Are there tarantula spiders in Arkansas?
Daniel Rodriguez
Published Feb 15, 2026
Are there tarantula spiders in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, tarantulas are known to range from the Ozark Mountains southward across the Arkansas River Valley and Ouachita Mountains, into the West Gulf Coastal Plain. While a few records of tarantulas in Crowley’s Ridge exist, these spiders appear to be largely absent from most of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain.
Are there poisonous tarantulas in the United States?
In reality, the venom of these largest-of-all-spiders generally has very low toxicity to humans. I myself was once bitten by a Texan species and hardly even felt it. None of the North American species or those commonly kept as pets are considered to pose even a mild bite hazard.
Is there a tarantula that is poisonous?
What tarantulas are poisonous? The real way to phrase this is: are tarantulas venomous? Tarantulas themselves are not poisonous, but they do contain venom glands and inject venom into their prey through their fangs. All species of tarantula are venomous and contain venom and they use it primarily for hunting prey.
Are all tarantulas aggressive?
False: With more than 800 species across the world,3 tarantulas vary in aggression, but they’re normally slow-moving, docile creatures. A tarantula’s bite will hurt, but its venom is milder than a typical bee sting.
What kind of tarantulas are in Arkansas?
Texas brown tarantulas, the only species found in the state, live in dry, upland areas like the Arkansas River Valley and the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, said Kristen Bartlow, watchable wildlife coordinator with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
What is the deadliest spider in Arkansas?
Brown Recluse
The number one most dangerous spider in Arkansas is the Brown Recluse, whose bites can cause severe damage to your skin and its surrounding tissue and in severe cases, kidney failure. But the next most common, dangerous in the state is the Widow class of spiders.
What happens if you are bitten by a tarantula?
If a person gets bitten by a tarantula, the bite will probably feel a lot like a bee sting, with pain in the area of the bite. It will look like a bee sting, too, with redness and some swelling. Because the tarantula’s venom (poison) is weak, it’s unusual to have more severe reactions involving other parts of the body.
What is the deadliest spider in the US?
the brown recluse
In North America, the brown recluse is considered the most dangerous spider.
What happens if you get bitten by a tarantula?
Are tarantulas good to have around?
Large hairy spiders might not be what you want to see in your garden, but tarantulas are actually gentle, beneficial creatures. Before you run away in a panic, you might be surprised to learn some of the more unique characteristics of tarantulas.
How big are tarantulas in Arkansas?
2″ long
Females of this hairy spider average 2″ long, and males average a little over 1 1/2″. The body and legs are uniformly dark brown. Tarantulas occur in dry, rocky glades, where they inhabit silk-lined burrows in abandoned rodent or reptile tunnels or in other natural cavities.