Desert Tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius) Pictures | Wild Macro Stock Photography

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Desert Tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius)

Each fall, desert tarantulas (Aphonopelma iodius) can be seen wandering around in broad daylight. Since they are often observed in large numbers, this phenomenon is frequently called a "tarantula migration," but that is really a misnomer. In actuality, mature males have simply left the safety of their burrows in search of receptive females before winter brings an end to mating season. Despite this spider's formidable size and appearance, its venom is not medically significant for humans. It can, however, flick urticating hairs from the back of its abdomen into the eyes and other sensitive areas of would-be predators - a phenomenal defense mechanism.

Mature male tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius) in search of receptive females. Alameda County, California, USA. Stock Photo ID=SPI0231
Desert tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius). Alameda County, California, USA.
SPI0231

Desert tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius) crossing a gravel path. Alameda County, California, USA.
SPI0230

Mature male tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius) in search of receptive females. Alameda County, California, USA. Stock Photo ID=SPI0240
Desert tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius) crossing a fallen branch. Alameda County, California, USA.
SPI0240

Desert tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius), threatened specimen rearing up in a defensive posture. Alameda County, California, USA.
SPI0238

Mature male tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius) in search of receptive females. Alameda County, California, USA. Stock Photo ID=SPI0234
Desert tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius), dorsal view. Alameda County, California, USA.
SPI0234

Desert tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius), ground-level lateral view. Alameda County, California, USA.
SPI0233

Mature male tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius) in search of receptive females. Alameda County, California, USA. Stock Photo ID=SPI0232
Desert tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius), detailed close-up of the carapace. Alameda County, California, USA.
SPI0232

Desert tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius), posterior view showing bald patches where the urticating hairs have been flicked off of the tarantula's abdomen. Alameda County, California, USA.
SPI0229

Mature male tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius) in search of receptive females. Alameda County, California, USA. Stock Photo ID=SPI0228
Desert tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius) traversing an oak woodland. Alameda County, California, USA.
SPI0228

Desert tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius), lateral view of a specimen with his abdomen raised high. Alameda County, California, USA.
SPI0227

Mature male tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius) in search of receptive females. Alameda County, California, USA. Stock Photo ID=SPI0225
Desert tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius). Alameda County, California, USA.
SPI0225

Desert tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius). Alameda County, California, USA.
SPI0224

Mature male tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius) in search of receptive females. Alameda County, California, USA. Stock Photo ID=SPI0223
Desert tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius), highly detailed close-up with focus on the relatively small eyes and hairy chelicerae. Alameda County, California, USA.
SPI0223

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