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Beware Tarantulas In These 13 States

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Author Jen Fitschen, BSc Computer Science and Oceanography

Red knee tarantula
Red knee tarantula in beach sand. Image via George Chernilevsky, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Tarantulas are big spiders and they often have a habit of startling you. Do you know which states have tarantula sightings? If not, you are in the right place. Here is a list of states, you should be a little extra aware in.

Arizona

Goliath birdeater
Goliath birdeater female on her back. Bernard DUPONT, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Arizona is home to many tarantulas. They thrive in the desert and often burrow underground to escape the heat.

Arkansas

goliath birdeater
Goliath Bird-eating Tarantula at Cincinnati Zoo. Ltshears, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Arkansas has tarantulas too. They are most active at night and hunt for insects and small animals.

California

goliath birdeater
Goliath Bird-eating Tarantula at Cincinnati Zoo. Ltshears, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In California, tarantulas can be found in the hills. They are slow-moving but can be intimidating. As well as they are not dangerous to humans.

Colorado

Desert Tarantula. Image via depositphotos.

Colorado’s tarantulas emerge in late summer. Males search for mates – their journey can be long and arduous.

Florida

Tarantula. Image via Unsplash

Florida has a few tarantula species. They prefer warm, humid environments and often hide under logs or rocks.

Kansas

tarantula
A tarantula (species unclear) darting around. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In Kansas, tarantulas live in grasslands. They are solitary creatures and come out mostly during the evening.

Louisiana

tarantula
Image via Unsplash

Louisiana’s tarantulas are less common. They are more active in the summer. Moreover they help control insect populations.

Missouri

Colombian Giant Tarantula
Colombian Tarantula. Image via José Gabriel Julio Guzmán, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Missouri’s tarantulas are found in the Ozarks. Usually brown or black, these spiders can live up to 30 years.

Nevada

Tarantula.
Image via depositphotos.

Nevada has many tarantulas in its deserts. Generally they are known for their impressive size. Did you know, females can live for decades?

New Mexico

tarantula hawk
Adult Tarantula hawk Wasp of the Genus Pepsis. Image by softkrafts.live.com via depositphotos

New Mexico is home to various tarantula species. They are gentle giants and rarely bite unless provoked.

Oklahoma

tarantulas besties frogs
Mychemicalromanceisrealemo via wikimedia – https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en

Oklahoma’s tarantulas are mostly nocturnal. They dig deep burrows to stay cool and are fascinating to watch.

Wrapping Up with Tarantulas In These 13 States

the biggest spider in the world
Image via Pixabay

Tarantulas may look scary, but they are generally harmless. Who are also fascinating creatures to watch. Found in many states, they play a vital role in controlling insect populations and maintaining ecological balance. Respecting their space is important.

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