Tarantulas are often associated with arid desert landscapes, yet these arachnids are native residents of Missouri. These large, hairy spiders are a natural part of the state’s ecosystem, particularly in its southern and central regions. While their appearance might seem intimidating, the species found in Missouri is generally docile and poses little threat to humans.
The Missouri Tarantula: Species and Habitat
The specific tarantula species found throughout Missouri is the Oklahoma Brown Tarantula, scientifically known as Aphonopelma hentzi. This species is recognized by several common names, including the Texas Brown Tarantula and the Missouri Tarantula, reflecting its wide distribution across the southern United States. Females average about two inches in body length, males around one and a half inches, with leg spans extending to four inches or more. Their coloration typically ranges from dark brown to chocolate brown, often with reddish hairs on their carapace and finer brown hairs covering their bodies and legs.
Aphonopelma hentzi is a terrestrial species. Its preferred habitats include grasslands, open woodlands, and rocky glades, which provide warm, dry conditions similar to more arid southwestern climates. These tarantulas construct or occupy burrows, often utilizing abandoned tunnels created by rodents or reptiles, or digging their own in suitable soil. They line the entrances of these burrows with silk, which serves as a way to detect passing prey and as a protective barrier. Within Missouri, the species is predominantly found in the central and southern parts of the state, with the Missouri River often acting as a natural boundary for their northern distribution.
Encountering a Missouri Tarantula: What to Know
Missouri tarantulas are known for their docile temperament and are not typically aggressive toward humans. They are shy creatures that prefer to avoid confrontation, usually retreating if disturbed. When threatened, their primary defense involves a display where they rear up on their hind legs and raise their front legs, exposing their fangs as a warning. They can also kick urticating hairs from their abdomen towards a perceived threat. These barbed hairs can cause itching, redness, or swelling if they come into contact with skin or eyes, though reactions are usually mild.
Bites from Aphonopelma hentzi are rare and typically occur only if the tarantula feels severely cornered, handled, or cannot escape. The venom is considered mild and is not medically dangerous to humans, often compared to the sensation of a bee sting. While the bite itself can cause localized pain, redness, and swelling, serious complications are uncommon, unless an individual has a rare allergic reaction. It is still advisable to clean any bite wound thoroughly to prevent secondary infection.
Tarantulas are largely nocturnal and are most commonly observed during late summer and early fall, typically from August through October. This period marks the mating season, when mature male tarantulas leave their burrows and actively wander in search of females. During these months, it is not unusual to see them crossing roads or open areas. If you encounter a tarantula, observe it from a distance and avoid provoking or handling it. Allow it to move along naturally.