understanding and distribution maps of tarantulas in the United States indicate their primary range lies in the southern and western states, particularly west of the Mississippi River. The Texas brown tarantula, Aphonopelma hentzi, is a well-known species native to parts of the southern U.S., including Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Reports of tarantulas in South Carolina are often misidentifications of other large, hairy spiders, such as the Carolina wolf spider or southern house spider, which are native to the state and can appear intimidating. Occasionally, tarantulas found outside their typical range might be escaped or released pets.
Characteristics of the Texas Brown Tarantula
The Texas brown tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi) is a terrestrial species known for its docile temperament. These tarantulas typically have a leg span of 4 to 5 inches (10-12.5 cm) and can weigh over 3 ounces (85 grams) as adults. Their coloration varies from rich to dark brown, often with a lighter carapace and sometimes burgundy or black legs, allowing them to blend into their natural environments. They are slow-growing and long-lived, with females potentially living for 30 years or more, while males typically live 7-10 years. These spiders are burrowers, often residing underground in abandoned rodent burrows or creating their own, and are most active at night when hunting for insects and other small arthropods.
Encountering a Tarantula
While native tarantulas are not common in South Carolina, encountering one (possibly an escaped pet) is rare. Tarantulas are generally not aggressive and prefer to retreat or hide when disturbed. If provoked, they may stand on their hind legs as a warning or, as a last resort, bite; such a bite is typically comparable to a bee sting, causing mild pain and localized swelling, and is not considered medically significant to humans unless an allergic reaction occurs. Many New World tarantulas, including the Texas brown tarantula, possess urticating hairs on their abdomen that they can kick off as a defense mechanism, which can cause irritation if they come into contact with skin or mucous membranes. If you encounter a tarantula, observe it from a distance and avoid disturbing it, and if it needs to be moved, gently guide it into a container using paper or cardboard and relocate it outdoors.