Tarantula Arizona
Tarantulas can be found worldwide. They are particularly common in the American Southwest, South America and Central America. More than 30 species of tarantulas reside within Arizona alone.
Among these 30 species are spiders with leg span measuring up to seven inches. Their bodies may be black, light or dark brown in color and can weigh more than 30 grams. Due to the leg span and hairy bodies of these arachnids, they appear menacing. However, tarantulas dwell underground and prefer to live, eat and hunt alone. Specimens are rarely seen in the open, although males do roam in search of potential mates.
Tarantulas in Arizona may also emerge at night in search of prey. Unlike other spiders, tarantulas do not build webs as traps. Rather, they hunt and ambush prey, making use of their size and speed. Tarantulas consume beetles, grasshoppers, small spiders, reptiles and rodents. They may be prey to skunks, wasps and scorpions.
