Texas brown tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi)
The Texas brown tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi) is one of the most common species of tarantulas living in the Southern United States today. Texas brown tarantulas can grow to leg spans in excess of 4 inches and weigh more than 3 oz as adults.
The Texas brown tarantula is a rather docile and nonaggressive species. Though it is not aggressive, like any frightened animal, it will defend itself if it feels threatened. Running for cover is its usual response after being spotted. Behavior such as raising and stretching out its front pairs of legs in an effort to increase its apparent size is an indication to back away from it. A stressed spider is more likely to bite.
Bites from the Texas brown tarantula do not generally cause serious harm to humans except in the case of an allergic reaction. Due to the large size of their fangs, the puncture wound from a bite can also be painful and lead to secondary infection if not properly treated.
Like other tarantulas, the Texas brown tarantula preys on insects. It has its own predators, however. Tarantula Hawks are large wasps that sting and paralyze these spiders in order to use them as food for wasp larvae. Birds and other small mammals also eat them.
Look for Texas Brown Tarantulas in open fields, tilled farmland, and in places that offer good hiding spots like wood piles and leaf litter. They may accidentally wander indoors but are most content in their natural habitat.
Photo of tarantula provided by Randy Dykstra.
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