Tarantula Ecology Project
Researching the ecology, migration patterns, and population dynamics of Colorado's native tarantula species.
Butterfly Pavilion is studying how tarantulas interact with their environment to better understand the conservation needs of our native species.
Did you know that tarantulas live right here in Colorado? In the southern prairies and western steppes, species like the Texas brown (Aphonopelma hentzi) and Grand Canyon black (Aphonopelma marxi) build underground burrows and wait for unsuspecting insects to pass by.
These fascinating spiders play an important role in local ecosystems—both as predators that help control insect populations and as prey for other wildlife. Understanding where and why tarantulas live in certain areas is essential for protecting their habitats.
Current Research
Under the supervision of Butterfly Pavilion’s research and conservation team, a PhD candidate from Colorado State University is studying tarantula ecology in southeastern Colorado. Researchers are surveying tarantula burrows to better understand what factors influence where these spiders live.
Key questions include:
- Does surrounding vegetation impact where tarantulas build burrows?
- How does cattle grazing affect their habitat?
- What role do predators like tarantula hawk wasps play?
This research will help scientists determine how to conserve habitats that support healthy tarantula populations and broader prairie ecosystems.
Why It Matters
Studying tarantulas gives us insight into the health of prairie ecosystems and helps guide conservation strategies for native species. These often-misunderstood animals are a vital part of Colorado’s biodiversity and deserve protection.
In addition to field research, Butterfly Pavilion is also exploring how education and interaction can shift public perception and increase appreciation for invertebrates.
