Understanding Giant Tarantulas in Animal Crossing
Giant tarantulas are one of the most sought-after creatures in Animal Crossing They are not only valuable in terms of Bells but also provide a unique challenge for players. This guide will provide you with all the necessary information, from where and when to find these elusive spiders to the best strategies for catching them without getting bitten. Whether you’re a seasoned Animal Crossing veteran or a newcomer to the game, mastering the art of tarantula catching can significantly enhance your gameplay experience.
What are Giant Tarantulas?
Giant tarantulas, or simply ’tarantulas,’ are a type of insect that spawns on islands in Animal Crossing. They are large, black, and hairy, with a distinctive red abdomen. Their primary characteristic is their aggressive nature and their tendency to attack players if they get too close. Catching them requires skill and patience, and they can become a great source of income or be used to complete museum collections. They appear in the game during specific times and conditions, making them a seasonal treat.
Why are they so important?

Giant tarantulas are important for several reasons. First and foremost, they are incredibly valuable. They can be sold at Nook’s Cranny for a significant amount of Bells, making them a great way to earn money quickly in the game. Beyond their monetary value, tarantulas are also crucial for completing the insect section of the museum, as Blathers will gladly accept a donation. Furthermore, successfully catching tarantulas is a badge of honor and a testament to your skill and patience in Animal Crossing, a game that is often about completing collections.
Where and When to Find Them
Finding giant tarantulas requires knowing their spawning conditions. They typically appear on islands under very specific circumstances. Understanding the environment and timing will greatly increase your chances of encountering these arachnids. This section will help you identify the ideal times and locations to find giant tarantulas, enabling you to maximize your catching opportunities.
Island Spawning Conditions
Giant tarantulas have specific spawning conditions to appear on your island. They usually prefer to spawn on the ground, and their appearance can be influenced by the island’s layout and the presence of other insects. To maximize your chances, you can clear your island of other bugs by removing flowers and other items where insects may spawn, leaving the ground clear for tarantulas. Also, ensure your island is not cluttered with items or furniture, as this reduces the spawn locations.
Time and Seasonality

Giant tarantulas are seasonal creatures, which means they only appear at certain times of the year and during specific hours of the day. In the Northern Hemisphere, tarantulas are commonly active from November to April, typically between 7 PM and 4 AM. In the Southern Hemisphere, they appear from May to October during the same hours. Knowing these timeframes is vital for planning your tarantula hunting expeditions. Keep an eye on the in-game time and adjust your gameplay accordingly to maximize your chances of catching these creatures.
Essential Tools and Preparations
Before heading out to catch giant tarantulas, it’s essential to prepare yourself with the right tools and strategies. Proper preparation can greatly increase your success rate and reduce the risk of getting bitten. This section will cover the essential items you’ll need and provide tips on how to manage your inventory effectively.
The Importance of Net
The net is your most important tool for catching tarantulas. Without it, you won’t be able to capture them. Make sure you have a sturdy net, and it’s always a good idea to bring a spare, as the net can break. Also, consider using a net with a larger catch radius for better efficiency when approaching and capturing tarantulas. Using high-quality nets is something that can affect your success rate.
Inventory Management

Managing your inventory is crucial for tarantula hunting. You’ll want to have space to carry multiple tarantulas and other valuable items you may find. Make sure to empty your pockets before starting your hunt. If you have any unwanted items, sell them or store them at home. This will ensure you have enough space for the tarantulas you catch. Inventory management becomes more important when you start to visit mystery islands in search of tarantulas. If you are short on space then that will limit the numbers you catch, and therefore the bells that you can earn.
Catching Giant Tarantulas Step-by-Step
Successfully catching a giant tarantula requires a delicate balance of patience and precise movements. This section will provide a step-by-step guide to approaching, capturing, and avoiding the attacks of these creatures. By following these tips, you’ll be able to catch giant tarantulas consistently and efficiently.
Approaching a Tarantula
The approach is critical. When you spot a tarantula, equip your net and slowly approach it. Hold down the A button to ready your net. If the tarantula stands up on its hind legs, stop moving and wait for it to lower down before advancing. Repeat this process to slowly close the distance. This is the fundamental first step in catching giant tarantulas, and doing it right ensures a positive outcome.
The Crouch and Swing Technique

Once you are close enough, and the tarantula is not agitated, release the A button to swing your net and catch the tarantula. The timing is crucial; swing the net just as you are in range to catch it. If you time it right, you’ll capture the tarantula. If not, the tarantula will attack. This technique requires practice, but it is the most reliable way to catch these fast-moving insects. The speed with which you can accomplish this directly affects how many tarantulas you can catch in a session.
What to do if bitten
Getting bitten by a tarantula will cause you to faint and wake up back at your house. You will also lose all the items you were carrying. If you get bitten, shake off the experience and try again. Keep your distance and use the approach technique carefully. If you find yourself overwhelmed by tarantulas, run away to a building to reset the spawn. Make sure to use all the tips in this guide to improve your catching success.
Using Tarantulas in Animal Crossing
Once you’ve successfully caught a giant tarantula, you have a few options for what to do with it. The value of these creatures extends beyond Bells and museum exhibits. Here’s how to make the most of your catch and maximize the value of these prized critters.
Selling for Bells

The primary purpose of catching giant tarantulas is to sell them for Bells. Each tarantula sells for 8,000 Bells at Nook’s Cranny. This can quickly add up if you catch several tarantulas. If you have a friend whose island is currently experiencing a high turnip price, you could potentially sell your tarantulas there at a higher price. Selling tarantulas is a simple and effective way to accumulate wealth in Animal Crossing, allowing you to upgrade your home, buy furniture, and purchase clothes.
Donating to Blathers
If you’re a completionist and enjoy filling out your museum, you can donate a giant tarantula to Blathers. He will happily accept the donation and add it to the insect exhibit. This not only helps complete your museum collection but also provides a sense of achievement. Donating will trigger some interesting dialog from Blathers and help you better understand the game’s insect species.
Decorating with Tarantulas
For those who want a more unique approach, you can use giant tarantulas to decorate your home or island. Place them in your house or outdoors to showcase your catching skills. Although some players may not like this idea, it is a way to add a touch of exotic decor. There are many possibilities to add your own personal touch to the game and create a memorable experience.
