Tarantulas are a common sight in Texas, which is home to a robust population of these large, hairy spiders. These arachnids represent the largest spiders found within the state. While many people associate tarantulas with desert regions, they inhabit a diverse range of environments throughout the state.
Confirming Their Presence and Range Across Texas
Tarantulas are distributed across Texas, with the state hosting approximately 14 distinct species within the genus Aphonopelma. The most frequently encountered species is the Texas Brown Tarantula, Aphonopelma hentzi, which is common across the southwestern United States and down into Mexico. This species’ range extends across much of Texas, but they are particularly prevalent in the drier, open habitats of Central, West, and South Texas.
These spiders thrive in environments characterized by grasslands, scrublands, and semi-open areas that have suitable soil for digging. They are terrestrial burrowers. These burrows provide protection from predators and extreme temperature fluctuations, making them a fixture in the Chihuahuan Desert and Trans-Pecos regions. They may also utilize natural cavities found beneath logs, stones, or the abandoned tunnels of small rodents.
Key Characteristics of the Texas Brown Tarantula
The Texas Brown Tarantula, Aphonopelma hentzi, possesses a stocky build and is covered in fine, bristle-like hairs. Its leg span can reach up to 5 or 6 inches, making it a very large arachnid by North American standards. The coloration typically ranges from a dark chocolate brown to a reddish or brownish-black, with subtle variations occurring after a molt.
There are clear physical differences between the sexes. Female Texas Brown Tarantulas are generally larger and heavier than males, with a body length that can average around two inches. Females also exhibit an extraordinary lifespan, sometimes living for 25 to 35 years or more.
In contrast, males have a shorter life expectancy, typically maturing in 8 to 10 years and often living only a few months after their final molt to maturity. Tarantulas must periodically shed their external skeleton, a process called molting, to grow. During this time, they lie on their backs and can appear vulnerable, often refusing to eat until the new exoskeleton has hardened.
Behavior, Habitat, and Safety Concerns
The tarantula is a nocturnal creature, spending most of its time hidden inside its burrow. The most noticeable increase in activity occurs in the late summer and early fall, roughly from late August through October. This movement is primarily driven by mature males leaving their homes to wander in search of females for mating.
When threatened, tarantulas prefer to retreat, but they employ two primary defense mechanisms if cornered. The first is flicking specialized hairs, known as urticating hairs, off their abdomen toward the threat. These fine, barbed hairs can cause localized irritation and discomfort to the skin or eyes of a predator.
A tarantula bite is rare and generally occurs only if the spider is severely provoked or accidentally handled. While their fangs can puncture the skin, the venom of the Texas Brown Tarantula is not considered medically significant to humans. The pain is often likened to a bee sting, and it is not known to cause serious harm unless an allergic reaction occurs. The safest course of action is to observe it from a distance.