AUSTIN, Texas — Most Texans are familiar with rattlesnake season, but did you know there's also a time of year when tarantulas are more common?
Here in Central Texas, summertime doesn't just mean warmer weather. It also marks the beginning of tarantula mating season.
Each May, these spiders emerge from their underground hiding spots to breed. Tarantula mating season differs by region, but it typically lasts through July across Texas.
Where do tarantulas live?
The most common species found in Austin is the Texas Brown Tarantula, one of 14 types of tarantulas that lives throughout the state.
This creature particularly populates the southern part of the U.S., often burrowing in holes or dens in the desert or grassland.
Are Texas Brown Tarantulas venomous?
The Texas Brown Tarantula is considered venomous to its prey, but it doesn't carry enough toxins to pose a serious threat to humans.
These tarantulas tend to be unaggressive, but if one does bite you, the feeling has been compared to that of a bee sting.
When a tarantula feels threatened, it will stand up on its back legs, stick out its teeth and raise the hairs on its stomach to warn others to stay away.
Typically, these arachnids find their prey at night, hunting for frogs, snakes, insects and other small animals.
During mating season, the females can produce upwards of 1,000 eggs at a time. Once these babies are born, the males can live up to 10 years and the females can live for at least 30.
With tarantula season in full swing, don't be surprised to see one of these spiders in the Texas sun.
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