Tarantula Migration in Texas 2025
Native Texas spiders leave their burrows en masse in search for females
Best time: May–early October
Texas brown tarantulas are the largest and heaviest spiders in the state, with an average body length of 1,5 inches (40 mm). They are often feared because of their size. However, tarantulas are usually harmless to people. Every summer, thousands of tarantulas take over the roads, trails, and even backyards all over Texas, searching for a mate. The annual migration starts in May and lasts through July. In Central Texas, tarantulas can be observed as late as early October.
Where to spot tarantulas
Tarantulas are commonly seen throughout the Rio Grande Valley. the Prairies and Lakes region, Pineywoods, the Hill Country and west to the Trans-Pecos and the Chihuahuan Desert. The Texas brown tarantula is abundant in the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano, in the northern part of the state. and Central Texas's Highland Lakes area. In the south-western part of the state, the best spider-watching destination would be Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park on the border with Mexico.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is a huge nature preserve that includes the Chisos mountain range and the largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert, which borders Mexico. The Big Bend's desert topography creates a perfect habitat for spiders. You can look for them along Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, an easy half-mile nature hike, which begins at Dugout Wells near Panther Junction. Lower Burro Mesa Pour-off Trail, which begins at the end of Burro Mesa Spur Road off the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, is another easy one-mile hike through the desert.
More landscapes can be explored at Big Bend Ranch, adjacent to Big Bend National Park. The desert backcountry the state park encompasses a network of cattle ranches and herd of longhorn cattle. Visitors can hike, backpack, go horseback riding or enjoy mountain biking in the park.
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Located within just a 30-minute drive from Dallas, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a great place for wildlife lovers, especially those interested in spiders. During the summer, tarantulas are often spotted on the park’s paved trails or on the off-road 3-mile Arbor Hills trail. You can also see various species of snakes, birds, insects, and mammals, such as armadillos, cottontails, and raccoons. The park is open from 5 am to 11 pm.
Tarantula Facts
The Texas brown tarantula has eight legs, eight eyes, and fangs that help it inject venom into prey. The venom is usually not toxic to humans. Male tarantulas stay in their burrows until they reach maturity and then head out to mate and die shortly after. Female tarantulas live for about 20-25 years, laying from 100 to 1000 eggs each season.
Practical info
When are tarantulas active in Texas?
Tarantulas are active and most easily seen in Texas from May to early October, when thousands of these spiders search for mates on roads, trails, and backyards. This spider migration time usually starts in May and lasts through July. Tarantulas can be observed up to early October in Central Texas.
What is the size of Texas brown tarantula?
The Texas brown tarantula is the heaviest and largest spider species in Texas. It has an average body length of 1.5 inches (40 mm). However, it grows up to 4 inches (100 mm) long, with a leg span of 7 inches (180 mm). These spiders have dark brown coloration on their hairy bodies, providing a camouflage ability that blends well with their local environment.
Are tarantulas dangerous to humans?
Tarantulas are typically not dangerous or harmful to humans. Although they have fangs to inject venom to prey, these spiders seldom bite unless threatened. Human victims bitten by tarantulas usually experience just minor pain and swelling. Tarantulas live solitary and reclusive lives in their burrows, keeping their distance from humans and other perceived threats. Humans are more likely to fear tarantulas than the reverse.
How prolific are female tarantulas in terms of lifespan and laying eggs?
Female tarantulas tend to live long lives of about 20-25 years, while males experience brief life cycles, primarily mating before they die. Tarantula females lay between 100 to 1000 eggs per season. These spiders are primarily protective of their eggs and place them in silk nests until the spiderlings mature to form their webs and move out independently.
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