Tarantula Mating Season in Full Swing
Tarantula mating season is underway, and residents of the Southwestern United States may notice an increase in these large spiders traversing the landscape. From late summer through fall, male tarantulas leave their burrows with a singular focus: to find a mate before their life cycle ends. According to Cara Shillington, a biology professor at Eastern Michigan University, these males have been alive for five to eight years and have just one mating season before they die.
Behavior and Habitat of Tarantulas
During the cooler months, tarantulas remain dormant in their burrows to conserve energy. Paul Biggs, an entomologist based in Riverside, California, explains that harsh environmental conditions drive them to seek shelter during this time. Tarantulas are prevalent across the Southern and Southwestern U.S., with notable populations in Southeastern Colorado, where their movements are so prominent that they are referred to as a “migration” by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. The town of La Junta even hosts an annual Tarantula Festival.
Understanding Tarantula Behavior
Tarantulas are not aggressive creatures and prefer to avoid confrontation. Shillington emphasizes that they pose no threat and are more frightened of humans than we are of them. If you encounter a tarantula, it is best not to handle it. Instead, trap it in a container and release it outside. Biggs advises against using pest products, as they may exacerbate the situation.
Ongoing Research on Tarantulas
Despite their popularity in culture and as pets, much remains unknown about tarantulas. Shillington and her team are actively researching to track tarantula activity and better understand their behavior patterns over time.