Arizona Tarantulas
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .
Arizona tarantulas are large, ground-dwelling spiders adapted to desert grasslands, scrublands, foothills and other dry environments with suitable soil for burrows. They are best known for their hairy appearance, slow movement and the seasonal wanderings of mature males searching for females. Although tarantulas are venomous, Arizona species are generally not considered medically dangerous to healthy people. They usually avoid confrontation and defend themselves only when handled, trapped or repeatedly disturbed. Tarantulas also benefit Arizona's ecosystem by feeding on insects and other small animals.
- Identification
- Habitat And Where To See Them
- Seasonal Activity
- Diet And Predators
- Venom And Defensive Hairs
- Mating And Life Cycle
- What To Do If You See One
- Tarantula Bite Safety
- FAQ
How To Identify An Arizona Tarantula
Arizona tarantulas have heavy bodies, eight thick legs and a dense covering of hairs. Color varies by species, sex, age and recent molting, ranging from tan or light brown to dark brown or nearly black. Mature males are generally slimmer and longer-legged than adult females, which tend to have heavier bodies and remain close to their burrows.
Color alone is not a reliable way to identify an exact species. Several Arizona tarantulas can appear similar, and common names such as Arizona blonde tarantula or desert tarantula are sometimes applied inconsistently. A photograph and location information are more useful than handling the spider for closer examination.
Where To See Tarantulas In Arizona
Tarantulas occur in Arizona desert grasslands, open scrub, rocky foothills and lightly wooded areas where soil or natural cavities provide suitable shelter. They spend much of their lives inside silk-lined burrows and are therefore seen less often than their size might suggest.
Late summer and early fall usually provide the best opportunities for sightings because mature males leave their shelters and roam in search of females. They may cross roads, trails, yards and open desert after sunset, particularly during warm and humid weather associated with the monsoon season. Observe tarantulas from a respectful distance and never remove one from its burrow.
When Tarantulas Are Most Active In Arizona
- Spring: Warming temperatures increase activity, although many tarantulas remain close to their burrows.
- Summer: Tarantulas may hunt near burrow entrances after sunset, with movement increasing during warm monsoon conditions.
- Late Summer And Fall: Mature males are most visible while roaming across open ground in search of females.
- Winter: Activity is lowest as tarantulas remain sheltered in burrows and other protected spaces.
Worldwide, there are hundreds of tarantula species and some can have some pretty potent, deadly venom, but the Arizona tarantula which is also known as the "desert tarantula", "western tarantula" and "Arizona blonde tarantula", is mostly harmless to humans. Now if you were a scorpion or a cockroach, you may have reason for concern because its venomous bite will overcome most insects and some small rodents.
Arizona Tarantula Facts
- Tarantulas are spiders, not insects, and have eight legs and two main body sections.
- They spend much of their lives concealed inside burrows or natural shelters.
- Adult females generally live much longer than males and may survive for many years under suitable conditions.
- Mature males leave their shelters to search for females and are responsible for most roadside and trail sightings.
- Tarantulas use venom primarily to subdue prey rather than defend themselves from people.
- The hairs on the abdomen can be released defensively and may irritate skin, eyes and airways.
- Tarantulas grow by molting and are especially vulnerable while shedding and hardening a new exoskeleton.
- They play a beneficial ecological role by consuming insects and other small prey.
Diet, Prey And Predators
Arizona tarantulas are primarily nocturnal ambush predators. They feed mainly on insects and other arthropods, including crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, cockroaches, smaller spiders and occasionally scorpions. Large individuals may sometimes overpower very small vertebrates, but insects and other invertebrates make up most of their diet.
Tarantulas do not chew food. Their fangs inject venom and digestive fluids into prey, allowing the spider to consume the softened tissues. Natural predators include birds, reptiles, mammals and tarantula hawk wasps. A female tarantula hawk can paralyze a tarantula and use it as food for a developing larva.
Arizona Tarantula Venom And Defensive Hairs
Arizona tarantulas possess venom, but bites from native North American species generally cause localized pain rather than severe systemic poisoning. Their large fangs can nevertheless create puncture wounds that should be cleaned and monitored.
A tarantula's more common defense is releasing microscopic barbed hairs from its abdomen. These hairs can cause itching, redness and burning when they contact skin. Eye exposure can be more serious and may require medical evaluation. Do not touch or rub the eyes after approaching or handling a tarantula or its enclosure.
Burrows And Shelter
Tarantulas commonly occupy burrows in soil, abandoned rodent holes, spaces beneath rocks and other protected cavities. Silk placed around the entrance can help stabilize the burrow and alert the spider to nearby prey or threats. Females usually remain close to established shelters, while mature males travel farther during the breeding season.
During cold or dry periods, a tarantula may remain deep inside its shelter and partially seal the entrance with soil and silk. This behavior protects the spider from predators, temperature extremes and water loss.
Arizona Tarantula Mating And Life Cycle
After reaching maturity, a male leaves his shelter and begins searching for a female's burrow. He may signal his presence by tapping or vibrating the silk near the entrance. A receptive female emerges, and the male uses specialized structures to position her fangs while transferring sperm.
The male retreats after mating. Although a female may attack or consume a male, this is not inevitable. A fertilized female later produces an egg sac that she guards inside her burrow. After hatching, the young eventually disperse and establish shelters of their own. Adult females generally live considerably longer than adult males.
Arizona Tarantula Mating And Life Cycle
After reaching maturity, a male leaves his shelter and begins searching for a female's burrow. He may signal his presence by tapping or vibrating the silk near the entrance. A receptive female emerges, and the male uses specialized structures to position her fangs while transferring sperm.
The male retreats after mating. Although a female may attack or consume a male, this is not inevitable. A fertilized female later produces an egg sac that she guards inside her burrow. After hatching, the young eventually disperse and establish shelters of their own. Adult females generally live considerably longer than adult males.
What To Do After A Tarantula Bite
- Move away from the spider and remain calm.
- Wash the puncture wounds thoroughly with soap and water.
- Apply a cool compress for localized pain or swelling.
- Keep the area clean and watch for infection.
- Confirm that tetanus vaccination is current.
- Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for case-specific guidance.
- Call 911 for difficulty breathing, fainting, severe swelling or another life-threatening allergic reaction.
- Do not attempt to capture the spider.
If defensive hairs contact the skin, avoid rubbing and use adhesive tape to lift loose hairs away. Rinse exposed eyes with clean water and obtain medical care if pain, redness, blurred vision or a persistent foreign-body sensation develops.
Arizona Tarantula FAQ
Are Arizona tarantulas dangerous?
Arizona tarantulas are generally not medically dangerous to healthy people, but they can bite and their large fangs may cause painful puncture wounds. Defensive abdominal hairs can also irritate skin and eyes.
Are Arizona tarantulas venomous?
Yes. Tarantulas use venom to subdue prey, but the venom of native North American species generally causes localized symptoms in people.
When are tarantulas most visible in Arizona?
Sightings are most common during late summer and early fall when mature males roam after sunset in search of females.
Where do Arizona tarantulas live?
They occupy desert grasslands, scrublands, foothills and lightly wooded habitats with soil, rocks or natural cavities suitable for shelter.
Do tarantulas chase people?
No. Tarantulas generally retreat or remain still when approached. Roaming males may appear purposeful, but they are searching for females rather than pursuing people.
Can Arizona tarantulas jump?
Ground-dwelling Arizona tarantulas are not known for jumping at people. Their usual defenses are retreating, raising the front legs, releasing irritating hairs or biting when physically restrained.
Should I pick up a wild tarantula?
No. Handling can provoke a bite or release of defensive hairs, and a fall can fatally injure the spider.
What do Arizona tarantulas eat?
They mainly eat insects and other arthropods, including crickets, beetles, grasshoppers, cockroaches and smaller spiders.
How long do Arizona tarantulas live?
Lifespan varies by species and sex. Females may live for many years, while males generally live for a much shorter period after reaching maturity.
Who should I call after a tarantula bite?
Wash the bite and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if severe allergic symptoms or breathing difficulty occur.
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Arizona Desert Tarantula Video
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