What You Need to Know About Tarantula Mating Season in Arizona

Every year, when the monsoon returns, it brings life back to the desert. They don't just return the much-needed moisture to the land; the monsoons also signal tarantula mating season.

a spider with a large web

Don't worry, these docile creatures can be spotted crossing roads and strolling through neighborhoods. They might even surprise you on a sunset walk. If you're an arachnaphobe, you can give them a wide berth. Ironically, they've helped me overcome my fear of spiders, and honestly, I've come to appreciate them.

They're part of the rhythm of desert life, and right now they're doing exactly what tarantulas have done for millions of years.

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a large brown spider sitting on top of a gravel road

Male Tarantulas on the Move

So, what's the deal, you may be wondering. Why are these critters suddenly moving around?

In a word: love. Believe it or not, male tarantulas spend 8–10 years tucked away in their burrows before finally emerging between June and October to look for love.

You'll spot them as they roam the desert floor, and you might even catch them tapping their front legs and searching for receptive females.

According to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, when they find one, the courtship is surprisingly gentle: the male identifies himself through touch, then uses small hooks on his legs to keep her fangs safely out of the way during mating.

RELATED: Tarantulas, Rattlesnakes, Scorpions. Cochise County is Tough!

brown tarantula

Why They're Harmless

These big, hairy guys look intimidating, but don't be fooled. Despite their size, Arizona tarantulas pose little to no threat to humans.

Hollywood has tried to scare us with giant spiders, according to Arizona Highways Magazine. Still, in reality, these creatures are fairly gentle.

Just give them room to roam, and they'll leave you be. They rarely bite unless seriously provoked, and there are no records of serious harm from their bites. They'd much rather save their energy for mating.

READ ALSO: When Do Rattlesnakes and Scorpions Wake Up in Arizona?

a storm rolls in over a desert landscape

Why You Should Leave Them Alone

Tarantulas are slow-moving, and they live a long time. Females can live up to 35 years, according to AZ Animals.

Tarantulas are very important for controlling insect populations, so it's important they not be disturbed during mating season, because it can interrupt their life cycle.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum encourages us to observe wildlife respectfully and avoid handling or relocating animals unnecessarily.