Understanding Tarantulas and Crickets in Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers players a charming world filled with activities, including collecting various insects. Among the most sought-after and sometimes feared are the tarantulas and crickets. These creatures, while potentially lucrative and beneficial for museum donations, require specific strategies to catch. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, helping you master the art of catching tarantulas and crickets, maximizing your profits, and enriching your island experience.
What are Tarantulas?
Tarantulas are large, aggressive spiders that appear on your island during specific times. They are valuable for their high selling price and are a desirable addition to Blathers’ museum. They are nocturnal creatures, appearing after dusk and before dawn. They are known to chase and bite players, making them a more challenging insect to catch than others. Successful tarantula hunting requires patience, stealth, and knowing their behavior patterns.
Where to Find Tarantulas
Tarantulas primarily spawn on your island. However, their spawn rates can be affected by factors like island layout and time of day. They typically appear on the ground, and it’s important to note their presence. If you’re on a mystery island, tarantulas can become more abundant, especially on islands with specific terrain that limits the spawning of other insects. Clearing away flowers, weeds, and other items can help increase the spawn rate of tarantulas.
Best Time to Catch Tarantulas
The best time to catch tarantulas is at night. They usually appear between 7 PM and 4 AM, depending on the season and your hemisphere. Check the current in-game time and be ready to spot them as soon as it gets dark. The months they appear also vary by hemisphere, so be sure to check the in-game calendar or a reliable online resource for specific details pertaining to your island.
How to Catch Tarantulas
Catching tarantulas requires a patient approach. Equip your net and approach slowly. When a tarantula notices you, it will raise its front legs in a threatening pose. Stop moving immediately when this happens. Wait for the tarantula to lower its legs before taking another small step forward. Repeat this process until you are close enough to swing your net. If successful, you’ll catch it, and it will be added to your inventory. If not, prepare for a bite.
Dealing with Tarantula Bites
If you get bitten by a tarantula, you’ll faint and wake up back at your house. All items in your inventory remain, and you will lose any progress you made in your current activity. However, no serious harm is done. The game resets the player to the location where they last started their activity, preventing any more serious setbacks. It’s a simple reset, but the experience can be jarring, so approach them with caution.
What are Crickets?
Crickets are another type of insect found in Animal Crossing, though they are less dangerous than tarantulas. Crickets are also valuable, though they do not sell for as much. They appear during the evening and night. They are an important part of the island’s ecosystem and can also be donated to the museum.
Where to Find Crickets
Crickets are commonly found on the ground, similar to tarantulas. However, they are less likely to be hidden. You can find crickets throughout your island. They are more common in grassy areas and are easier to spot than some other insects. They may appear in the same locations each evening.
Best Time to Catch Crickets
Crickets, like tarantulas, are nocturnal insects, appearing after dusk. The prime time to catch them is typically between 5 PM and 8 AM. The specific times and months they spawn can change depending on your hemisphere, so keep an eye on your game’s in-game calendar and adjust your hunting accordingly.
How to Catch Crickets
Catching crickets is generally easier than catching tarantulas. Approach them slowly with your net equipped. They do not pose any threat and usually won’t run away unless you get too close, or move too fast. With a careful approach, you can catch them quickly and efficiently, adding them to your inventory and earning Bells. Be patient, as it may take a few swings before you finally succeed.
Effective Strategies for Catching Both
Preparing for the Hunt
Before heading out, ensure you have enough space in your inventory for the insects you catch. Carry your net at all times, and if you’re targeting tarantulas, keep medicine handy in case you get bitten. Check the weather and time of day to maximize your chances of spotting these insects. Also, a well-lit island is crucial, so ensure paths are clear to allow easy access to all areas. Having these simple but effective items can make a huge difference in your success.
Tools and Techniques
The net is your primary tool. Upgrade to a sturdier net as soon as possible for increased durability. Mastering the slow approach is key to catching both tarantulas and crickets. For tarantulas, always stop moving when they raise their legs, and resume your approach only when they lower them. For crickets, maintain a slow and steady pace. Another tip is to clear your island of clutter such as weeds and flowers. This will give more space for tarantulas to spawn.
Island Environment and its impact
The environment of your island greatly affects the spawn rates of tarantulas and crickets. Removing flowers, weeds, and other items can increase the spawn rate of these insects. Some players create special tarantula islands by removing all but the essential items. The size of your island and the placement of buildings, rivers, and cliffs also play a role. Experiment with different layouts to discover what works best for you. Clearing weeds and clutter will always increase spawn rates.
Maximizing Your Catch
Selling Prices for Tarantulas and Crickets
Tarantulas sell for a high price (8,000 Bells) at Nook’s Cranny, making them a valuable source of income. Crickets have a lower selling price, around 130 Bells each. Selling these insects to Flick, a special visitor, offers even better deals. He will buy bugs at 150% of their normal selling price, so keep an eye out for him. By using these tips, you can increase your earnings.
Benefits of Catching Tarantulas and Crickets
Catching tarantulas and crickets gives you several benefits. Besides the opportunity to sell them for Bells, they are a requirement for completing your Critterpedia and donating to Blathers’ museum. Building your collection of bugs and other creatures can bring you a lot of satisfaction as you grow your island. Additionally, they can be used for crafting or decorations.
Tips for Making Money
To make the most money, focus on catching tarantulas due to their higher selling price. Selling to Flick increases your profit. Optimize your island for tarantula spawning. Keep in mind the season, and the time that they appear so that you can maximize the time you spend hunting. Remember that the more bugs you catch, the more Bells you can earn.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Identifying Genuine Tarantulas and Crickets
Make sure that you’re familiar with the appearance of genuine tarantulas and crickets. They have distinctive looks and behavior patterns. Knowing what they look like is essential, especially when they may be surrounded by similar insects. If you are unsure, you may want to check out images online to help you. Ensure that you are hunting the correct insect for profit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid running or moving too fast, as this can scare away both tarantulas and crickets. Do not underestimate the importance of slow, deliberate movements. Overlooking the season and the best times to hunt. Always be sure to pay attention to the in-game calendar. Failing to manage your inventory space can be a problem, so always plan. Finally, be patient; tarantula and cricket hunting takes practice.
FAQ
Q: Can tarantulas and crickets appear on any island type? A: Yes, they appear on all islands, though spawn rates may vary. Q: Can I get bitten by crickets? A: No, only tarantulas can bite players. Q: How do I know the time of day? A: Check the time in the corner of your screen or look at the town clock. Q: Can I sell tarantulas and crickets to Nook’s Cranny? A: Yes, but Flick offers a higher selling price.