New Mexico tarantulas venture out for mating season

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – For those living in southern New Mexico, expect to see an influx of tarantulas searching for love. Right now, it is peak mating season for New Mexico tarantulas. The furry eight-legged creatures, from Valencia County down to the Texas state line, are embarking on a quest to find a mate.

While female tarantulas stay safely inside their burrows, male tarantulas venture far and wide to sniff out female pheromones. An expert said they are so hyper-fixated on mating, they will pay no attention to people’s presence. “They will not pose any danger, they won’t come after you, they won’t come towards you. As long as you’re out of their way, they’ll stay out of yours,” said Science Education Coordinator Cesar Bustillos, City of Albuquerque.

There can be up to 1,000 tarantula babies in a single egg sac. Bustillos said their mating season lasts until October.

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