Yes, I came across this beautiful creature Saturday morning walking around the lake. I was not able to tell if she (I believe this to be a female) was down for a drink as she continued her travels along the edge of the lake. She also looked smaller so I think she may be a youngster.
Did you know that male tarantulas live to be 10-12 years old? The females can live twice that long!
Tarantulas are not deadly poisonous, but they do have large fangs. Not something I would want to tangle with. They prey on small bugs and crawly creatures. Ironically the Tarantula Hawk Wasp preys on these spiders. I captures some photos of them in this post here (they are very beautiful). According to the Arizona Vacation Guide: “The wasp stings the spider, paralyzing it, then drags it to a burrow where it lays a single egg on it. When the wasp larva hatches it eats the live, but helpless spider for months until the wasp can fly.”
And yes, those tiny dots on the top of her head are her eyes!
Although I kept my distance, I was simply thrilled to run across this beauty!
🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎
peace of life today 
That is one amazing photo!
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Thank you Teresa!!
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I do NOT like spiders…but you got a fantastic photo of this gal or guy.
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Thank you! I’m calling it a her, and I just thought she was cute in a spidery kind of way 😁
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What treat and good photo, I never saw one this close up
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Honestly, I’m so glad I looked down when I did. I could have stepped on her!! She just looked so healthy and full of life, and a little fuzzy 😊
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What a great photo and what a fascinating little creature. When hiking in Sedona several years ago we came across what was later determined to be a male. He simple stood still (as did we.) I rolled a small pebble slowly toward it not knowing what he would do when it touched him. You can imagine our relief when he simply turned around and sauntered away into a pile of rocks. We managed to snap a few photos but not nearly as awesome as yours! Thank you for the fun facts about these amazing creatures.
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Thank you Patti! I think they pretty much leave us alone if we leave them alone. I just loving finding different creatures out in nature, especially when I have my camera in hand!! 😊
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oh what a great find! but dear me, i shudder at the sight of them! 🙂
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Thanks Lola… I know, they are kind of creepy and cool at the same time! 😊
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These are kind of scarily fascinating! Good pictures, Lisa!
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Thank you! Creatures that I don’t see often are fascinating to me 😊
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Wow!! An amazing image of this beauty!!!
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Thank you Anita! I was super excited to see her 😊
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A lovely photo for a lovely spider. That must have made your day, Lisa.
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Thank you, yes it did! And it reminded me to watch the walking path, you never know what you may find! I could have walked right by her (and hopefully never step her!).
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