
As Labor Day approaches, some of the most magical and wondrous moments of every calendar year are on the horizon. The changing of the leaves… cooler temperatures… tarantula mating season…
That’s right. Very soon, thousands of eight-legged members of the insect world will be on the move, even crossing busy highways to find their mates.
Male tarantulas search for females, who remain near their burrows. When they hone in on female tarantula pheromones, they’ll drum on the ground hoping she’ll emerge from her hidey hole to meet up and agree to procreate.
Mating season for tarantulas begins in late August and lasts into November. So what should you do if you come across the fuzzy little creatures?
Tarantulas will do their best to avoid humans whenever possible, but they will bite if they feel threatened. So keeping your distance is the best course of action.
Male tarantulas will even cross roads or hiking trails if that’s where the scent takes them, so keep an eye on the ground if you’re out for a stroll, and remember that if you don’t bother them, they likely won’t bother you.