Tarantulas do inhabit Tennessee, but their presence is extremely limited and localized. Encounters with this large arachnid are rare events, as Tennessee represents the easternmost boundary of its natural North American range. While finding one is uncommon, a specific type of tarantula does exist within the state’s natural history.
The Confirmed Tennessee Species
The specific species found in Tennessee is the Oklahoma Brown Tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi). This is one of the most common tarantula species native to the southern and central United States, but Tennessee lies at the very edge of its territory. A. hentzi is a large, stout-bodied terrestrial spider covered in hair-like structures.
Adults can achieve an impressive leg span, typically measuring between four and five inches. The coloration is generally dark, featuring muted tones of brown and black that allow it to blend into the soil. Females and immature specimens are mostly dark brown. Mature males often display a striking copper or bronze-colored carapace contrasted with silky black legs.
Limited Geographic Distribution and Habitat
Documented sightings of the Oklahoma Brown Tarantula are concentrated in the extreme southwestern and western portions of the state. These areas share a geographical continuity with known populations in neighboring Arkansas and Missouri, which form the core of the species’ eastern distribution. They inhabit drier, more open environments along the Mississippi River alluvial plain.
As fossorial species, they spend the majority of their long lives underground in silk-lined tunnels. They either excavate their own burrows or repurpose abandoned dens. The silk lining acts as a tripwire, alerting the spider to vibrations from passing prey. Their secretive, subterranean existence explains why they are seldom seen by the general public.
Temperament and Safety Concerns
The Oklahoma Brown Tarantula is known for its docile temperament and is not generally considered aggressive toward humans. Like most spiders, they prefer to retreat and hide when disturbed rather than confront a threat. A defensive posture involves the spider standing on its hind legs and raising its front legs and fangs to appear larger and more intimidating.
If provoked, the tarantula has two primary defense mechanisms: a bite and urticating hairs. The bite, while painful due to the size of the fangs, is considered to have low medical significance, often compared to the discomfort of a bee sting. More commonly, they use the barbed, irritating hairs (setae) located on their abdomen, which they kick off toward a threat. These fine hairs can cause localized itching, rash, or irritation upon contact with skin or mucous membranes. For the average person, the safety risk posed by this tarantula is minimal, particularly given the infrequency of human-tarantula encounters in the state.