This phenomenon, while fascinating, is also a cause for concern for some. The migration is driven by a combination of factors, including the changing seasons, food availability, and the need to find suitable breeding grounds. As the weather cools and the days shorten, tarantulas become more active and begin their journey south.

Why It’s a Bad Idea to Keep Migrating Wild-Caught Colorado Tarantulas as Pets Keeping tarantulas as pets is easy and pretty cheap. After the initial purpose of the specimen, its enclosure, water dish, and substrate, all it really requires is a full water dish and some inexpensive crickets to munch on every now and then. Get our free mobile app However, the tarantulas that migrate through Colorado each year will not make good pets. As mentioned above, these spiders are mature males which means that whether or not they end up finding a mate, their days are numbered. When a male tarantula matures, it grows tiny hooks on its front two legs which are used in mating. Most species of tarantulas are cannibalistic in nature and in the wild, the female will typically kill and eat the male immediately after mating.

A. The Unpredictable Fate of Captive Tarantulas
B.

* **Captivity and Mortality:** Male tarantulas in captivity face a high mortality rate, particularly after mating. * **Natural Causes of Death:** The primary cause of death for captive male tarantulas is natural causes, not directly related to human intervention. * **Post-Mating Decline:** The male tarantula’s health deteriorates after mating, leading to a decline in its overall well-being.