April 16, 2007

The tarantula, which appeared in Arkansas about 8,000 years ago, is the largest spider known to inhabit the state. The spiders are found in most areas of the state, with the exception of the Delta. Females, such as the one shown here with her egg sac, are known to live as long as twenty years. Most of what is known about the tarantula in Arkansas is due to the research of Dr. William J. Baerg.