What are Tarantulas in Animal Crossing?
In the world of Animal Crossing, tarantulas are a valuable, albeit slightly terrifying, insect. They are a seasonal critter that appears on your island and can be caught with a net. Tarantulas are nocturnal creatures that appear during specific times of the year and can be sold for a hefty price at Nook’s Cranny. Understanding their behavior and the best methods for catching them is key to maximizing your Bells in Animal Crossing. While they can be a bit scary, especially when they chase you, catching tarantulas is a lucrative activity and a must-do for any dedicated Animal Crossing player looking to fill their pockets.
Where Can You Find Tarantulas?
Tarantulas don’t just pop up everywhere; their appearance is tied to specific locations and times. They are most commonly found roaming around your island, but their spawn rate depends on the time of year and the hemisphere your game is set to. The key is to know when and where to look. The appearance of tarantulas adds an element of excitement and a bit of adrenaline to the game. Knowing the best places to search and when they are most likely to appear can dramatically increase your chances of finding and catching these elusive creatures. Remember to be cautious and patient; the reward is worth the effort.
Northern Hemisphere Location

In the Northern Hemisphere, tarantulas are active from November to April. During these months, they will begin to appear on your island after 7 PM and will remain until 4 AM the following morning. Keep in mind that the spawn rate can be affected by the presence of other bugs, so clearing out flowers and weeds can sometimes increase your chances of finding a tarantula. If you are looking to farm tarantulas effectively, it is recommended to visit a mystery island and modify it to suit your needs.
Southern Hemisphere Location
If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, tarantulas can be found from May to October during the same nighttime hours as those found in the Northern Hemisphere. The same tips for clearing out other bugs and visiting mystery islands apply. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings and to approach tarantulas with caution, as they can be quite aggressive. Knowing the correct timing of the tarantula season in your respective hemisphere is essential to ensure you can catch them.
How to Spot a Tarantula
Tarantulas are usually easy to spot. They are large, dark creatures that scurry around your island. They are often found in open areas, such as grassy fields or beaches, but they can appear anywhere. Keep an eye out for their distinctive shape and movement. One of the best strategies to spot a tarantula is to slowly walk around your island, scanning the environment. Be patient, as they can sometimes blend in with the surroundings. Pay attention to the sounds, as they often emit a faint clicking noise that can help you locate them. Remember that they are nocturnal, so searching during the night is a must.
Preparing to Catch Tarantulas

Before you start your tarantula hunt, there are a few things you need to do to ensure you are prepared. Careful preparation is key to success. Make sure to have the proper tools and strategies in place to maximize your catching efficiency. This ensures that you can catch them and make the most of this opportunity to earn Bells. Here is how to prepare yourself, and what items you should bring.
Empty Your Inventory
Make sure your inventory has enough space to catch the tarantulas. You can quickly fill up your inventory space if you plan to stay for a long time, so make sure you bring only the necessary items. Clear out your inventory before you head out to catch tarantulas, and have space for at least a few tarantulas. This will allow you to catch as many as possible and maximize your earnings. There is nothing more frustrating than encountering a tarantula and not having room to catch it. Therefore, before you start your hunt, clear out your inventory.
Bring Your Net
You will need a net to catch a tarantula. Make sure you have a net in your inventory before you go out on your hunt. Bringing multiple nets is a good idea in case one breaks. Also, you can craft a few nets if you are low on materials to be able to catch a tarantula. High-quality nets might break less, but they do cost more. Remember to check the durability of your net before you start hunting.
Approaching a Tarantula

Tarantulas can be tricky to catch because they will attack if you get too close or make any sudden movements. Approaching them requires patience and a careful strategy. Moving too fast can result in a bite, so it is important to be stealthy. Learning how to approach them will help you catch them every time. Here are a couple of tips to successfully catch them without getting bitten, helping you make the most out of your hunt.
The Perfect Stalk
When you spot a tarantula, the first thing to do is to slowly approach it. Hold down the ‘A’ button to keep your net up. Move slowly and steadily towards the tarantula. If it raises its legs and stands up, stop moving immediately. Wait for it to lower its legs, and then continue to inch closer. If you move too quickly, the tarantula will become aggressive and attack you. Keep repeating this process until you are close enough to swing your net.
The Quick Swing
Once you are close enough, quickly swing your net by releasing the ‘A’ button. Timing is crucial here. You will need to anticipate the tarantula’s movement to catch it. Aim your net carefully, and be prepared to move quickly if it tries to dodge. If you time it correctly, you will successfully catch the tarantula. If you miss, be prepared to run, as the tarantula will likely chase you.
How to Handle Tarantulas

If a tarantula bites you, you will faint, and wake up back at your house. You will lose any items you may have had. You can also be bitten if you approach a tarantula while you are running, or if you don’t have your net raised. If you are bitten, the tarantula will disappear. You will want to be careful and use the right approach. When done properly, you should have no problems catching a tarantula.
Selling Tarantulas in Animal Crossing
Once you have caught your tarantulas, you can sell them at Nook’s Cranny to earn Bells. They are a valuable catch, so they can earn you a lot of money. Make sure you clear your inventory before you hunt to allow for more tarantulas. You will be able to sell your tarantulas for a good price. This is why they are such a popular target for players looking to make money quickly.
Tarantula Price
Tarantulas sell for 8,000 Bells each at Nook’s Cranny. This makes them one of the most valuable bugs in the game. The price is very lucrative, which is why so many players look for them. This makes them a great source of income, especially early in the game. Catching and selling tarantulas can provide a significant boost to your finances, allowing you to upgrade your home, purchase items, and expand your island.
Extra tips

To increase your chances of finding tarantulas, remove all flowers and weeds from your island, as they can interfere with tarantula spawns. If you are looking to farm tarantulas, consider visiting a mystery island to modify it to your liking. When you arrive at a mystery island, remove all of the flowers and weeds to create a better environment for tarantulas to spawn. You can also dig up the trees and rocks. This will allow you to have a great place to catch tarantulas with no obstructions.
Tarantula Island
The perfect island to catch tarantulas is Tarantula Island. This is a mystery island that is densely populated with tarantulas. You can also create your own island for catching tarantulas. Remove all the flowers, weeds, and other bugs. This makes it easier for tarantulas to spawn. Be patient, and enjoy the hunt.