I was packing the truck Friday morning and on the second trip I looked down to see what I’d almost stepped on.
This tarantula was crawling toward the house via the under-my-truck spider freeway.
I tried to redirect it with a board, but it was too fast for me.
Then it crawled next to a cinder block and stopped, so I flipped the block over to trap it in the hole and put the board on top. Now what? Mike isn’t overly fond of spiders. I didn’t want it as a pet.
So I called Spider Pharm in Yarnell, they milk venomous spiders. Chuck came and picked it up, literally.
They often produce venom to order and usually have 40-50 species of spiders “in stock.” Besides spiders they handle scorpions.
Chuck said it’s a small young female tarantula, but she was almost 5-6 inches (12.7-15.2 cm) across. Better their home than mine.
Beautiful tarantula, we don't usually see them around here until July.
When I used to live in the Arizona desert, one of our favorite pastimes in entertaining the kids was catching tarantulas and racing them. It took about two summers before I could let it crawl all over me without squealing!
Fascinating, Gaelyn. I'm one of those odd ducks who will capture a spider and put him/her back outside. (the GOOD spiders, ahem) Capturing a tarantula must be, um, an adventure. Fantastic post! GOOD service, too. That was good thinking on your part!
She's beautiful and huge!
Sounds like you called the right person to come rescue her.
Great photographs but rather you than me!!! Spider Pharm sounds like a wonderful idea, I have never heard of it before. Diane
I forgot to ask, what do they use the venom for? Diane
A very handsom gal. That last photo makes a great shadow shot.
Uh-oh, I knew you wouldn't harm it, Gaelyn. Good on Spider Pharm. Some handling they do! Thanks for sharing this interesting post. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend. (((Hugs))) Jo
What a wonderful conclusion to what could have been a nasty step. Some people, me somewhat included, do not take to spiders very well but I do try to give them the benefit of the doubt and avoid trying to kill or harm them.
I like huntsmen in my house, they are a helpful addition. Tarantulas I too would baulk at. Well done to isolate it Gaelyn.
wonderful shots~ i especially like that you had her relocated to somewhere safe. glad you didn't step on her… have a great night.
Well done, Gaelyn, both the photos and the rescue. I'm not sure I could hold one, but I have seen them on the bike path in Denver. They can move really fast when they want want to. I was "studying" one up close and nearly fell over in shock when it scooted away.
"Small"? LOL!! This sure is a beauty Gaelyn but poor Mike!! He probably had a heart attack when the guy picked it up. 🙂
Gaelyn: Great photos of the big Tarantula. My wife would die if one of them was near the house.
I like your phrase "better their home than mine"–Amen to that. MB
Eeeew I am so glad they're a rare sight here! I have heard people say though, that you can see them crossing the road a 1/4 mile away 0 THAT BIG!
She is actually quite attractive I have to say, but as you said, not around my home! Great you have someone to call locally.
Yikes. Too big and scary for me, but in her own way, she's beautiful, and probably has a few admirers….
I am so grateful that we don't have tarantulas in Alaska!
Wow – what a lovely spider – I wish I could find an exceptional specimen like that (or similar) in South Africa. The macro photography aspects are what I seek.
I like the idea of letting nature gt along, good job to arrange for a suitably qualified person to assist.
Maybe the spider or spider kingdom returns a favour your way one day.
Not me picking up one of them. It would feel my fear and bite me. You can keep them.
Wow – that's huge and hairy, even if it is small by Chuck's standards!
There was a similar spider at the recent outdoor show I attended and they are nasty with a capital N. I would not touch it. I will post a pic of it soon though.
WOW! That is a spider. That's worth a scream or two! Our spiders in My Muskoka aren't nearly so large. Good thing! Great photos, as ever!
Your photos are about as close as I ever want to get to a tarantula Gaelyn! Chuck's a brave guy!
One just never knows what excitement will jump out atcha'.
I noticed that Mike was right up there, when Chuck picked it up. Good for him. I'll admit that I was surprised to see that Chuck picked it up with his bare hands. Well, I suppose he has to handle it any way, if he's going to end up "milking" it… I picture spiders with udders, and chuck with a pail and a three-legged stool. (lol)
I had read about milking spiders and snakes….