13 Types of Tarantulas in California (Pictures and Identification)

Have you ever ever seen a tarantula in California? These giant, furry spiders can shock many individuals when noticed within the wild. However do you know there are not less than 13 totally different tarantula species within the state, every with distinctive traits and behaviors?

Are you interested in methods to inform them aside, the place they reside, and the way they hunt? Studying extra about these fascinating creatures will assist you to really feel extra assured should you encounter one and deepen your appreciation for California’s wealthy biodiversity.

Let’s discover 13 widespread tarantula species in California by means of vivid footage and detailed descriptions, so you may simply determine them in your subsequent out of doors journey or nature hike.

Frequent Tarantulas in Discovered California

California Ebony Tarantula (Aphonopelma eutylenum)

The California Ebony Tarantula is among the largest and most iconic tarantulas present in California, identified for its deep, shiny coloration and imposing dimension. Grownup females can reside as much as 25 years, whereas males sometimes survive 8–12 years, reaching maturity later in life. Their leg span can measure round 5 inches, and their our bodies are stout, muscular, and lined in dense hairs. They transfer in a deliberate, virtually cautious method, which, mixed with their darkish hue, makes them seem much more formidable within the wild.

Identification is comparatively straightforward due to their uniform ebony-black to very darkish brown coloration that covers each the cephalothorax and stomach. The legs are thick and strong, with noticeable femurs that seem virtually cylindrical. The hair on their physique has a delicate sheen beneath daylight, and males typically seem barely lighter and slimmer as soon as they attain maturity.

These tarantulas are nocturnal ambush predators, patiently ready on the entrance of their burrows for unsuspecting prey. Their weight-reduction plan consists of beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, and sometimes small vertebrates resembling lizards and frogs. Most of their lives are spent underground, in silk-lined burrows that they increase and preserve over a few years. Females hardly ever wander, whereas males depart their burrows throughout autumn to seek for a mate, typically touring lengthy distances throughout open terrain.

A enjoyable reality about this species is that, regardless of their intimidating dimension, they pose little menace to people. Their venom is gentle, inflicting solely short-term ache and swelling if a chunk happens. They play an necessary function in California’s ecosystems by controlling insect populations. Sightings typically enhance in September and October when mature males change into extra energetic, typically seen in suburban gardens or crossing mountain climbing trails.

Desert Tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius)

The Desert Tarantula is a hardy species completely tailored to the acute situations of California’s arid environments. Females can reside over 20 years, whereas males normally reside for lower than a decade. With a leg span of about 4 to five inches, they’re reasonably giant, however their variations to abandon life make them significantly resilient. They assemble deep burrows that assist regulate temperature and retain humidity, that are very important for survival in sizzling, dry areas.

By way of identification, this tarantula shows colours starting from mild sandy brown to dusty tan, typically with barely darker legs. The general coloration blends seamlessly with the desert soil, offering wonderful camouflage from predators. Some people present faint striping on the femurs, and males have a tendency to look lighter in weight and extra agile than females. Their our bodies are lined briefly, dense hairs that assist them sense vibrations from potential prey or threats.

Their weight-reduction plan consists of bugs resembling grasshoppers, beetles, and crickets, together with the occasional small reptile or amphibian. They’re nocturnal hunters, rising solely after sundown to patrol their looking grounds. Through the late summer season and early autumn mating season, males depart their burrows to roam the desert looking for receptive females, following pheromone cues left on the bottom.

An fascinating reality concerning the Desert Tarantula is its conduct of sealing its burrow entrance with silk and soil through the hottest components of the day or throughout extended dry spells. This “door” acts as insulation, protecting the inside cool and moist. In California, they’re particularly widespread in areas like Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and the Mojave Nationwide Protect.

San Diego Ebony Tarantula (Aphonopelma steindachneri)

The San Diego Ebony Tarantula is a medium-to-large species native to Southern California, significantly within the coastal desert and chaparral habitats of San Diego and surrounding counties. Grownup females can reside for greater than 20 years, with a leg span reaching as much as 5 inches. They’re robust diggers, creating burrows in free, sandy soils or beneath rocks and shrubs, which give each shelter and camouflage.

They’re usually black or deep brown, typically with a slight bronze or coppery sheen on the cephalothorax. Their hairs are wonderful and dense, giving them a velvety look. Males are extra slender than females and change into extra energetic throughout mating season, whereas females stay reclusive, rising solely when looking or throughout gentle climate situations.

Their weight-reduction plan primarily consists of bugs resembling crickets, beetles, and moths, however they may even take small invertebrates and different spiders if the chance arises. They’re sit-and-wait predators, counting on fast bursts of velocity to seize prey on the entrance of their burrows.

An enchanting conduct of this species is the “drumming” of the male throughout courtship. Males will use their entrance legs to faucet rhythmically on the bottom close to a feminine’s burrow, signaling their presence and intentions. This delicate sound can journey by means of the soil, permitting the feminine to detect it with out direct sight. In California, they’re typically noticed crossing mountain climbing paths at nightfall, particularly after heat days in late summer season and early autumn.

Johnny Money Tarantula (Aphonopelma johnnycashi)

The Johnny Money Tarantula is considered one of California’s extra just lately described species, found close to Folsom Jail and named after the legendary “Man in Black.” Grownup males are strikingly jet black, whereas females are typically a darkish, chocolate-brown. They’re giant spiders, with a leg span starting from 5 to six inches, and have a strong physique form typical of the genus.

Their coloration is their most distinguishing function, particularly in males, whose deep black setae create a shiny, virtually polished look. Females, although barely lighter, have an analogous dense hair protection that aids in camouflage amongst leaf litter and soil. Their robust legs are well-suited for each digging burrows and tackling struggling prey.

They feed on quite a lot of bugs resembling beetles, grasshoppers, and moths, and sometimes eat different small animals like lizards or juvenile snakes. Like most tarantulas, they depend on stealth and sudden lunges reasonably than extended chases to seize their prey. Males wander extensively throughout autumn, looking for mates by following chemical trails.

A singular reality about this species is its namesake. The title johnnycashi honors Johnny Money not just for his black clothes but additionally as a result of the kind specimen was discovered close to the jail made well-known in his music. This naming has made the species a focal point amongst each arachnologists and popular culture lovers. In California, they’re most frequently seen within the Sierra Nevada foothills and Central Valley grasslands.

Mojave Dwarf Tarantula (Aphonopelma mojave)

The Mojave Dwarf Tarantula is among the smallest members of its genus in California, with adults reaching solely about 2 inches in leg span. Regardless of their modest dimension, they’re completely tailored to life within the Mojave Desert, the place temperatures can fluctuate drastically between day and night time. Their small dimension permits them to cover in slender crevices and shallow burrows, which helps them keep away from predators and excessive climate.

Their coloration is usually sandy beige to mild brown, mixing virtually completely with the desert substrate. This pure camouflage, mixed with their wonderful hair protection, makes them extraordinarily troublesome to identify except they’re shifting. Males are barely extra slender and lighter in tone than females.

They feed totally on small bugs, together with ants, beetles, and tiny grasshoppers. As a result of they’re extra susceptible to predators than bigger tarantulas, they hardly ever enterprise removed from their burrows. When threatened, they retreat shortly and will use a plug of silk and soil to dam the doorway.

One fascinating trait of this species is its capacity to endure lengthy intervals with out meals by slowing its metabolism considerably. This survival technique is essential within the desert, the place prey could also be scarce. In California, sightings of the Mojave Dwarf Tarantula are uncommon and normally happen in late summer season through the transient mating season when males are on the transfer.

Joshua Tree Tarantula (Aphonopelma joshua)

The Joshua Tree Tarantula is a desert-dwelling species discovered primarily in and round Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, thriving within the distinctive ecosystem the place the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. Females are medium to giant in dimension, with a leg span of 4.5 to five inches, and might reside greater than 20 years, whereas males reside just a few years after reaching maturity. They spend most of their time in silk-lined burrows dug into sandy or gravelly soil, typically close to the bottom of crops or rocks for stability.

Their coloration sometimes blends with the native desert setting—mild brown to tan with barely darker legs and stomach. This earth-toned camouflage helps them keep away from predators resembling birds and small mammals. Males are extra slender and lighter in weight, particularly throughout mating season in late summer season and early fall, after they wander throughout open desert areas.

Their weight-reduction plan is dominated by bugs resembling crickets, beetles, and grasshoppers, although they might additionally take small lizards or different arthropods. Searching is primarily nocturnal, with the tarantula ready simply inside its burrow for vibrations that sign passing prey.

A enjoyable reality is that this species is especially tailored to the Joshua Tree’s harsh seasonal adjustments, tolerating excessive summer season warmth and chilly winter nights by retreating deep underground. Due to their restricted vary, they’re considered one of California’s much less continuously noticed tarantulas.

Lucerne Valley Tarantula (Aphonopelma icenoglei)

The Lucerne Valley Tarantula inhabits the excessive desert areas of San Bernardino County, together with areas round Lucerne Valley and Victorville. It’s a medium-sized species, with a leg span of about 4 inches. Females are sturdy and strong, whereas males seem leaner, particularly throughout their seasonal seek for mates.

Their coloration is commonly a dusty brown or sandy beige, matching the arid soils of their habitat. Advantageous, quick hairs cowl the physique, and beneath shut remark, a delicate golden or copper hue could also be seen beneath daylight. This coloration, mixed with their tendency to stay close to burrow entrances, makes them well-camouflaged in desert terrain.

They feed on small bugs, significantly beetles, grasshoppers, and occasional small arachnids. They’re affected person predators, counting on stealth and sudden lunges reasonably than lengthy pursuits. Exercise peaks at night time when temperatures drop to extra tolerable ranges.

An fascinating reality about Aphonopelma icenoglei is that it was formally described solely lately, highlighting how a lot of California’s desert arachnid fauna stays understudied. Its vary overlaps barely with Aphonopelma mojave, however the two species are distinct in each dimension and coloration.

Paso Robles Rusty Crimson Tarantula (Aphonopelma chamberlini)

The Paso Robles Rusty Crimson Tarantula is native to the central coast ranges of California, particularly round Paso Robles. It’s a medium to giant species with a leg span of 4.5 to five inches, and females can reside over 20 years. Burrows are sometimes present in grassland soils or beneath rocks, the place humidity stays barely greater than in surrounding open areas.

Its most placing function is its coloration—reddish-brown to rusty orange hairs on the stomach and legs, contrasting with a darker cephalothorax. This heat tone is uncommon amongst California tarantulas, making it one of many extra visually distinctive species within the state.

Its weight-reduction plan is diverse, together with crickets, beetles, caterpillars, and sometimes small vertebrates. Like different tarantulas, it waits close to its burrow entrance at night time, ambushing prey with a sudden pounce. Males emerge within the fall to roam looking for females, typically masking appreciable distances.

A notable reality is that Aphonopelma chamberlini has been the topic of taxonomic debate, with some consultants suggesting it could be a regional variant of Aphonopelma iodius. Nevertheless, its coloration and restricted vary assist its recognition as a definite species by many arachnologists.

False Tarantulas (Calisoga spp.)

False Tarantulas of the genus Calisoga will not be true tarantulas however are sometimes mistaken for them because of their giant dimension and furry look. They’re present in numerous components of California, together with foothill areas and scrubland habitats. Adults sometimes have a leg span of two to three inches and a extra elongated physique than true tarantulas.

Their coloration is normally darkish brown to black, with a considerably shinier cephalothorax and fewer dense hair protection on the legs. They have an inclination to have longer, thinner legs in comparison with Aphonopelma, and their motion is faster and extra agile.

False Tarantulas feed on bugs, spiders, and different small arthropods. They’re energetic hunters reasonably than ambush predators, roaming at night time looking for prey as an alternative of ready in burrows.

A enjoyable reality is that regardless of their resemblance, Calisoga species are extra carefully associated to trapdoor spiders than to tarantulas. Their chunk will be extra painful than that of most Aphonopelma, although it’s nonetheless not harmful to people.

Desert Blonde Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes)

The Desert Blonde Tarantula is extra widespread in Arizona however has a restricted vary in southeastern California close to the Colorado River. Females can develop to a leg span of 5 inches and reside over 20 years, whereas males reside just a few years. Their burrows are sometimes present in sandy soils close to desert washes and scrubland.

Their coloration is distinctive, with a pale blonde cephalothorax, darkish brown stomach, and lightweight tan legs. This distinction provides them a placing look in comparison with the extra uniformly coloured California tarantulas.

Their weight-reduction plan consists principally of bugs resembling crickets, beetles, and grasshoppers, however they might additionally seize small vertebrates if the chance arises. They’re primarily nocturnal and stay hidden of their burrows through the warmth of the day.

A singular reality is that males of this species are identified for his or her long-distance wanderings through the mating season, typically touring a number of miles. Due to their magnificence, they’re additionally among the many hottest tarantulas within the U.S. pet commerce, although California populations are hardly ever collected.

Bay Space Blonde Tarantula (Aphonopelma smithi)

The Bay Space Blonde Tarantula is native to the coastal and inland valleys of Northern California, particularly within the San Francisco Bay Space and surrounding foothills. Females can reside over 20 years, with a leg span of about 4.5 to five inches, whereas males reside a lot shorter lives. They’re most frequently encountered through the fall mating season, when mature males wander removed from their burrows looking for females.

Their most distinctive function is the blonde to mild tan coloration on the cephalothorax, which contrasts with a darker stomach and legs. This colour sample helps them mix into the golden-brown grasses and dry soil widespread of their habitat. Advantageous hairs cowl the physique, and the stomach might present faint striping beneath sure mild situations.

The Bay Space Blonde feeds totally on bugs resembling crickets, beetles, and grasshoppers, although they may even eat different spiders and small invertebrates. They sometimes wait on the entrance of their burrows at night time, pouncing when prey comes inside vary.

A enjoyable reality is that this species has one of the crucial restricted ranges amongst California tarantulas, with populations concentrated in particular microhabitats. Conservationists have raised considerations about habitat loss because of city growth, making this tarantula much less widespread than it as soon as was.

California Trapdoor Spider (Bothriocyrtum californicum) – not a real tarantula

The California Trapdoor Spider is commonly mistaken for a tarantula due to its dimension and furry physique, but it surely belongs to a distinct household (Cyrtaucheniidae). Adults are smaller than most tarantulas, with a leg span of about 1.5 to 2 inches. They’re present in chaparral, oak woodland, and desert margins throughout a lot of California.

Their coloration is normally darkish brown to black, with a shiny cephalothorax and stockier construct in comparison with most true tarantulas. They assemble silk-lined burrows topped with a camouflaged “trapdoor” manufactured from soil, plant matter, and silk. This door permits them to ambush prey whereas remaining virtually invisible to predators.

They feed on ants, beetles, crickets, and different small arthropods. When prey brushes in opposition to silk journey traces exterior the door, the spider lunges out, grabs the sufferer, and retreats to feed in security.

An enchanting reality is that trapdoor spiders can reside over 20 years within the wild with out ever touring quite a lot of toes from their unique burrow. Their secretive nature means they’re hardly ever seen besides throughout heavy rains, when males depart their burrows to search out mates.

California Parson Spider (Herpyllus ecclesiasticus) – not a real tarantula

The California Parson Spider is a fast-moving floor spider that’s typically confused with small tarantulas due to its darkish colour and furry legs. In actuality, it belongs to the household Gnaphosidae and is way smaller, with a physique size of about 0.4 to 0.6 inches. It’s discovered all through California in forests, grasslands, and even inside properties.

Its look is distinctive, with a velvety black cephalothorax and stomach marked by a white or grey dorsal stripe, paying homage to a clerical collar—therefore the title “parson.” The legs are lined in wonderful hairs and are well-adapted for fast bursts of velocity when chasing prey.

Not like tarantulas, parson spiders don’t use burrows. They roam actively at night time looking for bugs and different small arthropods, typically looking alongside the bottom or low vegetation. They depend on velocity and agility reasonably than ambush techniques.

A enjoyable reality is that whereas their chunk will be painful, it’s innocent to people, they usually play an necessary function in controlling family pest bugs. As a result of they’re continuously noticed indoors throughout cooler months, they’re one of many extra acquainted “false tarantulas” to California residents.

FAQs about Tarantulas in California

What’s the most typical tarantula species in California?

Essentially the most continuously encountered species is the Desert Tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius), which is widespread throughout a lot of the state, significantly in arid and semi-arid areas.

Are California tarantulas harmful to people?

No. Whereas their chunk will be painful and trigger gentle swelling, California tarantulas will not be thought-about medically harmful to people. They’re usually shy and can retreat reasonably than chunk.

How huge do California tarantulas get?

Most feminine tarantulas in California attain a leg span of 4.5 to five inches, whereas males are barely smaller and extra slender. Some people can attain 6 inches.

What do California tarantulas eat?

Their weight-reduction plan consists of crickets, beetles, grasshoppers, moths, and sometimes small vertebrates like lizards or frogs. They’re opportunistic nocturnal hunters.

The place can I discover tarantulas in California?

They reside in deserts, grasslands, oak woodlands, and chaparral habitats. Frequent hotspots embrace Joshua Tree Nationwide Park, the Mojave Desert, and foothill areas.

When is the most effective time to see them?

The most effective time is through the late summer season and fall (August–October), when mature males depart their burrows to seek for females, typically crossing roads and open terrain.

What’s a “false tarantula”?

A “false tarantula” refers to giant, furry spiders that resemble tarantulas however belong to totally different households. Examples in California embrace Calisoga species (California False Tarantulas) and the California Trapdoor Spider (Bothriocyrtum californicum).

How lengthy do California tarantulas reside?

Females can reside over 20 years, whereas males sometimes reside just a few years after reaching sexual maturity.

Can I preserve a California tarantula as a pet?

It’s authorized in some areas, however assortment from the wild could also be regulated. Captive breeding is inspired over taking wild specimens to guard pure populations.