Understanding Tarantula Behavior in ACNH
Tarantulas in Animal Crossing New Horizons are a valuable catch, providing a significant source of income and filling out your Critterpedia. However, these eight-legged creatures are not to be trifled with. Understanding their behavior is the first step toward successful tarantula hunting. They are nocturnal insects, so you will only encounter them during specific hours of the day. They are also territorial and will attack if you approach them too quickly or make any sudden movements. Knowing their patterns of movement and aggression is critical to avoid getting bitten, which results in fainting and losing your progress.
When and Where to Find Tarantulas
Tarantulas are only available during specific times in Animal Crossing New Horizons. This makes timing a critical component of your hunting strategy. You need to know the best times and locations to maximize your chances of success. They are most active during the late evening and early morning hours on your island. Knowing when to expect them and where they are most likely to appear will greatly increase your efficiency when farming for tarantulas and will make your time worthwhile.
Tarantula Spawn Times

Tarantulas typically spawn between 7 PM and 4 AM in the Northern Hemisphere and between 5 AM and 4 AM in the Southern Hemisphere, though this can vary slightly depending on the month. Be sure to check the in-game time. They will not appear at any other time. Knowing the exact spawn times helps you organize your hunting sessions and ensures you are ready when the tarantulas appear. Setting up your island during those hours will improve your chances of finding these valuable insects.
Island Types for Tarantula Hunting
While tarantulas can spawn on your own island, certain island types are more conducive to tarantula farming. Mystery islands, visited via Nook Miles Tickets, offer the best conditions. Look for islands with a high spawn rate, such as those with few flowers and trees, which will maximize the number of tarantulas. Also, islands with water features can sometimes cause spawning issues because they can get stuck. Choosing the right island type will significantly increase your catch rate and profitability. Bring your ladder and vaulting pole to prepare for any obstacle.
Preparing for Tarantula Hunting
Preparation is vital for a successful tarantula hunting trip. This involves gathering essential tools, clearing your island to optimize spawn rates, and knowing how to react. Proper preparation minimizes risks, maximizes your chances of catching tarantulas, and ensures your hunting sessions are as efficient as possible. You will want to make sure you have the tools necessary, and that you are prepared before you travel. Planning will maximize your catch rate and profit.
Essential Tools and Items

The net is your primary tool for catching tarantulas. Ensure you have a durable net. Other items, like the vaulting pole and ladder, are useful for navigating different island terrains. Always bring a full inventory space to maximize the number of tarantulas you can carry back. Also, consider bringing medicine to help with any bites and minimize time spent recovering. Your inventory should also include a shovel to dig up any annoying holes and get rid of those holes.
Clearing Your Island
To increase the chances of tarantulas spawning, clear your island of anything that might interfere with their appearance. This includes flowers, trees, weeds, and rocks. If you’re on a mystery island, you can make it easier. Remove as much clutter as possible to create open spaces where tarantulas can spawn more frequently. This will increase your efficiency when hunting tarantulas, letting you catch more, and make more profit. A well-cleared island is crucial for successful tarantula farming. This is a time investment that pays dividends later.
Approaching Tarantulas Safely
Approaching a tarantula requires patience and precision. Quick movements or running directly at them will provoke an attack. Learning the proper approach methods is vital to avoid getting bitten and maximizing your catch. This is one of the most challenging, but important parts of tarantula farming. If you mess up, you will be forced to restart and try again, and that will waste your time. The approach can be frustrating but learning this can make your hunting sessions much more efficient.
The Slow and Steady Approach

When you spot a tarantula, move slowly and steadily. Hold down the ‘A’ button to ready your net. Stop moving when the tarantula raises its front legs in a defensive stance. Wait for the tarantula to lower its legs before slowly moving closer again. This methodical approach allows you to get close enough to swing your net without provoking an attack. It may take time, but mastering this technique will greatly improve your success rate when catching tarantulas.
Using the Net Effectively
Once you are within range, swing your net quickly. Aim for the space directly in front of the tarantula. If done correctly, you will catch the tarantula before it can attack. If you miss, be prepared to run or quickly switch your direction to avoid being bitten. Practice your swing to improve your accuracy. Timing and precision are key to mastering the art of the net. After a while, you will be able to catch them very easily.
Dealing with Mistakes
Mistakes are inevitable, so be prepared. If a tarantula attacks, it will bite you, and you’ll faint. If this happens, there are several things you can do. Have medicine ready to use. Remember your location and what you did. Use the opportunity to learn from your mistakes. Understanding how you made the mistake will prevent you from repeating it. Each hunt is a learning experience, and you can use that to your advantage.
Maximizing Your Catch

To maximize your tarantula-catching success, you can use specific strategies. Knowing how to approach and the timing of your attacks is important. These strategies will help you to increase your catch rate and earn more Bells. You will quickly become more proficient and efficient as you learn how to catch more tarantulas.
Creating a Tarantula Island
While you can hunt on your island, creating a dedicated tarantula island is an efficient strategy. This involves clearing all the natural resources on a mystery island to force tarantulas to spawn. Remove all trees, flowers, and rocks to maximize the available spawn space. The more open space on the island, the better the chance that tarantulas will appear. This will let you focus on the tarantulas, increasing efficiency.
Selling Your Catch
Tarantulas are one of the most valuable bugs in Animal Crossing New Horizons, selling for 8,000 Bells each at Nook’s Cranny. Alternatively, you can sell them to Flick, the bug enthusiast, who will pay 12,000 Bells per tarantula. Selling your catches efficiently is an important step. Decide where you want to sell them. It is recommended that you save them to sell to Flick. Choose the best option, and you can maximize your profit.
Following these tips will improve your Animal Crossing New Horizons tarantula hunting, helping you make a fortune. Remember, patience, preparation, and a bit of practice are the keys to success. Happy hunting!
