Tune in to this eye-opening episode, and remember: thinking is the first step of preparedness. Stay curious, stay prepared, and you'll be ready for anything—even a tarantula invasion!

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In this episode of 38 Percent Prepared, Leigh and Angie explore the world of tarantulas, uncovering the fascinating and perilous mating rituals of these eight-legged Romeos. Inspired by the "mate-gration" phenomenon in the southwestern U.S., where thousands of male tarantulas embark on a dangerous journey to find love, Leigh and Angie discuss everything from the intricacies of tarantula courtship to the deadly risks these spiders face along the way.

Episode Highlights:

·      “Mate-gration" Explained: Discover how male tarantulas travel miles in search of a mate during late summer and early fall, a period known as "mate-gration."

·      The Dance of Love: Learn about the unique courtship behaviors, including the tapping "drumming" dance performed by male tarantulas and the pheromones released by females.

·      Danger at Every Turn: From avoiding being eaten by their mates to dodging predators like the tarantula hawk wasp, male tarantulas have a tough time surviving their quest for love.

·      The Role of Tarantulas in the Ecosystem: Despite their dangerous love lives, tarantulas play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.

·      Myths vs. Reality: Addressing common misconceptions, the hosts clarify that while tarantulas may look intimidating, they are generally harmless to humans.

Fun Facts:

·      Tarantulas use hydraulic pressure instead of muscles to move their legs.

·      Despite their fearsome reputation, tarantula bites are rarely dangerous to humans.

·      Female tarantulas can live up to 40 years and can lay hundreds of eggs in a single mating season.

Whether you're fascinated by nature or just curious about these misunderstood creatures, this episode will leave you with a newfound respect for tarantulas and their incredible journey for love.

Links and References:

1. Hordes of Tarantulas Are About to Swarm in The US, And Here's Why     https://www.sciencealert.com/hordes-of-tarantulas-are-about-to-swarm-in-the-us-and-heres-why

2. Beware of giant spiders: Thousands of tarantulas to emerge in 3 states for mating season https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/08/07/tarantula-mating-season-kansas-colorado-new-mexico/74704595007/

3. Male tarantulas on the prowl this fall season https://extension.okstate.edu/articles/2023/tarantulas_mating_season.html

4. When is tarantula mating season in Arizona? What to know about these huge hairy spiders   https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/life/2024/08/09/what-time-do-tarantulas-come-out-in-arizona/73170983007/

5. Eaten, Crushed or Starved; Male Tarantulas Trade Their Life to Impregnate a Mate                                                     https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/eaten-crushed-or-starved-male-tarantulas-trade-their-life-to-impregnate-a-mate/

6. Tarantulas about to get busy … starting their mating journey in 3 states   https://www.wrbl.com/news/national/tarantulas-about-to-get-busy-starting-their-mating-journey-in-3-states/?nxsparam=5

7. Tarantulas   https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/tarantulas

8. Tarantula

 https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/tarantula

9. Animal Fact Sheet: Tarantula   https://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/tarantula.php

10. Thousands of tarantulas on the move in three US states amid massive search for a mate            https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13781945/Thousands-male-tarantulas-three-states-mate-female.html 

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