Texas Tan Tarantula For Sale? The 7 Latest Answer

Texas boasts of having some of the tallest of many things, including the tallest pair of cowboy boots in San Antonio that stands 40 feet tall! Texas is the largest state in the bottom 48, second only to Alaska in all 50. So it wouldn’t be surprising to learn that it also has some of the country’s largest spiders. When you’re hiking in Big Bend National Park or scavenging for a campfire in your backyard, coming across a giant spider can be terrifying. But how big do spiders get in Texas? Are there spiders the size of your hand? Let’s discover the largest spider in Texas.

How many species of spiders are there in Texas?

Over 900 species of spiders live in Texas. SwastikEs/Shutterstock.com

There are around 900 species of spiders in Texas, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. There are a variety of house spiders, orb weavers, wolf spiders, crab spiders, and black widow spiders. When you think of large spiders, you might think of tarantulas, and Texas certainly has its share of tarantulas.

Are some of the spiders in Texas poisonous?

Black widow spiders are one of the venomous spiders found in Texas. iStock.com/maria72

Yes, there are two spiders in Texas that are poisonous. The black widow and brown recluse are poisonous, with their venom being harmful to humans. Black widows are glossy black spiders with a large abdomen that has a red hourglass shape on its back. These spiders can be found outdoors under woodpiles, under rocks, or by sheds, but they can also be found indoors, so keep an eye out for them. They are not aggressive but will bite if startled or threatened. Their bites cause pain, swelling, and muscle weakness. If you think you’ve been bitten by a black widow, you should see a doctor right away.

Brown recluse spiders are small brown spiders with long legs. They usually stay out of sight (hence the “hermit” in their name), but can hide inside, especially when the weather turns chilly. Their bites are very painful and can cause a large ulcerous wound, so be sure to see a doctor for the safest treatment.

What is the biggest spider in Texas?

The Texas brown tarantula is the largest spider in Texas and can grow to over 4 inches long! texas brown tarantula/Shutterstock.com

The largest spider in Texas is the Texas brown tarantula. These dark brown hairy spiders can grow to over 4 inches and weigh 1-3 ounces. Some spiders have large leg spans but tiny bodies that are only about 1 inch long, but the Texas brown tarantula is a large, stout spider with a full body.

Where can you find the Texas brown tarantula?

Texas Brown Tarantulas are common in most counties in the state. Just because “Texas” is in the name doesn’t mean they’re exclusive to the state. They can also be found in Missouri, Louisiana, Colorado, Kansans, Arkansas, and New Mexico. Sometimes states change the name of the tarantula to match their name, such as the Oklahoma brown tarantula and the Missouri tarantula. Lighter in color, the blond Arizona tarantula is another species found primarily in Arizona.

When do you see the most tarantulas?

In August, some people get squeamish because many male tarantulas come out of their burrows in search of a mate. They can sometimes be seen along roadsides and more commonly in parks and on hiking trails. Each year, all males come out to mate for the first time in their lives, around the age of 10. Unfortunately, it can be one of the last things they do. Although it is not as common for females to eat their mates like the black widow, the males die soon after mating, with the average lifespan of the male tarantula being 10-12 years. The females live long lives of up to 25-30 years.

How Big Are Baby Texas Brown Tarantulas?

Tarantulas don’t start out large, but you wouldn’t expect them to be only about 6mm. The amazing thing is that they look like tiny adult versions, with hairy legs and all. Females can lay 1,000 eggs at a time, and they all hatch at once, with a vast carpet of tiny spiders scurrying around to find food. Many of them fail and become dinner for larger spiders, frogs and lizards. Males take 3-7 years to reach their adult size and females take 4-10 years.

Are Texas Brown Tarantulas Dangerous?

Texas brown tarantulas are harmless to humans. They can bite, but their venom is not harmful to humans. However, the venom makes a number of locusts by being injected with the tarantula’s fangs, immobilizing the prey before the body liquefies and is sucked up by the spider. Another defense mechanism these spiders use is special barbed hairs that they use to attack prey. When people rub these hairs, it can cause skin irritation. For this reason, people with pet tarantulas often wear gloves when handling them.

What Are Some of the Largest Spiders Living in Texas?

The Carolina wolf spider can have a leg span of 3-4 inches. Will E. Davis/Shutterstock.com

Below are some of the largest spiders in Texas.

Texas Tarantula: 3-4 inches long with a 6 inch leg span

Carolina Wolf Spider: 3-4 inch leg span

Giant crab spider: 2-2.5 inch leg span

Golden huntsman spider: 0.4-2 inches

Jumping spiders: 0.4-0.9 inch

Western Spotted Orb Weaver: 0.4-0.7 inch

Western black widow spider: 0.5-0.6 inch

Beach wolf spider: 0.4-0.6 inch

Brown recluse spider: 0.2-0.5 inch

American house spider: 0.1-0.2 inch

What is the largest spider in the world?

Largest spider by weight

The goliath birdeater is the world’s largest spider by weight. juerginho/Shutterstock.com

The world’s largest spider by weight is the Goliath tarantula. Goliath tarantulas can weigh 6 ounces. Their leg span can be 9-10 inches with some reaching 11 inches. These giant spiders don’t live in Texas but can be found in several South American countries. Although large enough to eat small birds or fledglings, they typically do not. They prefer earthworms, mice, frogs and lizards.

Largest spider by leg span

Huntsman spiders can be found in Texas, but the giant huntsman spider is only found in Laos. PongWira/Shutterstock.com

Giant huntsman spiders have the largest leg span in the world at 11 inches! Although their bodies are significantly smaller than tarantulas, they have large long legs. Huntsman spiders can be found in Texas, but the Giant Huntsman is only found in Laos.

What is the largest spider ever recorded?

The largest spider ever recorded is a male Goliath tarantula found in Rio Cavro, Venezuela, which had a leg span of 28 cm! The Guinness World Records gave this spider the title of “Largest Spider”. Goliath tarantulas are found in Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana, but some have also been spotted in Venezuela and Brazil.

Back to insects

Arachnids:

class Arachnida

Arachnids are a class of arthropods that includes a few large orders such as spiders, ticks/mites, harvestmen, scorpions, and more. They can be distinguished from insects by having 4 pairs of legs, no antennae, a cephalothorax, and abdomen and chelicerae instead of mandibles.

Be crazy:

Order Araneae

Latrodectus mactens NPS photo/James C Akers Black widows

Latrodectus spp.

The black widow is a common name that refers to a few different species in the genus Latrodectus. Widow spiders are among the most notorious spiders, largely due to the fact that they are one of only two spiders believed to have a medically significant bite here in the US. Despite this, they are shy spiders who would much rather run away than use their precious venom on you. The only instances where bites occur is when accidentally grabbed/squashed and feeling threatened. The best way to avoid this is to know where to look so you don’t disturb them! Keep an eye out for this spider web weaver that builds its web in shady areas near the ground. If you don’t mess with them, they’re also great for pest control. The black widow’s juvenile form is mottled, yellowish-white in color. As it matures, this spider gradually turns black until only the distinctive hourglass mark remains on its underbelly. Males are usually smaller than females with longer legs and often have distinctive white and black coloring.

Selenops actophilus NPS Photo/James C Akers Flatties

Selenops spp.

Spiders of the genus Selenops are often referred to as “flatties” because of their thin and flat appearance. While their common name may not be the most creative, the etymology behind the name for the genus is more interesting. The name is a combination of two Greek words, “selene-” means moon/crescent and “-ops” means eye. Some other interesting facts about these flatties include their unique ability to glide and maneuver in the air as they fall. They also have one of the fastest turning movements of any land animal, which coupled with the large field of vision provided by the arrangement of the crescent-shaped eyes, allows them to attack prey from all directions. This suits their role as cryptically cloaked ambush predators. Misumenops spp. NPS Photo/Jack Johnson Flower Crab Spider

Misumenops celer

The coloration of the flower crab spider varies greatly, ranging from white to yellow to bright green. Male flower crab spiders have red markings on the outer edge of their bodies and small red bands on both of their front legs. The female’s front legs are lighter in color and lack the red markings. Flower crab spiders are commonly found in cotton plants and on certain cactus flowers. Argiope trifasciata NPS Photo/James C. Akers Garden Orb Weavers

Argiope spp.

These Argiope spiders are known for weaving large orb webs, often low enough to be walked through. Luckily, their bright colors and a banded pattern of silk called stabilimentum help make them more visible to prevent larger animals or humans from accidentally destroying their webs. They often align their legs with the pattern of the Stabilimenta, often forming an “X”. These brightly colored spiders are usually striped and have a silver carapace. These are very useful spiders to have around as they are a potent natural pesticide! Females can lay between 400 and 1400 eggs in an egg sac. Olios giganteus NPS Photo/Jame C Akers giant crab spider

Olios giganteus

Giant crab spiders are another common name for huntsman spiders in the Sparassidae family. The most famous giant crab spider here in the States is Olios giganteus. Like all huntsman spiders, O. giganteus is a swift predator that hunts its prey. They can be identified by their dark chelicerae, prominent heart patch (not the standard heart shape, more like a dark patch over their actual heart), and twisted legs (giving them the crab shape). Peucetia viridans NPS Photo/James C Akers Green lynx spider

Peucetia viridans

Named for the bright green color of its body, the green lynx spider can be found hiding among flower blossoms. The bright green color helps the green lynx blend in with its surroundings to pursue its small insect prey. The green lynx’s legs are more yellowish than the rest of the body and are covered with short black spines. Baby spiders are bright orange immediately after birth. Female green lynx spiders tenaciously guard their straw-colored egg sacs, often constructing protective shelters from scattered leaves. Green lynx egg sacs can contain anywhere from 150 to 600 eggs. Bagheera prosper NPS photo/ James C Akers Jumping Spiders

Phidippus spp.

Jumping spiders are fearsome predators of the insect world and avid hunters. Their large, forward-facing eyes coupled with their impressive jumping ability make them very successful at catching their prey. Jumping spiders have two respiratory systems: a pulmonary and a tracheal system. Since both are well developed, jumping spiders have bimodal respiration. Their eyes are among the best of any arthropod and are used heavily in hunting, navigation, and even courtship for some species.

Brown Recluse NPS Photo/ John Labadie Recluse spiders

Loxosceles spp.

While the iconic Brown Recluse has part of its natural range in Texas, it doesn’t actually extend that far west. The species of recluse spider we have here in the park is Loxosceles blanda. Hermit spiders are known for their necrotic venom, although most bites resolve without significant medical intervention. Also, these spiders are not aggressive and are reclusive by nature – often people live in close proximity to recluse spiders and never receive a bite. Neoscona oaxacensis NPS Photo/Alex Klug Spotted orb weaver

Neoscona spp.

One of the other spiders found here, forming large, intricate webs, are the Spotted Orb Weavers of the genus Neoscona. Only 8 species are described here in the US, each with fairly unique and distinctive patterns. These spiders are often confused with spiders of the genus Araneus; However, these spiders have a longitudinal groove in their carapace that sets them apart. One of the larger and more intimidating Spotted Orb Weavers here is the Western Spotted Orb Weaver, Neoscona oaxacensis. N. oaxacensis can be recognized by its mottled yellow and black coloration and forms large orb webs to capture prey. Tarantula NPS Photo/Amanda Young Tarantulas

Aphonopelma spp.

Widespread throughout the state of Texas, tarantulas are burrowing spiders easily identified by their large size. There are 14 species of tarantula found throughout Texas, and accurate identification is difficult even for those with the right equipment, literature, and experience. However, some cultivars from northern Mexico are easier to identify because of their unique color pattern. Female tarantulas generally live longer than male Texas tarantulas and can lay 100 to 1000 eggs in their burrows. Texas tarantulas generally remain burrows and their bite is painful but not harmful to humans. Though their venom isn’t dangerous to humans, here in America tarantulas have an added defense: urticating hairs. These hairs are thrown off the spider’s attacker and cause irritation when they come into contact with the skin.

Wolf Spider NPS Photo/Jack Johnson Wolf Spiders

family Lycosidae

Wolf spiders are active hunters; They rarely make burrows or spin webs. They are mostly nocturnal and use their large, forward-facing eyes to hunt to attack their prey. Females lay silk strings along with pheromones to attract mates from afar, and there are several different courtship routines/methods depending on the species. The mother wolf spider carries her babies on her back until they are ready to venture out on their own.

NPS Photo/Alex Klug Harvestmen:

Order Opiliones

Harvesters (sometime called “daddy longlegs”) differ from spiders in the apparent fusion of the cephalothorax with the abdomen, giving them the appearance of having only one body segment. They also only have one pair of eyes, compared to the three to four pairs found on real spiders. Harvestmen also do not pose any danger to humans, as they lack poison glands. In addition to the lack of venom glands, this order of arachnids also does not produce silk and therefore does not form webs. They are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on a wide variety of foods from fungi to small insects. Harvestmen are also an ancient order of arachnids, with fossilized specimens from 410 million years ago appearing similar to their modern counterparts, suggesting they’ve been on land even longer.

Solifugid camel spiders/wind scorpions:

Order Solifugae

Straight-faced solifugid

Family Eremobatidae

Also known as wind scorpions, straight-faced solifugids are distinguished by their characteristic vertically curved jaws. Unlike other scorpions, they can only walk on three pairs of legs and use their slender first pair as sense organs. Although many people mistake these nocturnal wind scorpions to be venomous, they lack venom sacs. However, they are capable of inflicting a painful bite. Like spiders, males are generally smaller and have longer legs. Straight-faced solifugids only live up to a year.

Centruroides vittatus NPS photo/James C Akers Scorpions:

Order scorpions

Scorpion with striped bark

Centruroides vittatus

The striped-bark scorpion can be identified by two broad, black bands running down the top of its abdomen. Color can vary from yellowish to light brown in adults of the species, while younger striated-bark scorpions are darker in color. Striped-bark scorpions mate in the fall, winter, and early spring and have a lifespan of up to four years. The sting of this scorpion causes swelling and localized pain.

Vinegaroon whipscorpions:

Order uropygi

Vinegar

Mastigoproctus giganteus

The vinegar tree’s three-inch body makes it the largest whippen scorpion known. Unlike other nocturnal creatures, the vinegar tree has poor eyesight and relies on its keen senses to sense vibrations and locate its prey. Although it prefers a desert habitat, it is also common in grasslands. The vinegar tree has no sting, but its whip-like tail sprays an acidic solvent that can eat through the exoskeleton of other insects and smells remarkably like vinegar

Common name: tarantula

Scientific name: Aphonopelma sp.

Order Araneae

Description: Tarantulas are our heaviest spiders, measuring about 1½ inches (40 mm) in body length. They are relatively common throughout Texas and easily recognizable because of their size. Typically, the head-chest region (cephalothorax) and legs are dark brown, and the abdomen is brownish-black. Color can vary between individuals and will certainly change after molting.

There are 14 species of tarantulas in the genus Aphonopelma listed in a recent work from Texas. Species identification is difficult and requires adult males, a microscope, appropriate literature and experience.

Life cycle: Females lay 100 to 1,000 eggs in a web constructed like a hammock. The egg sac is retained in the burrow, guarded, and usually held by the female. The eggs hatch in 45 to 60 days. Spiders hatch in the egg sac in July or later in the year. Once they leave the egg sac, the spiders can stay with the females for 3 to 6 days or more before dissipating. Many of the young fall prey to other spiders or predators when they disband to start their own burrows. Females have lived in captivity for over 25 years. Males in Texas rarely live longer than two or three months past sexual maturity.

Habitat, Food Source(s), Damage: Like other spiders, tarantulas have “fangs” at the end of their chelicerae that inject venom when they bite prey. Spiders only eat liquid food, but they chew the food a little while feeding. Tarantulas are found throughout Texas and are common in grasslands and semi-open areas. Tarantulas use burrows, natural cavities under logs or rocks, spaces under loose bark of logs, and even old rodent burrows as shelters. They also dig their own burrows. Sometimes a webbing is used to line the shelter and a few silk lines are placed on the ground in front of the shelter to detect passing prey. These spiders are usually confined to the ground but can climb. They usually stay in the burrow waiting for prey, but can move out a few meters to forage if necessary. They typically feed on crickets, June beetles, ground beetles, grasshoppers, cicadas, and caterpillars. One of the most spectacular spider events in Texas takes place for a few weeks each summer when male tarantulas are actively wandering around, obviously looking for females. This phenomenon is not well understood and may be related to migration rather than mating.

Pest Status: The size and hairiness of tarantulas draws attention and concern, bites from Texas species are generally not serious to humans. When disturbed, tarantulas will maneuver to face the threat, standing on their hind legs and extending their front legs in a threatening posture. If disturbed, they can also quickly brush the top of their abdomen with their hind legs, which removes urticating hairs from the spider’s abdomen that irritate an attacker’s eyes or skin.

For more information, contact your local Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Representative or search for other State Extension offices.

Literature: Kaston 1978; Levi et al. 1990; Smith 1994; Janowski-Bell and Horner 1995.

Tarantulas are a popular pet spider with more than 800 species varying in color, size, and characteristics. They often tend to have docile personalities and are slow moving. The best beginner tarantulas are ground dwellers or burrowers. With proper care, many of these animals can live around 10 years or more in captivity. Here are 10 species of tarantulas that can make fascinating pets.

Tip Tarantulas can bite and their bites are poisonous. However, in most species, toxicity is similar to that of a bee sting. However, like a bee sting, some people can experience serious allergic reactions to a tarantula bite.

Scientific name: Aphonopelma hentzi

Common Name: Texas Brown Tarantula, Oklahoma Brown Tarantula, Missouri Tarantula

Type: Terrestrial

Endemic Location: Southern United States

Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): 4″-5″ (10-12.5 cm)

Growth Rate: Slow

Life expectancy: females 30+ years / males 7-10 years

Recommended Experience Level: Beginner

The Aphonopelma hentizi, usually referred to by their common names Texas Brown, Oklahoma Brown, or Missouri Tarantula, is a New World terrestrial species endemic to the southern United States. A cousin of the popular Aphonopelma chalcodes or Arizona Blonde Tarantula, this is one of the few tarantula species native to the United States. The Texas Brown is not that popular in the hobby, mainly because people find them boring or even unattractive compared to the more colorful and exotic species found in the hobby these days. This specimen has a bronze or brass colored carapace, burgundy or brown belly and black legs, clearly distinguishing it from the Arizona Blonde. The Texas Brown is known for being very docile and very long lived, with females living in excess of 30 years while males generally only live between 8 and 12 years. They are typically found in the scrubland or southwestern prairies of Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas, where they live in burrows that are sometimes abandoned rodents and reptiles, so moisture requirements there are very low. During the late summer, early fall mating season, males are typically found in these areas, even in the more densely populated areas of these states, in search of mates.

I keep my spiderlings, like most of my other New World slings, in small AMAC boxes. These specimens like to burrow a lot at this size, so I make sure to use an enclosure that gives them the opportunity to burrow deeply. I keep the substrate mostly dry, although about once a week I drip some water into the corner of the case to help saturate the lower levels for a bit of moisture but never enough to make it boggy. If there is space, I provide a hiding place and a small bowl of water. If there isn’t room, I lightly wet the side of the enclosure or drip some water on the webbing once a week so there’s a bite to drink. I feed my Texas brown snares under 0.5 inch 1 or 2 pinhead crickets or roaches once a week depending on the size of their abdomen. When the tummy is small I feed more frequently, about every 4-5 days, as it bloats I feed less frequently, about every 10-12 days. If the slingshot refuses to feed, I remove the prey within a few hours and try again in about a week. These tarantulas can go weeks even months without food and if you overfeed them they can pre-moult and hide in their burrow and shut themselves up and you won’t see them for months until they molt and venture out again. I wait about 3 days after they molt before trying to feed them, but sometimes they won’t eat again for a week or two.

Once they outgrow these enclosures, I move them to my regular terrestrial juvenile enclosures that are taller than they are wide and fill the enclosure about 2/3 full with substrate. I usually use coir or peat moss as they don’t have high moisture requirements. I provide a cork bark skin and a water bowl and keep the substrate dry but the water bowl full. I feed a small cricket or two every 7-10 days, again basing the frequency on the size of the belly. Once a week when they are thin immediately after moulting and every 10 to 14 days once they start to fluff. Again, this is a slow growing species and simply feeding them more food more often won’t make them grow faster, it will just put them in premium sooner. Once the T stops eating, it usually hides in its burrow for weeks or even months before reappearing after molting.

It can take 8-10 years for these specimens to reach adult size, so I usually place them in a 2.5 gallon enclosure that’s more width than height and fill it up at least ½ – 2/3 full with substrate. You don’t want the length between the top of the substrate and the top of the enclosure to be more than 1.5 times the tarantula’s leg span to reduce the risk of damage from a fall. I provide a pelt and water bowl, but at this size they really become bulldozers and redecorating the entire enclosure. They usually bury their fur and constantly fill up the water bowl with substrate. Mine usually burrow to the bottom of the enclosure, but once they’re about 3 inches tall they spend most of their time outdoors. When fully grown, this tarantula will require an enclosure larger than 5 gallons at most, but you can safely keep them in an enclosure up to 10 gallons.

This is a fairly docile tarantula and very easy to care for. While not as beautiful as the Aphonopelma chalcodes, their grooming and temperament are almost the same. The only difference I’ve noticed in this species is that the A. hentizi appears to be slightly faster and moves faster than the Arizona blond and mine seems to spend most of its time moving substrate around in its enclosure . Overall this is very low maintenance and a lovely addition to your collection after you already have the Chalcodes, Seemani and Bicoloratum.

Tarantulas are mostly large, hairy spiders of the Theraphosidae family. Almost all North American tarantulas belong to the genus Aphonopelma. As of 2021, there are six species of tarantula in Texas out of nearly 1,100 spiders in Texas. Tarantulas can be found throughout Texas, with the Texan brown tarantula and Texan brown tarantula being the most common tarantulas in Texas. Most species and sightings occur in south and west Texas.

List of tarantulas in Texas

As mentioned in the introduction, as of 2021, there are 6 species of tarantula in Texas. Older sources state that there are over ten species, but this is no longer true following a 2016 revision of the genus Aphonopelma. Several species previously recognized as valid are now considered synonyms of other species. The tarantulas found in Texas are the following:

Aphonopelma anax—Texas Tan Tarantula

The Texas tan tarantula is one of the most common tarantulas in the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas. It is mainly found south and east of Corpus Christi. Occasionally, It individuals are also found further north and east. The Texas tan tarantula is also one of San Antonio’s most common tarantulas, found even north of Austin and east of Houston.

The female reaches a leg span of up to 15 cm and has dark and hairy legs, a reddish-brown abdomen and a light-brown cephalothorax. Hence the common name Texas Tan Tarantula. The male is considerably smaller and darker and is often referred to as the black Texas tarantula. Like other tarantula species, the Texas tan tarantula is a popular pet spider.

Aphonopelma Armada

Aphonopelma aramada is a species of tarantula found primarily in central and west Texas. Most sightings occur around San Angelo and Midland, but individuals have also been found throughout central Texas as far north as Dallas. Its body is dark brown with a lighter cephalothorax and black femora.

A female Aphonopelma armada

Aphonopelma Gabeli

Aphonopelma gabeli is found in Arizona, New Mexico, northern Mexico and Texas. In Texas, it occurs almost exclusively in West Texas and less commonly in the Panhandle. Its appearance is very similar to A. armada, with a dark brown body and black femora.

A female Aphonopelma gabelie found in Texas

Aphonopelma hentzi – Texas brown tarantula

The brown Texas tarantula is the most common tarantula found in the southern United States. It is found in all regions of Texas, most commonly in central Texas. It is the only species of tarantula found in east Texas and across the Louisiana border.

Aphonopelma Hentzi – Texas Brown Tarantula

Read more Aphonopelma hentzi, the Texas brown tarantula, is one of the largest spider species native to the southern United States. The large brown and furry spider lives in arid climates. Because they are a non-aggressive and docile species, they have become a popular pet spider in the United States and other parts of the world. Texas Brown Tarantula Description As suggested by its common name, various brown forms are the predominant color of the Texas Brown Tarantula. Your large cephalothorax usually comes in a lighter brown. The belly comes in a darker brown overlaid with subtle orange…

Aphonopelma moderatum

Aphonopelma moderatum is a species of tarantula with no common name. It is rarely seen and is only found in the Rio Grande Valley. The female is almost entirely reddish brown to orange-brown with black leg tips. The male is much darker with some reddish-brown spines (hairs) on his abdomen.

A female Aphonopelma moderatum found in south Texas

Aphonopelma moellendorfi

Aphonopelma moellendorfi is a species of tarantula found only in west Texas. There are very few recorded sightings near the Mexican border.

More information on all spiders common in Texas can be found here.

General information about tarantulas

The tarantulas (lat. Theraphosidae) have populated the earth for more than 350 million years. There are almost a thousand different species in the tarantula family. Like all other spiders, tarantulas are not insects, but belong to the class of arachnids.

How long do tarantulas live?

How old tarantulas get in the wild is not known. However, tarantulas that live in captivity, i.e. in a terrarium, can live up to twenty years. Females typically live much longer than males. The oldest known tarantula lived in Mexico and lived to be 28 years old.

height and weight

Most tarantulas reach a body size of about 5 to 9 cm. Male tarantulas are significantly smaller than females.

The largest species of tarantula is the Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi), native to South America. These fascinating spiders can reach a height of up to 12 cm. If you add the length of the thick and hairy legs, this species can reach a leg span of up to 30 cm.

How many eyes do tarantulas have?

Like most spiders, tarantulas have eight. However, you cannot see very much. You can only see shapes and lighter and darker areas.

Are tarantulas poisonous?

Like most spiders, tarantulas are poisonous. Toxic refers to a noxious substance that is ingested (like a mushroom) while injecting venom. However, the tarantula’s venom is harmless to humans. Its bite is comparable to a bee or wasp sting.

Distribution and habitat: where do tarantulas live?

Tarantulas live in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world. These include Asia, Africa, America, Australia and also Europe. In Europe, tarantulas are common in Portugal and Spain, as well as on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Depending on the species, tarantulas live on trees and bushes or on the ground and in the earth, where they hide in burrows.

Food: What does the tarantula eat?

Tarantulas do not build webs to capture prey. Instead, they are skulkers – they sit and wait for their prey to get close enough and then grab it with their jaws called chelicerae. When they bite the captured prey, they inject their venom into the victim, which destroys the animal’s body. This allows the tarantula to suck in its prey, which liquefies inside.

Tarantulas eat different insects depending on the species, but also mice, reptiles and even small birds.

reproduction and offspring

The different species of tarantula can reproduce all year round – so there is no specific mating season. Once the male has fertilized the eggs inside the female’s body, he leaves the female. The mother spider lays the eggs, stretches a protective cocoon around them, and guards the eggs until the larvae hatch.

Tarantulas in Texas

You and your family are still settling into your new home. There are boxes to unpack but you need a break so decide to walk around the property. It’s beautiful outside and you enjoy watching the birds, pointing out butterflies and ladybugs and watching squirrels play. But then you see it: the biggest spider you’ve ever seen, and you realize there are tarantulas in Texas. It seems as big as your hand and it looks frightening.

Should you be concerned? Will it harm your children? Are there other tarantulas? How do you keep them from coming into your house?

Should you be worried about tarantulas in Texas?

First, let’s get something out of the way. Tarantulas are about as dangerous to humans as bees. In fact, that’s a really good comparison. If you are bitten by a tarantula, it will likely feel and look like a bee sting. There will be pain and redness and swelling, but that’s about it.

Unless you are allergic. Just as some people are allergic to bee stings, there are people who are allergic to the venom of a tarantula bite. If anyone has trouble breathing or feels sick after a bite, call a doctor right away. But even considering that, the danger is extremely small. As one tarantula expert noted in a 2010 story for Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine, “To date, there has never been a documented human fatality directly attributable to a tarantula bite.”

In other words, for the most part, you don’t have to worry about tarantulas being dangerous to you or your family. If you don’t make them feel threatened, they will try to run and hide rather than bite you.

Understanding Texas Tarantulas

Now that you know they can’t hurt you, let’s talk a little more about Texas tarantulas. Here’s what you should know and what to expect.

If you come across a tarantula in our state, it is most likely a Texas brown tarantula. They’re one of the most common species of tarantula not only in Texas, but throughout the southern United States as a whole, and chances are you’ll come across a few every now and then. In adulthood, these spiders can have a body 1 ½ inches long and legs that span over 4 inches. So not quite as big as your hand, but quite big!

As the name suggests, Texan brown tarantulas are, well, brown. More precisely, dark brown to black. And they have hair that covers most of their bodies. Just like other spiders, they have venomous “fangs” at the ends of their chelicerae. When biting prey, these “fangs” inject venom into the victim to make eating easier. Brown tarantulas typically live in burrows in meadows and other semi-open areas, which they often cover with a veil of silk. They wait in these burrows for prey to pass by, although they sometimes forage nearby.

Tarantulas mainly eat beetles such as crickets, caterpillars, grasshoppers and various species of beetles. Aside from that, some of the largest tarantulas will prey on snakes, lizards, small rodents, small birds, and even other tarantulas.

What to do if you see a Texas tarantula

If you encounter a tarantula, it’s best to react calmly. Probably nothing will happen. Your only desire will be to get away and hide. However, if the tarantula feels disturbed, it can act defensively.

To do this, he turns to you, stands on his hind legs and spreads his front legs wide to appear larger and more threatening. You can even see them rubbing their stomachs with their legs. They do this to remove hair, as this can irritate an attacking creature’s skin or eyes.

ABC are your pest experts

While tarantulas aren’t particularly dangerous to humans or (most) pets, that doesn’t mean you want to live with them. So if you’re concerned about tarantulas in your garden, other species of spiders, or how to keep pests out of your home, contact your local pest control specialist at ABC Home & Commercial Services and the technicians can deal with even the toughest of pests become problem.

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Many tarantulas make relatively safe pets. However, some are very dangerous and should not be handled at all. Some species are more aggressive than others, so learn more about the variety you have so you know what type of behavior to expect. It is important to know the difference between Old World tarantulas (these are found in Europe, Africa and Asia) and New World tarantulas (found in North America, Mexico and South America). Most new worlds are more docile and easier than first-time pets. However, the Old Worlds can move aggressively, fast-moving, and venomously. This rule does not apply to all classes, but it is the general rule. There are also arboreal (tree-dwelling) and non-arboreal (soil-dwelling/burrowing) animals. It’s important to know what you want to enjoy about your pet before you buy one. You don’t want to get a pet that you don’t enjoy or can’t take care of properly. A good place to start is The Tarantula Keeper’s Guild. by Barrons. This book is inexpensive but invaluable with the knowledge you will gain.

Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free poison control hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. Call if you have questions about poisoning or poisoning prevention. It doesn’t have to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

They will tell you if you should take the person to the hospital.

If possible, take the spider to the emergency room for identification.

And how to address that question when it inevitably arises.

I recently received the following email from hobbyist Hugo Pinheiro:

I hope you are doing well. I was talking to someone I had just met and we ended up talking about tarantulas and they asked something that kind of left me defenseless or at least didn’t have a convincing point. They asked, “Don’t you feel like you’re depriving a tarantula of its liberty?” – I immediately thought this person was judging me and my impulse response was something like “well, technically you do the same thing when you get a dog… ‘ But that answer didn’t feel right to me, tarantulas aren’t dogs after all. If they see a chance to escape and go their own way, they will. Dogs stay because they want to attach and stay. At the same time I feel like we’re giving them the opportunity to have a very relaxed life, no predators, all the food they want and a decent enclosure. Do you ever get this question? What is your position on this controversial topic? Thank you again for your time!

The short answer was yes, I’ve been asked that many times, mostly through comments on my blog or YouTube channel. Also, I’ve come across this mindset quite a bit in the comments of other goalies’ videos. While I love animals myself and appreciate that there are people out there who genuinely care about their welfare, it can be incredibly frustrating trying to convince some of those people that we aren’t mistreating our tarantulas. And as Hugo realized, it can be very difficult to spontaneously come up with a killer reaction to defend our hobby.

With that in mind, I asked Hugo if it would be okay if I addressed this topic in a special tarantula controversy. After all, we are all asked this question at some point, and hopefully this article can serve as a go-to resource on the subject. For those who have read my other articles on the tarantula controversy, I usually try to present the arguments in a dot/counterpoint format. Since I honestly don’t agree one iota with the other side, I’ll spend most of this article defending the hobby.

Before engaging in a debate on this topic, there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, most people just don’t know much about tarantulas. Spend enough time on the hobby and you will get a lot of interesting questions about them, e.g. When you try to educate the public about these animals, you have to dispel many misconceptions and prejudices.

It’s also important to note that people asking this question usually come in two flavors:

First, we have the well-meaning but ill-informed variety. These people are not necessarily looking for a confrontation. You just don’t know much about these animals and are asking the question out of sheer curiosity. This quota can be quite appropriate, especially after being calmly and politely introduced to the facts. I’ve discussed this topic with a few people who just didn’t know how tarantulas live in the wild and who walked out of the conversation with a better appreciation of the hobby. Taking the time to teach people like this can be very rewarding and you can find the time you spend explaining our hobby to them productive and important.

Then there are the ill-informed, narrow-minded, militant animal rights activists who don’t listen to reason. These are the people who, even after being educated on the facts and realities of a tarantula’s life in the wild and in the hobby, continue to view the keepers as captives and torturers of animals, depriving spiders of their freedom and quality of life for their own amusement . These people basically equate us with dogfighters, and there’s nothing you can say or do to change their minds. Unfortunately, I’ve also had the opportunity to mess with a few of those types, and I don’t think frustrating is a strong word to describe these encounters.

If you feel like you are talking to this type of person, there is almost no point in further discussing them. They will refuse to listen, and their often illogical answers can be annoying.

For example, one woman I spoke to told me that she suddenly looked at the little B. smithi she had raised from a sling and realized that she had taken her freedom for her own selfish needs. Because of this, she had decided to find someone in Mexico to send the tarantula to so they could release it into the wild (yes, this was a captive-bred slingshot). If that didn’t work, she would drive to the California desert and release it there.

Although I tried to explain why that wasn’t a good idea for various reasons, she didn’t have it. Your spider would be better off dying free in the wilderness of the California desert than spending another moment being fed and well cared for by a zoo keeper who obviously adores it (albeit a little too much).

You can’t invent this stuff.

This woman wouldn’t listen to reason no matter what I said and finally ended the call when she got mad at me for not doing the same to my spiders. I was irritated and felt like I wasted an hour of my life in this discussion.

Before jumping into the fray, try to get a feel for the type of person you’re talking to. If they seem reasonable and open to actually listening to your side, move on. Who knows, you might arouse interest in our hobby. However, if it soon turns out that logic will prove a useless weapon in the fight against ignorance, say peace, then drop it. It’s an argument you’ll never win.

So what do you say to someone who asks this question?

First of all, it’s important for tarantula hobbyists to keep in mind that there’s an obvious difference between pets—especially those intended to be kept as companions—and exotic pets. Dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, and other animals have been bred by humans as pets for years. These are the usual everyday animals that most people think of as “normal” pets. These animals have been tamed by humans and appear to readily accept or even enjoy handling and interaction. As a result, people are much more familiar with these animals.

Exotic pets, on the other hand, often include “wilder” animals such as reptiles, arachnids and insects. Although these animals are often bred in captivity, they are sometimes plucked straight from the wild and sold to the pet trade. They were not bred to accept human contact as normal, nor are they hardwired to recognize humans as friendly. Although some can tolerate and become accustomed to handling, they do not benefit from years of captive breeding to suppress the natural instincts they would need to survive in the wild.

The majority of the people you meet will be much more familiar with pet ownership and care needs. When they think of a pet, they think of an animal that needs constant feeding, watering, exercise, and in many cases human love, and assume that it is the same for all pets. When they look at our hobby and husbandry techniques, they tend to see it through an inappropriate lens. Because of this relationship we have with our furry pets, it is very easy to humanize them and apply human needs to them. And with these types of pets, it may be appropriate to do so.

However, reptiles, insects and arachnids are all different types of pets together, and their needs are often very different. Some of the conditions in which these animals thrive may seem downright odd or wrong to someone unfamiliar with their needs.

Then there’s the fact that many people can’t get past the “wild animal” part. After all, why would anyone take a wild animal, put it in a tank and call it a pet? Especially an animal that doesn’t show you affection?

For example, cats and dogs recognize that their people provide them with food, security, and affection, making you an important part of their lives. Some of their natural instincts, like the urge to flee or to bite, have been tempered or even eliminated through years of captive breeding. Most cats and dogs appreciate physical affection from their owners, and will happily purr or wag their tails during a pet to return their affection.

These are obviously traits you wouldn’t necessarily expect from your ball python or B. albopilosum. While both of these animals can handle handling, they’re certainly not creatures that most would describe as cuddly. They also don’t require human contact to thrive, unlike a cat or dog.

Another distinction can be found in the housing requirements of these animals. For most standard mammals, they need space to exercise, readily available water, food at least once a day, and opportunities to run and play.

Unfortunately, none of these can be considered a need for a tarantula.

Comparing the needs of these two types of pets is often silly and in some cases can be dangerous. For example, people who are used to feeding their mammals every day would be wrong to assume that their pet snake needs to feed that often. Such an aggressive feeding schedule would result in an obese snake.

Compared to many other pets, both common and exotic, tarantulas have very few needs. This can be difficult for people to understand. For some, comparing tarantulas to exotic fish is a good place to start. Many fish are kept in smaller houses and once you get their water setup and temperature right you pretty much leave them to their own devices. You don’t handle them or play with them and expect them to show affection.

And you don’t usually hear many people argue that your goldfish should be dumped in a local pond to keep it free.

It is important for a zoo keeper to be aware of these biases before attempting to engage in any logical discussion of the subject. Some people will readily admit their ignorance of tarantula husbandry when these points are explained to them, and become much more receptive to hearing more.

Others still need some convincing.

With that in mind, here are some of the most common comments from people who take offense at our hobby.

You wouldn’t keep your dog in a crate all day would you? I find it horrible that these poor creatures have to suffer in these tiny cages with no freedom of movement.

Yes, keeping a dog or cat in a tiny space all their life would be cruel. But that’s because these animals need exercise, much like we need exercise to be healthy. Some animals have also shown that if they can’t tear themselves away and play, they can become anxious and bored.

People will see the photos and videos of deli cups and tanks and immediately (and incorrectly) think their cat and dog are in the same situation. For them it is shocking that an animal can be really happy and healthy in a smaller environment. I’ve heard our enclosures referred to as “jails” and “cells” by concerned animal lovers; In fact, the sizes of our cases seem to be a major bone of contention in these discussions.

However, wild tarantulas have VERY different needs than cats or dogs, and comparing these animals just doesn’t work for a variety of reasons.

First, it’s important to remember that the majority of tarantulas in the wild often dig in some form. They use these houses as a refuge from their often harsh environment and from predators. These homes offer them refuge from the elements, including sweltering heat, sometimes bitter cold, floods, and drought. Many species remain in these burrows for most of their lives, while others rarely leave their burrows, even at night. They are not animals that need or want to roam vast areas in order to hunt. Most stay in a small area and snatch up prey that comes their way. Being visible and out in the open only makes them an easier target for predators.

In captivity, their enclosures essentially become their burrows. These homes provide a feeling of safety and security, which is often reflected in a much calmer and less defensive tarantula. A well-furnished cage offers all the comforts of a burrow, including security from predators and the elements. In captivity, sedentary tarantulas make their enclosure their own by digging, forming webs, and arranging things to their liking. Anyone who has been in the hobby for a while knows that even the most defensive species act quite calmly in an appropriate enclosure and that composure is a sign of contentment.

The reality is that unlike other animals, tarantulas require a very small amount of real estate to thrive.

But why do they venture out in captivity? Why leave the safety of a burrow and risk robbery or exposure? If your tarantula just needs a burrow, why does it come out at night to roam?

Well, in most cases they are looking for food.

Although some spiders hide in their burrows 24 hours a day, waiting for prey to come by to ambush them, others venture out at night to find a meal. This is purely instinctive behavior and something they would have to do in the wild in order to eat. They have not been kept in captivity long enough to be domesticated by humans (nor is domestication realistic), and they do not understand that food is regularly thrown into their cages, defeating the need for hunting. In the wild, environmental conditions often result in times of food shortages, so a tarantula needs to eat whenever it can. A captive tarantula that has recently fed still leaves its home at night. This is not a sign of dissatisfaction or that the tarantula is trying to escape bad conditions; it does what millions of years of evolution have conditioned it to do.

But how can life be healthy in this tiny cage? You need to train and run!

Again, when tarantulas are exploring their enclosures, they don’t head out on a tour to stretch their legs or to get rid of some pent-up energy they’ve accumulated from sitting in their burrow all day.

This is where our past experiences with mammals tend to lead people to mistakenly project certain expectations onto our arachnid wards. Anyone who has a dog or cat, for example, knows that they need exercise to live a happy and healthy life. Cats and dogs will run and play, and this exercise is necessary for them both physically and mentally. Even hamsters and gerbils explore and spin their wheels for energy.

Be crazy? Not as much.

You don’t play. They don’t run around for fun. You don’t have to move to tone your muscles and keep your heart fit. There is no scientific or even anecdotal evidence that they need any of these things. The most they can occupy themselves with is rearranging and rearranging their enclosures by netting and digging, and that is more than altering their surroundings to their liking. Adult males also migrate in search of females to mate with. That’s all.

Tarantulas are great at conserving energy when they really need it. Your book lungs work in such a way that they are no match for long marathon runs or prolonged physical activity. You definitely don’t need physical exercise to stay in top shape or to maintain your health. Heck, I have a G. porteri that has spent 99% of its 21 years sitting with me as an inpatient. Their speed usually comes in short, rapid bursts and is meant for catching prey or dodging predators. Anyone who has seen a seemingly calm tarantula bolt can appreciate their seemingly supernatural ability to go from a seated to extreme speed in a split second. But these outbursts come at a cost; for they have no stamina.

The idea that they “need” space to “roam freely” and move about is, frankly, ridiculous, and that sentiment usually comes from well-meaning but pathetically ill-informed people who take the needs of mammals to arachnids project.

Should they be given some space to stretch out and explore? Absolutely. Most keepers give their tarantulas extra space if they want to exercise a little. But it is very important to remember that in the wild, their migratory tendencies are for foraging or mating. With their keeper regularly dropping prey items, these instincts remain intact, but prove unnecessary. A lot of additional room to move certainly doesn’t harm a tarantula, but it doesn’t bring much benefit.

But if they are truly content in their enclosures, then why do some flee when we open them? After all, if an animal feels really comfortable and stress-free in its enclosure, why would it try to run away?

Imagine sitting at home in front of the TV one evening when suddenly a giant creature rips the roof off your house and starts messing with your living room furniture? How would you react? What would you do? I guess most of us wouldn’t just sit and wait and see what this creature has in store for us. No, most of us would run. It’s a fairly universal and natural reaction.

When you open a tarantula’s enclosure to feed or water it, you may only have good intentions in mind. However, the tarantula doesn’t know that. For your pet, this can be as shocking as someone tearing off the roof of your house. In the wild, this would pose a serious threat, and the spider would most likely be in imminent danger. It can become defensive, expecting an attack from a large predator, or it can flee and try to find safety. This isn’t a creature running away from its enclosure because it’s a prisoner; it runs because it is afraid.

The idea of ​​tarantulas escaping because they’re unhappy is another example of humans humanizing these creatures. Bolting is a defensive tactic and an expression of animal instinct.

They would be much better off in their natural habitat than in a human collection.

First, let me say that I am not a proponent of raising tarantulas from the wild for the pet trade. I believe the goal should always be to use wild-caught specimens to create a captive-bred population that can be self-sustaining. I think I speak for most hobbyists when I say there is nothing I would love more than to let these wonderful creatures thrive in their natural habitats.

However, when people try to imply that the life of tarantulas in captivity is horrible compared to their life in the wild, I have to roll my eyes.

For the sake of argument, let’s look at the challenges faced by “free” tarantulas.

A wild tarantula…

must find or build a den.

has to deal with floods and droughts.

must withstand temperature fluctuations, including blistering heat and brutal cold.

must constantly search for food.

can get parasites.

faces habitat destruction.

must avoid predators, including humans.

Again, I am in no way in favor of arguing that we should pluck them from the wild; that’s just reality. Tarantulas have a very tough life in their natural habitats, as evidenced by the fact that many are now listed as endangered. Tarantulas hail from some of the most inhospitable places on earth, and very few survive to adulthood.

Now let’s consider what tarantulas endure in captivity.

A caught tarantula has to “hold out”…

occasional interruptions in their construction for cleaning purposes.

annoying owners taking photos of them.

periodic resettlement

an air-conditioned environment.

Food is offered regularly

Fresh water available at all times

a safe home free from predators.

In all seriousness, tarantulas enjoy a much less stressful and dangerous life with a responsible and informed caretaker than they would ever get in the wild. They are secure from predators and weather, are regularly provided with adequate meals, have clean water at all times, and have consistent and favorable temperatures year-round. When cared for properly, they have ideal conditions to thrive.

But they are wild animals, and wild animals should not be kept as pets.

I always thought that was a weak argument, but I’ll address it anyway. Every animal that is currently kept as a pet by man was once a wild animal. Sometime a long time ago, someone saw a gerbil and said, “Wow, that crazy little desert rat would make an amazing pet.” Every pet trend has to start somewhere, and that often involves collecting wild animals. Tarantulas are still a relatively new pet compared to other commonly kept animals, so we’re still at a point where wild-caught specimens are entering the hobby. Again, it’s never a good thing that local populations are depleted for the pet trade and I don’t think anyone in the hobby would try to defend that. However, many of the species commonly available today are farmed and offered as captive-bred slings. The vast majority of keepers try to avoid wild-caught specimens and instead purchase captive-produced spiders.

Although few will argue that tarantulas will ever be domesticated like dogs or cats, they appear to do very well in captivity. Sure, some have more complicated attitudes than others, but given the right conditions, they make excellent pets. These are not tigers, lions or orcas suffering in captivity. They are arachnids, animals that have survived for millions of years due to their ability to adapt and live in almost any environment. They not only tolerate captivity, they thrive in it.

Additionally, currently endangered species such as Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica and Metallica thrive in the hobby, even as their numbers and habitat continue to dwindle in the wild. In the not too distant future it is conceivable that many tarantula species will only exist in collections. Strong captive-bred breeding populations ensure that hobbyists will still be able to enjoy these beautiful and fascinating animals for decades to come.

I think it’s important to mention that hobbyists really love these animals. Why else would anyone choose to hold a creature that many people loathe? Many enthusiasts are very familiar with the natural habitats of these creatures and their inclusion in the protected and endangered species list. They want their animals to do well not only in private collections but also in their natural habitat. The latest conservation efforts and data are always shared across message boards and social media, and many zookeepers pride themselves on staying up to date on this information.

The truth is, you might not be able to convince everyone that there is no harm in keeping these animals. I have already encountered a few cases where nothing I said could convince a concerned animal lover that the animals in my care were completely content. If I believed for a second that my tarantulas would suffer in any way in captivity, I would never keep them. I honestly think some people just care a little TOO much (and irrationally) about it. Heck, I’m still wondering if that poor B. smithi was really dumped in the California desert. . .

If you keep tarantulas and care for them properly, you have nothing to be ashamed of. Enjoy these fascinating animals with a clear conscience while expanding your collection and educating others about these amazing creatures.

(Special thanks to Hugo Pinheiro for letting me use his question!)

Most spiders in the United States do not have severely painful bites, and few of the spiders in the United States are venomous enough to require the dog serious medical attention and possible hospitalization. When a spider bite occurs, the spider usually doesn’t stay around and it’s hard to tell if that’s the dog’s problem.

Although many of the spiders are relatively harmless or require little medical care, there are some poisonous ones. These include spiders from the widow group, and the most common spider from this group is the black widow. Another venomous spider comes from a brown spider group called the brown recluse spider. Tarantulas are known to be relatively harmless to humans, although their bite is quite painful; However, dogs are more susceptible to tarantula venom than humans and immediate medical attention is needed. Black widow, brown recluse, and tarantula bites can be very serious if not treated on time or at all. All three of these spiders can be fatal if the dog is not taken to the vet and treated properly.

Spider poisoning in dogs occurs when a spider possessing poisonous venom bites a dog. The toxin from the venom causes severe inflammation that requires immediate medical attention.

Tarantulas are mostly large, hairy spiders of the Theraphosidae family. Almost all North American tarantulas belong to the genus Aphonopelma. As of 2021, there are six species of tarantula in Texas out of nearly 1,100 spiders in Texas. Tarantulas can be found throughout Texas, with the Texan brown tarantula and Texan brown tarantula being the most common tarantulas in Texas. Most species and sightings occur in south and west Texas.

List of tarantulas in Texas

As mentioned in the introduction, as of 2021, there are 6 species of tarantula in Texas. Older sources state that there are over ten species, but this is no longer true following a 2016 revision of the genus Aphonopelma. Several species previously recognized as valid are now considered synonyms of other species. The tarantulas found in Texas are the following:

Aphonopelma anax—Texas Tan Tarantula

The Texas tan tarantula is one of the most common tarantulas in the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas. It is mainly found south and east of Corpus Christi. Occasionally, It individuals are also found further north and east. The Texas tan tarantula is also one of San Antonio’s most common tarantulas, found even north of Austin and east of Houston.

The female reaches a leg span of up to 15 cm and has dark and hairy legs, a reddish-brown abdomen and a light-brown cephalothorax. Hence the common name Texas Tan Tarantula. The male is considerably smaller and darker and is often referred to as the black Texas tarantula. Like other tarantula species, the Texas tan tarantula is a popular pet spider.

Aphonopelma Armada

Aphonopelma aramada is a species of tarantula found primarily in central and west Texas. Most sightings occur around San Angelo and Midland, but individuals have also been found throughout central Texas as far north as Dallas. Its body is dark brown with a lighter cephalothorax and black femora.

A female Aphonopelma armada

Aphonopelma Gabeli

Aphonopelma gabeli is found in Arizona, New Mexico, northern Mexico and Texas. In Texas, it occurs almost exclusively in West Texas and less commonly in the Panhandle. Its appearance is very similar to A. armada, with a dark brown body and black femora.

A female Aphonopelma gabelie found in Texas

Aphonopelma hentzi – Texas brown tarantula

The brown Texas tarantula is the most common tarantula found in the southern United States. It is found in all regions of Texas, most commonly in central Texas. It is the only species of tarantula found in east Texas and across the Louisiana border.

Aphonopelma Hentzi – Texas Brown Tarantula

Read more Aphonopelma hentzi, the Texas brown tarantula, is one of the largest spider species native to the southern United States. The large brown and furry spider lives in arid climates. Because they are a non-aggressive and docile species, they have become a popular pet spider in the United States and other parts of the world. Texas Brown Tarantula Description As suggested by its common name, various brown forms are the predominant color of the Texas Brown Tarantula. Your large cephalothorax usually comes in a lighter brown. The belly comes in a darker brown overlaid with subtle orange…

Aphonopelma moderatum

Aphonopelma moderatum is a species of tarantula with no common name. It is rarely seen and is only found in the Rio Grande Valley. The female is almost entirely reddish brown to orange-brown with black leg tips. The male is much darker with some reddish-brown spines (hairs) on his abdomen.

A female Aphonopelma moderatum found in south Texas

Aphonopelma moellendorfi

Aphonopelma moellendorfi is a species of tarantula found only in west Texas. There are very few recorded sightings near the Mexican border.

More information on all spiders common in Texas can be found here.

General information about tarantulas

The tarantulas (lat. Theraphosidae) have populated the earth for more than 350 million years. There are almost a thousand different species in the tarantula family. Like all other spiders, tarantulas are not insects, but belong to the class of arachnids.

How long do tarantulas live?

How old tarantulas get in the wild is not known. However, tarantulas that live in captivity, i.e. in a terrarium, can live up to twenty years. Females typically live much longer than males. The oldest known tarantula lived in Mexico and lived to be 28 years old.

height and weight

Most tarantulas reach a body size of about 5 to 9 cm. Male tarantulas are significantly smaller than females.

The largest species of tarantula is the Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi), native to South America. These fascinating spiders can reach a height of up to 12 cm. If you add the length of the thick and hairy legs, this species can reach a leg span of up to 30 cm.

How many eyes do tarantulas have?

Like most spiders, tarantulas have eight. However, you cannot see very much. You can only see shapes and lighter and darker areas.

Are tarantulas poisonous?

Like most spiders, tarantulas are poisonous. Toxic refers to a noxious substance that is ingested (like a mushroom) while injecting venom. However, the tarantula’s venom is harmless to humans. Its bite is comparable to a bee or wasp sting.

Distribution and habitat: where do tarantulas live?

Tarantulas live in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world. These include Asia, Africa, America, Australia and also Europe. In Europe, tarantulas are common in Portugal and Spain, as well as on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Depending on the species, tarantulas live on trees and bushes or on the ground and in the earth, where they hide in burrows.

Food: What does the tarantula eat?

Tarantulas do not build webs to capture prey. Instead, they are skulkers – they sit and wait for their prey to get close enough and then grab it with their jaws called chelicerae. When they bite the captured prey, they inject their venom into the victim, which destroys the animal’s body. This allows the tarantula to suck in its prey, which liquefies inside.

Tarantulas eat different insects depending on the species, but also mice, reptiles and even small birds.

reproduction and offspring

The different species of tarantula can reproduce all year round – so there is no specific mating season. Once the male has fertilized the eggs inside the female’s body, he leaves the female. The mother spider lays the eggs, stretches a protective cocoon around them, and guards the eggs until the larvae hatch.

Tarantulas in Texas

Most spiders in the United States do not have severely painful bites, and few of the spiders in the United States are venomous enough to require the dog serious medical attention and possible hospitalization. When a spider bite occurs, the spider usually doesn’t stay around and it’s hard to tell if that’s the dog’s problem.

Although many of the spiders are relatively harmless or require little medical care, there are some poisonous ones. These include spiders from the widow group, and the most common spider from this group is the black widow. Another venomous spider comes from a brown spider group called the brown recluse spider. Tarantulas are known to be relatively harmless to humans, although their bite is quite painful; However, dogs are more susceptible to tarantula venom than humans and immediate medical attention is needed. Black widow, brown recluse, and tarantula bites can be very serious if not treated on time or at all. All three of these spiders can be fatal if the dog is not taken to the vet and treated properly.

Spider poisoning in dogs occurs when a spider possessing poisonous venom bites a dog. The toxin from the venom causes severe inflammation that requires immediate medical attention.

You and your family are still settling into your new home. There are boxes to unpack but you need a break so decide to walk around the property. It’s beautiful outside and you enjoy watching the birds, pointing out butterflies and ladybugs and watching squirrels play. But then you see it: the biggest spider you’ve ever seen, and you realize there are tarantulas in Texas. It seems as big as your hand and it looks frightening.

Should you be concerned? Will it harm your children? Are there other tarantulas? How do you keep them from coming into your house?

Should you be worried about tarantulas in Texas?

First, let’s get something out of the way. Tarantulas are about as dangerous to humans as bees. In fact, that’s a really good comparison. If you are bitten by a tarantula, it will likely feel and look like a bee sting. There will be pain and redness and swelling, but that’s about it.

Unless you are allergic. Just as some people are allergic to bee stings, there are people who are allergic to the venom of a tarantula bite. If anyone has trouble breathing or feels sick after a bite, call a doctor right away. But even considering that, the danger is extremely small. As one tarantula expert noted in a 2010 story for Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine, “To date, there has never been a documented human fatality directly attributable to a tarantula bite.”

In other words, for the most part, you don’t have to worry about tarantulas being dangerous to you or your family. If you don’t make them feel threatened, they will try to run and hide rather than bite you.

Understanding Texas Tarantulas

Now that you know they can’t hurt you, let’s talk a little more about Texas tarantulas. Here’s what you should know and what to expect.

If you come across a tarantula in our state, it is most likely a Texas brown tarantula. They’re one of the most common species of tarantula not only in Texas, but throughout the southern United States as a whole, and chances are you’ll come across a few every now and then. In adulthood, these spiders can have a body 1 ½ inches long and legs that span over 4 inches. So not quite as big as your hand, but quite big!

As the name suggests, Texan brown tarantulas are, well, brown. More precisely, dark brown to black. And they have hair that covers most of their bodies. Just like other spiders, they have venomous “fangs” at the ends of their chelicerae. When biting prey, these “fangs” inject venom into the victim to make eating easier. Brown tarantulas typically live in burrows in meadows and other semi-open areas, which they often cover with a veil of silk. They wait in these burrows for prey to pass by, although they sometimes forage nearby.

Tarantulas mainly eat beetles such as crickets, caterpillars, grasshoppers and various species of beetles. Aside from that, some of the largest tarantulas will prey on snakes, lizards, small rodents, small birds, and even other tarantulas.

What to do if you see a Texas tarantula

If you encounter a tarantula, it’s best to react calmly. Probably nothing will happen. Your only desire will be to get away and hide. However, if the tarantula feels disturbed, it can act defensively.

To do this, he turns to you, stands on his hind legs and spreads his front legs wide to appear larger and more threatening. You can even see them rubbing their stomachs with their legs. They do this to remove hair, as this can irritate an attacking creature’s skin or eyes.

ABC are your pest experts

While tarantulas aren’t particularly dangerous to humans or (most) pets, that doesn’t mean you want to live with them. So if you’re concerned about tarantulas in your garden, other species of spiders, or how to keep pests out of your home, contact your local pest control specialist at ABC Home & Commercial Services and the technicians can deal with even the toughest of pests become problem.