Tarantulas often evoke fascination and apprehension. Many wonder if these large spiders inhabit their local areas. For Oklahoma residents, the answer is yes; tarantulas are present in the state.
Tarantulas in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is home to the Oklahoma brown tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi), the most common species found across the state. This arachnid also inhabits neighboring states like Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and parts of Mexico. It is one of about 30 tarantula species found in the United States. While many tarantulas prefer arid regions, the Oklahoma brown tarantula adapts to various environments, including damp forests, and is particularly prevalent in the state’s southwestern, more arid areas.
Identifying Oklahoma’s Tarantulas
The Oklahoma brown tarantula is a large, stout-bodied spider. Adults can weigh between 1 to 3 ounces and have a leg span typically ranging from 4 to 5 inches, though some may reach up to 6 inches. Their bodies are covered in fine, velvety hairs and display various shades of dark brown, sometimes with reddish or burgundy hairs on their abdomen and black legs. These colors provide camouflage within their natural habitat.
These tarantulas are primarily nocturnal hunters. They do not spin large aerial webs to catch prey. Instead, they create silk-lined burrows in the ground, often under rocks or logs, which serve as homes and hunting grounds. Silk at the burrow entrance acts as an alarm system, alerting them to potential prey or predators. Their diet consists mainly of insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles, but can also include small invertebrates, mice, and even small snakes.
Safety Around Tarantulas
Oklahoma brown tarantulas are generally docile and non-aggressive towards humans. They are more likely to retreat or hide from perceived threats. If provoked, their primary defense mechanism involves standing on their hind legs and raising their front legs to display their fangs as a warning. They can also kick urticating hairs from their abdomen, which are fine, barbed hairs that can cause irritation, itching, or allergic reactions if they come into contact with skin or eyes.
A bite from an Oklahoma brown tarantula is rare and typically not considered medically significant for humans. It is often compared to a bee sting, causing localized pain, redness, and warmth. Serious reactions are usually limited to individuals with allergies to spider venom. If you encounter a tarantula, observe it from a distance and avoid provoking it.
Male tarantulas are more frequently observed during their mating season, from late August through October, when they leave their burrows in search of females. During this time, they may be seen crossing roads or near houses.