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In Southwest, Tarantulas Seek Out Perfect Mate

Desert tarantulas are on the move in the southwestern United States as males look for mating partners. (Dallas Krentzel/Flickr)
Desert tarantulas are on the move in the southwestern United States as males look for mating partners. (Dallas Krentzel/Flickr)

It’s mating season for tarantulas in the southwestern United States. That means male tarantulas are on the move, hoping to find a female to pair up with.

Dr. Sandy Brantley of the Museum of Southwestern Biology in New Mexico tells Here & Now‘s Jeremy Hobson about the strange behaviors of the hairy spiders.

And, by the way, if you’re arachnophobic, have no fear. Tarantulas aren’t very interested in humans.

Guest

  • Dr. Sandy Brantley, senior collection manager and research associate professor

with the Museum of Southwestern Biology in New Mexico.

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.