Super Creeps
As September gave way to October, temperatures were still soaring in the Bay Area, but a subtle change was in the air. Fall was creeping in, and with it, Halloween’s shadow loomed larger. Around town, decorations began to appear—witches, ghosts, jack-o’-lanterns… and, of course, spiders.
With their long legs and unpredictable movements, spiders seem to trigger something deep within us—an ancient, instinctive shudder. No wonder these creatures have become so deeply woven into the fabric of Halloween, a holiday that celebrates all things spooky. But this October, I was on the trail of one very specific arachnidI was on the trail of one specific arachnid.
This is mating season for one of California’s more elusive residents—the tarantula. Typically, tarantulas are creatures of the night, quietly hunting after dark and then retreating to their silk-lined burrows during the day. But in autumn, male tarantulas venture into the light searching for a mate, meaning this was my opportunity to photograph some. As I made my way to Mount Diablo State Park, I wondered if my own search would end in trick or treat?
Thankfully, it wasn’t long before I encountered my first tarantula in its natural habitat. As far as I could tell, these spiders are typically called desert tarantulas, although I’ve heard them referred to as California brown tarantulas or even Bay Area blond tarantulas. Whatever the name, they’re nothing short of iconic, and I was glad to see several of them making their way along the trails, undeterred by my presence.
They might look like miniature monsters, with leg spans reaching five inches, but, in my limited experience, they’re surprisingly docile. They’re capable of delivering a painful bite, but they’re not particularly dangerous to most humans. In reality, it’s the tarantulas who are more vulnerable than we imagine.
When male tarantulas emerge during the day, they step into a world fraught with danger. Birds and other predators lie in wait, but hikers or mountain bikes can pose a serious risk, too. Still, the drive to find a mate is strong enough to keep them moving, and watching them navigate these hazards only deepened my appreciation for how remarkable they are.
For me, just seeing these creatures in their quest was a treat. And as Halloween approaches, tarantulas are a great reminder that not everything that lurks in the shadows is out to get us. Sometimes, even the most misunderstood creatures are just searching for a little love.
Happy Halloween!
