Tarantulas aren’t the warmest or fuzziest creatures, but – like every animal – they serve a unique purpose in the food chain. Mating season has arrived for these non-poisonous spiders, which means they’re migrating across the southwest (yes, that includes Arizona!) by the thousands in search of the perfect partner. If you’re out and about and happen to spot one, don’t be alarmed – just watch your step, for the sake of both you and the spider. Here’s everything you need to know about the annual migration:

The Texas brown tarantula, also known as the Oklahoma brown tarantula or Missouri tarantula, is among the most common tarantula species in the South.
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Unlike the orange and black tarantulas often depicted in the media, this tarantula has an all-brown body that becomes more distinct in color following each molt.
Between late September and early November, thousands of Texas brown tarantulas set off on an arduous journey across the southwest to procreate.
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Unfortunately, many of the spiders die before finding a mate, either from natural causes or getting run over by a car.
Outside of mating season, tarantulas spend most of the day in the safety of their burrows, only daring to venture out at night in search of food.
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After the dog days of summer have passed, however, the males leave the nest in hopes of finding a viable suitor.

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Even the male tarantulas who survive long enough to find a mate are living on borrowed time.
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In a tragic turn of events, females usually consume their partners after mating for a protein boost.
Arizona is one of the states along the tarantulas' migration route, so keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks.
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Tarantulas are very delicate creatures, and stepping on one - even accidentally - could kill it.
Tarantulas are not poisonous, so you have no reason to fear them.
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The spiders rarely bite humans, and even when they do, it seldom results in any life-threatening symptoms.
So if you plan on taking a hike in the near future, remember to look down more often than you normally would.
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The future of the Texas brown tarantula population depends on it.

Have you seen any tarantulas around Arizona lately? If so, where? Tell us all about your encounter(s) in the comments, then check out our previous article for more Arizona bugs sure to send a shiver down your spine.

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