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As you might imagine, this is something I DON'T want to see when we visit NM.
We're debating whether to visit northern NM in spring or fall for scenery and hiking. Today I read in a Moon Book that spring is the time of the Albuquerque tarantula migration. However, most topics on a Google search seemed to say fall is a more likely time for tarantulas to be out looking for mates.
Any thoughts on the LEAST likely time of year (other than winter) to run across them?
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Tarantula Migration in NM
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I guess I must be lucky, I have lived in NM since 2001 and have never seen a tarantula.
If you want to see NM at it's best, fall it the time -for scenery, hiking and best weather. Spring is very windy, can still snow and the wind sends lots of dust flying.
Deb
Oh, come on, Deb, haven't you seen the vast flocks of hairy little eight-legged beasties being herded down Central by the spiderboys?
Yippee ki yi yo, get along, little Shelobs
It's your misfortune and none of my own
Yippee ki yi yo, get along, little Shelobs
They say that Sedona will be your new home
Seriously, Clousie, I've lived here since 1991 and I don't remember ever seeing a tarantula in town or in the wild.
As Deb said, fall is fabulous here. It's my favorite season. You might enjoy the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in the first week of October.
Lee Ann
I have seen those, Lee Ann, but I thought they were heading to one of the old Route 66 motels!
Deb
What happens on Central stays on Central...
Lee Ann
I have never encountered this migration either! The closest I've seen are hairy dudes on a Harley.
I actually have seen tarantulas in NM! I thought it was pretty cool.
But it was out on Kirtland AFB - WAY out at the far end. And I think I just saw a few - it wasn't like the area was covered with them, anyway.
Don't remember when it was (other than that it was not winter - LOL).
It's a good thing you all posted your responses. I would have been up all night worrying about my ds getting devoured. Thank you! This mother will sleep tonight.
It's OK, centralparkgirl - just don't watch Lord of the Rings before bed and you'll be fine.
Lee Ann
"spiderboys"? "ki yay yippee yay yo?"
LOL!
Thank you all for allaying my fears, and for your wonderful, humorous comments. I am panicked at the thought of seeing even one, much less a "migration.!" Sure glad to know I won't need to bring my lasso, Lee Ann, since it sounds as though the spiderboys have it all under control.
Just starting to plan this trip (waiting for all the travel brochures from the state/towns) but am sure I'll be back with lots of questions
I've even gone so far as to look for the buggers & have never seen one. I heard a lot of spider rustlers are out of work in NM right now, perhaps they would take a job as a tour guide ?
Mostly they hang around on ceilings and above doors. Maybe that's why you guys haven't seen them?
I heard you could take their silk & make rope out of it...
LOL... never seen them in the Southwest, but have in Central America... it's not like they attack people. In fact, I've picked them up in my shoes and carried them outside a couple of times. I'd be more worried about Brown Recluses and Black Widows in NM than I would be about Tarantulas.
Oh thanks astein12! Anything else I should be perusing at 4am? LOL
and scorpians!
Oh, good, I hoped you wouldn't be offended!
Be sure to take some time to look through the New Mexico folder. You'll find tons of helpful suggestions for activities, restaurants, and lodging.
Lee Ann
For the curious, here's a link to the Moon Books website with the tarantula information:
http://www.moon.com/destinations/santa-fe-taos-albuquerque/background/flora-and-fauna/fauna/insects-and-arachnids
Lee Ann
I've been to N.M. many, many times to visit relatives who live south of Albuquerque. I've only seen one tarantula, and that was while driving through some very bleak deserted desert on the way back from Carlsbad Caverns. We saw it crossing the road as we drove by -- I think it was migrating. (Why else would a tarantula cross the road?)
"Why else would a tarantula cross the road?"
To see the other side of the road?