Tarantulas roam New Mexico in search of mates as migration season gets underway

Tarantula migration season is underway in parts of New Mexico, with male tarantulas roaming the region from now until October in search of mates.

“They get to the point where they don’t want food. They really only drink water. And then they just roam and roam and roam until they find their female mate,” said Dylan Mueller, owner of Predator and Prey Exotics.

Mueller explained that at the end of a male tarantula’s life, it is driven by a biological imperative to reproduce, which triggers this annual journey.

“Females will put pheromones on their burrows and then males will walk up when they sense the pheromones, and they start tapping on the web, which brings the female out,” Mueller said.

If the female tarantula accepts the male tarantula’s advances, the journey is complete. However, Mueller added, “A lot of times, the female will eat them. So, that’s kind of the end of the life for them.”

Tarantulas are often spotted in areas like foothills during this season. For some people, spotting even just one spider could be a startling sight.

But for others, they are not fazed.

“I wouldn’t be scared. I would touch it, but I wouldn’t want to bother it,” said Joel Croft after finishing his hike in the Sandia Foothills.

Mueller emphasized that a calm attitude is the best approach when encountering these spiders.

“Your males will mature out around like 10 to 12 [years], somewhere around there. So, if you get scared and you kill it, you’re killing a spider that’s been living for 10 years,” he said.

For those who find tarantulas on their property, Mueller advised removing them gently.

“If it’s in your house, just grab some kind of tub,” he said. “Place it in the tub and place it outside.”

While current drought conditions may make it harder for female tarantulas to dig burrows, wildlife experts say spiders are highly adaptable. They recommend letting tarantulas continue their journey if encountered.

“When they mate, they create more tarantulas, which eat your mice, your roaches, all your pest animals, which kind of help us in the long run,” Mueller said.

Experts noted that tarantulas are most active at dusk and dawn. If you come across one while walking, they advise leaving it alone.

Tarantulas are as scared of humans as humans are of them. During this mating season, stepping aside and allowing them to continue their journey is the best way to help them find love.