Tarantula Time in Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing New Horizons provides a vast array of creatures to catch, and among the most sought after, and sometimes feared, are the tarantulas. These eight-legged critters can fetch a pretty penny at Nook’s Cranny, making them a valuable catch for any aspiring island resident. However, knowing when and how to find them is key to maximizing your profit. This guide breaks down the best times, preparation tips, and catching techniques to help you become a tarantula-catching pro. Get ready to make some serious Bells while exploring your island and beyond! Mastering tarantula catching will greatly enhance your Animal Crossing experience.
Best Times For Tarantulas
The appearance of tarantulas in Animal Crossing is time-sensitive. You won’t find them wandering around your island at all hours. They have specific windows of opportunity that you need to be aware of to successfully catch these valuable insects. Timing is everything when it comes to these nocturnal hunters, so let’s delve into the specifics. Understanding these timeframes will drastically increase your chances of encountering them and filling your pockets with Bells. Remember, patience and preparation are vital for a successful tarantula hunt. Knowing the best times will ensure you’re ready when they appear, maximizing your chances of a profitable evening.
Time of Day

Tarantulas are primarily active during the night. In the Northern Hemisphere, they typically appear from 7 PM to 4 AM. In the Southern Hemisphere, their activity window is the same. Planning your tarantula hunting expeditions during these hours is critical. Make sure to start your hunt as the sun goes down, preparing yourself for the spooky encounters ahead. Setting your in-game clock to these hours will give you the best opportunity to find these elusive creatures. Don’t waste your time searching during the day as it is very unlikely you will find any.
Month by Month Breakdown
The availability of tarantulas also varies by month. In the Northern Hemisphere, tarantulas are most active from November to April. During these months, you have the highest probability of encountering them on your island or on a mystery island. Conversely, they are less likely to spawn during the other months, but it does not mean it is impossible. In the Southern Hemisphere, the peak season for tarantulas is from May to October. Checking the current season in your game is the first step to knowing whether or not to expect tarantulas, and adjusting your hunting strategy accordingly. Planning your hunts around these seasonal peaks will significantly increase your tarantula-catching success rates. Make sure to monitor your game’s calendar so you know when to be ready. (Image: animal-crossing-tarantula-month.webp)
Island Preparation
Before you start your tarantula hunt, you must prepare your island or visit a mystery island. Effective preparation can significantly increase your chances of finding and catching these valuable insects. Proper preparation can turn a frustrating experience into a profitable one. Remember, a little planning goes a long way when it comes to tarantulas! This includes clearing your island, gathering your tools, and knowing what to expect. Make sure to bring everything you need to maximize your chances of success, giving yourself the best opportunity to catch these valuable critters. (Image: animal-crossing-tarantula-island.webp)
Clear Your Island

Tarantulas can spawn on any open space on your island. To maximize their spawn rate, clear your island of all flowers, trees, rocks, and items. This forces the game to spawn tarantulas in the cleared areas, making them much easier to find. Remove all potential obstacles to increase your chances of a tarantula spawning. A clean island is a tarantula-catching island. Clearing away clutter and anything that might prevent a spawn. Doing this also gives you a better visual range of the island so you can find them sooner and easier. (Image: animal-crossing-tarantula-clear.webp)
Tooling Up
You will need a net to catch tarantulas. Make sure you have a sturdy net ready. Bring extra nets as well, because you will be using them a lot, and they may break. Having a vaulting pole and ladder can also be useful when exploring mystery islands. A shovel can be used to dig holes for protection. Having these tools prepared beforehand can streamline your tarantula hunting process. Having all the necessary equipment can make the whole process much smoother. Make sure you are well-equipped and prepared for the hunt ahead. (Image: animal-crossing-tarantula-net.webp)
Catching Techniques
Catching tarantulas requires a strategic approach. They are aggressive and will attack if they see you running. Learn the best techniques to safely approach, and successfully catch these creatures. Practice these techniques to avoid getting bitten and to get the most out of your hunts. Catching tarantulas takes patience and skill, so be prepared to learn and adapt as needed. These techniques are essential for a successful and safe tarantula-catching experience. (Image: animal-crossing-tarantula-catching.webp)
Approach Strategy

Tarantulas are sensitive to movement. When you spot one, slowly approach it with your net in hand. Hold down the A button to ready your net. If the tarantula raises its front legs, stop moving. Wait until it lowers its legs before taking another step forward. Repeat this process until you’re close enough to swing your net and catch it. Patience and a slow, deliberate approach is key to your success. Avoid sudden movements. This approach strategy will significantly increase your chances of a successful capture. (Image: animal-crossing-tarantula-spawn.webp)
Net Swinging Tactics
Once you’re in range, swing your net swiftly to catch the tarantula. If you miss, be prepared to run. They will chase you, and if they catch you, you’ll faint and wake up back at your house. You can quickly run away and try again, using the distance to your advantage. Practice your timing and swing your net at the right moment for optimal success. If you’re quick, you can catch it on your first try. If you are prepared for any situation, you will be able to catch these creatures safely. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry. (Image: animal-crossing-tarantula-catching.webp)
Avoiding Tarantulas
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might find yourself face-to-face with an angry tarantula. Knowing how to escape their attacks is as important as knowing how to catch them. Keep these defensive tactics in mind to minimize any potential setbacks. These tactics will help you avoid getting bitten, which will set you back to your house. Being prepared with these strategies will increase your chances of success. Being able to react quickly can be the difference between a successful hunt and a trip back home. (Image: animal-crossing-tarantula-running.webp)
Running Away

If a tarantula spots you and starts chasing, your best bet is to run. You can outrun them. If you are close to a river, jump across it. They cannot cross water. If you get bitten, you’ll faint and lose your progress. Running away is a viable option if you get caught off guard, or have made a mistake. Don’t be afraid to run. Use your speed and maneuverability to get out of harm’s way. If you fail to run away, your hunt might come to an abrupt end. (Image: animal-crossing-tarantula-running.webp)
Digging Holes
Digging holes can also buy you time or act as a barrier. Dig holes in a zig-zag pattern to slow down a chasing tarantula, giving you an opening to swing your net or make your escape. By creating a simple barrier, you can control the movement of the tarantula. Use this technique wisely to gain an advantage. If you are quick enough, you may even be able to catch it after slowing it down. Digging holes can provide you with a vital safety net.
Tarantula Island Guide
Mystery islands can sometimes be tarantula islands, which are islands that are packed with tarantulas. If you find one, it can be a goldmine for Bells. However, these islands are rare, so be prepared for some disappointment. This guide will help you create your own tarantula island or show you how to make the most of a naturally occurring one. Following these tips will greatly improve your chances of a lucrative tarantula hunting session. They are an excellent place to find a large number of tarantulas. (Image: animal-crossing-tarantula-island.webp)
Creating Your Own Tarantula Island

The best way to create your own tarantula island is to travel to a mystery island at night. Once you arrive, clear the island of all non-spawnable items, just like you would on your home island. The key is to remove anything that can stop a tarantula from spawning, ensuring that every available space has the potential to spawn a tarantula. After clearing the island, you can start hunting. Doing this is very time-consuming, but can be very rewarding. The more effort you put in, the more tarantulas you will find, so it’s worth it.
Maximizing Your Catch
On a tarantula island, maximize your catch by focusing on the techniques discussed earlier. Approach tarantulas slowly. Swing your net when you are close. Run if necessary. Repeat this process until your inventory is full, or you’ve had enough. Be patient. Be strategic. Be prepared. The more you practice the better you will become. With patience and persistence, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a tarantula-catching expert. By mastering these techniques, you will see your Bells increase in no time at all.
