Tarantula

BfoxBfox Registered Users Posts: 34 Big grins
edited September 14, 2005 in Wildlife
Spotted crossing the road on Mt. Diablo in Northern California.
This guy is about 5 or 6 inces across.
This time of the year the sexually mature males (around 7 years old) are leaving their burrows and seeking out females to mate with.
They will continue their search until the colder weather arrives in winter and then they will die.
The females live for about 20 years.
-Brad
35926580-M.jpg

Comments

  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited September 13, 2005
    Ugly looking cuss. :yikes good pic though. thumb.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • Steve CaviglianoSteve Cavigliano Super Moderators Posts: 3,599 moderator
    edited September 13, 2005
    Very nice Brad thumb.gifthumb.gif and welcome to Dgrin wave.gif

    Even though they are skerry lookin', I think tarantulas are soooo photogenic clap.gif

    Good work and let's see some more :D
    Steve
    SmugMug Support Hero
  • pmccurdypmccurdy Registered Users Posts: 37 Big grins
    edited September 14, 2005
    Diablo Mountain Road
    Bfox wrote:
    Spotted crossing the road on Mt. Diablo in Northern California.
    This guy is about 5 or 6 inces across.
    This time of the year the sexually mature males (around 7 years old) are leaving their burrows and seeking out females to mate with.
    They will continue their search until the colder weather arrives in winter and then they will die.
    The females live for about 20 years.
    -Brad

    When I lived in Walnut Creek I used to ride my bike up that road all the time. Great location for wildlife. I've seen tarantula, bobcat, deer, coyote, and lots of hawks. I know there are big cats, opossum, skunk, and raccoon in the area, too, but never saw any on the mountain.

    Fantastic landscapes from the top and nice barns favored by painters at the bottom of Northgate Road. You can also drive around the east side of the mountain on Morgan Territory Road, which takes you through several environmental zones.

    Nice photo of a wonderfully hideous creature!

    Patrick
Sign In or Register to comment.