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 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 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 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
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
Image via Unsplash
Louisiana’s tarantulas are less common. They are more active in the summer. Moreover they help control insect populations.
Missouri
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
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
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
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.
Author at Animals Around The Globe. BSc Computer Science and Oceanography
I am passionate about all animals and wildlife, especially their conservation and preservation. I grew up fascinated by the natural environment and feel most at peace surrounded by untouched nature. I live by sharing this passion with others through diving, as I am also a freediving guide - stepping into another realm, sharing the ocean with all of the intriguing marine life.
For any feedback please message Feedback@animalsaroundtheglobe.com
Latest posts by Jen Fitschen, BSc Computer Science and Oceanography (see all)
