Tarantula Mating
Tarantulas are primarily solitary creatures. They reside alone in burrows and hide in dark places undetected. However, tarantulas do come into contact with one another in order to mate. Male tarantulas actively seek potential mating locations, where they weave flat layers of silk. Males rub their abdomens against these mats to deposit semen and pick it up with their pedipalps.
After identifying a willing female, males produce mating signals. These signals indicate interest and verify sex and species. If the female is receptive, she approaches the woven mat, the male inseminates her. Males leave the mating site immediately after fertilization, as females are known to prey upon their mates.
Scientific Name for Tarantulas
