Tarantula

The common name was applied by Europeans to the large, hairy spiders of the southwest and western United States probably because of the resemblance to a large European wolf spider that took its name from the city of Taranto in Italy. Myth was that people who thought they were bitten had a huge desire for dancing, with the frenzied dance being referred to as "terantism", and the legend grew; the bite of that spider is no more dangerous than that of other wolf spider. Although some people become alarmed when tarantulas are found indoors, they primarily are a nuisance pest; bites by United States species are no more harmful than a bee sting, but they may shed hairs, which causes itching. There are about 30 species found in the United States with most occurring in the south central states, but more commonly in the southwestern states.

Recognition

Adult female body length is 1 3/4 inch to 2 7/8 inches and a leg span of up to 5 inches. Male body length about 1 9/16 inch to 2-9/16 inches. Robust and very hairy. Color usually dark brown to blackish, sometimes tan to yellowish/reddish brown and/or with reddish golden hairs. One species has a dark spot on light-colored abdomen. Jaws move vertically up and down so fangs move in plane almost parallel to median plane of body, front of body must be raised to plunge fangs downward; fang with distinct furrow/groove. Abdomen with two pairs of slit openings to booklungs and anal tubercle immediately behind four spinnerets. Tarsi each with two claw and claw tuft.

Habits

Tarantulas are nocturnal and spend most days secluded in their burrows or retreats. These are located in natural cavities in the ground, in old rodent burrows, under stones or debris on the ground, in cracks of trees, etc. They line the upper portion of their burrow with silk.

They usually hunt in the general area surrounding their burrow. Often, they may wait inside their burrow until a prey insect or spider gets close enough for capture. A number of tarantulas often occupy the same general area such as a hillside of pasture.

Females usually do not leave the vicinity of their burrows. However, males wander for considerable distances during the late summer and autumn mating season in search of a mate. Sometimes males can be seen by the dozens wandering across roads and backyards.