This is the time of year that brings out the Tarantulas from their burrows, so we've been seeing them frequently.

Tarantulas are large spiders having eight legs, are often hairy, and with two fangs. The Tarantulas we have are brown, but in Mexico and South American they can be brightly colored. Their size ranges from an inch to 12 inches, although the largest we have seen here have been about six inches. Tarantulas can live in rain forests and desserts. they eat insects, and occasionally small rodents and birds. They hunt by stalking and then quickly leaping onto their prey and injecting a venom through their fangs. 

The Tarantula's "killer"  reputation is exaggerated. That reputation was enhanced in the James Bond movie, "Dr. No" in the two minute scene where a Tarantula is crawling up James Bond's arm as he lay in bed.

I realize that I don't have any photos of Tarantula Wasps --- the main predator of the Tarantula. Their story is equally interesting. I see if I can't find one to photograph.

For today, here is the "Killer" Tarantula:

Tarantula from The Azure Gate