Tarantula Guide Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing New Horizons offers players a vast world to explore, filled with exciting creatures to catch, including the infamous tarantula. These eight-legged critters can be a source of both fear and fortune, as they fetch a high price when sold to Nook’s Cranny or Flick. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about tarantulas, from their behavior to the best strategies for catching them, ensuring you can maximize your profits and complete your Critterpedia.
Understanding Tarantula Behavior
Tarantulas in Animal Crossing are nocturnal creatures, meaning they appear more frequently during the evening and nighttime hours. They are easily startled and will chase after you if they detect movement, making them challenging to catch. Understanding their behavior is crucial for a successful hunt. They will raise their front legs as a warning before attacking, and that’s your cue to freeze. If you move while they are in this state, they will pounce, causing you to faint and respawn back at your house.
Where to Find Tarantulas

Tarantulas primarily spawn on your island or mystery islands. On your own island, they usually appear on the highest cliffs and on the sand, though they may appear anywhere. Mystery islands, accessible via Nook Miles Tickets, offer another chance to encounter these creatures. Some mystery islands have a higher spawn rate for tarantulas, particularly those with a flat layout and limited resources. To maximize your chances, clear your island of all flowers, trees, and rocks to reduce the number of other insects that can spawn, increasing the likelihood of tarantulas appearing.
DIY Tarantula Island
Players have discovered methods to create ‘Tarantula Islands’ on mystery islands, which significantly increases their spawn rate. You can achieve this by removing all trees, flowers, and rocks, creating a wide-open space. This allows tarantulas to spawn freely without competition from other bugs. Ensure to clear the beaches and the cliffs. This setup turns the island into a tarantula paradise, allowing you to catch dozens in a single trip. Remember to bring ample tools, including nets and shovels to manage the land and resources.
Top 5 Tips for Catching Tarantulas
Tip 1 Approaching with Patience

Patience is key when approaching tarantulas. When you spot one, approach slowly. If the tarantula raises its front legs, stop moving immediately. Wait until it lowers its legs before taking another slow step forward. Repeat this process until you are close enough to swing your net. This slow and steady approach minimizes the risk of being attacked.
Tip 2 Slow and Steady Movements
Avoid running or making sudden movements near tarantulas. Sudden movements will cause them to attack. Walk slowly and deliberately. This allows you to maintain control and react to their behaviors. Even when swinging your net, ensure you are within range, or the tarantula can flee before you can swing it.
Tip 3 Mastering the Net Swing
Swing your net when you are close enough to the tarantula to catch it, but not so close that it attacks. Aim carefully, and be prepared for a chase if you miss. Timing is critical. Observe the tarantula’s movements, and swing when you have the best chance of success. The goal is to catch it before it has a chance to retaliate. Keep some distance at first and increase as you get better.
Tip 4 Prepare your Inventory

Before heading to a mystery island or searching your own island, ensure you have a fully stocked inventory. Bring multiple nets, as they will break with use. Also, empty out your pockets to leave room for caught tarantulas. Selling them or storing them in your home is an essential part of the process. It’s also advisable to carry a ladder and a vaulting pole to traverse different terrains and reach areas where tarantulas might spawn. If you have the space, a shovel to dig up trees can also be helpful.
Tip 5 Knowing the Spawn Times
Tarantulas have specific spawn times, typically during the evening and nighttime hours. Knowing these times can maximize your hunting efficiency. While tarantulas can appear on your island, your chances are often better on a mystery island, especially if you’ve set up a dedicated tarantula farming location. Keep in mind that spawn times may vary depending on your hemisphere and the current season.
Tarantula Benefits and Rewards
Catching tarantulas in Animal Crossing is not just a fun activity; it’s also a profitable one. Each tarantula sells for a significant amount of Bells at Nook’s Cranny or Flick, the special character who buys bugs. In addition to the monetary rewards, catching tarantulas helps you complete your Critterpedia, a valuable collection for any Animal Crossing player. You can also use them to create a variety of items, like models or decorations. The effort pays off when you can showcase your hard-earned catches.
