Understanding Tarantulas in Animal Crossing
Tarantulas are among the most sought-after creatures in Animal Crossing New Horizons, prized for their high selling price and the thrill of the hunt. These elusive arachnids can be a lucrative source of income and a rewarding challenge for players. However, understanding their behavior, spawn conditions, and the best techniques for catching them is crucial. This guide provides all the essential information needed to become a successful tarantula hunter, maximizing your chances of catching these valuable critters and earning Bells.
Tarantula Behavior and Spawn Conditions
Tarantulas are nocturnal creatures in Animal Crossing, primarily appearing during the nighttime hours. However, there are specific conditions and island types where you can encounter them during the daytime. Understanding these conditions is key to planning your hunting strategy. They are aggressive and will chase you if they spot you, making careful planning and strategic movements essential for a successful catch. They tend to spawn more frequently on specific island layouts, often those with fewer flowers and trees, maximizing the available spawning spaces.
Tarantulas Spawning Daytime

While tarantulas are primarily nocturnal, there are scenarios where they can spawn during the daytime, though less frequently. This typically happens on mystery islands, especially those that have been significantly altered by the player. Removing trees, flowers, and other items that can house other insects can increase the chances of tarantulas spawning, even when the sun is high. The exact mechanics are somewhat random, but altering the environment can give you a better chance.
Tarantulas Spawning Island
Mystery islands are your primary hunting grounds for tarantulas. Some islands are naturally more conducive to tarantula spawning. The key is often a flat, open space with minimal obstructions. Removing trees, flowers, and rocks can significantly increase your chances. Be aware that other insects can spawn, taking up potential tarantula spawn locations. Careful preparation of the island is key to maximizing your tarantula hunting efficiency.
Essential Tools for Catching Tarantulas
Before you set out on your tarantula hunting adventure, you’ll need a few essential tools. Proper preparation is the first step to success in catching tarantulas in Animal Crossing. Without the right tools and a plan, you’re likely to end up bitten and empty-handed. Prioritizing your equipment and understanding how to use them will make you a more efficient and successful hunter.
The Importance of Net

Your net is, without a doubt, the most crucial tool. It’s how you’ll capture the tarantulas. Ensure you have a sturdy net, preferably a Golden Net, for increased durability. Also, you should have more than one net available. Nets can break easily, so carrying several is essential for extended hunting trips. Practicing your netting technique and understanding the timing needed for a successful catch are also crucial aspects of using a net effectively.
Preparing Your Inventory
Besides your net, clear space in your inventory. You’ll want plenty of room to store the tarantulas you catch. Carrying a stack of fish bait can be useful for creating more spawn points for tarantulas. If you are on a mystery island, it’s a good idea to bring some tools like a shovel and axe to clear the island. Having medicine handy can quickly help if you get bitten by a tarantula.
Daytime Catching Techniques
Catching tarantulas during the daytime requires a slightly different approach than nighttime hunting. The daytime visibility can affect your approach and timing. Daytime conditions mean you’ll need to be even more cautious, as the tarantulas’ visibility is higher. Daytime conditions provide an excellent backdrop for your adventures, but they can also present unique challenges.
Approaching Tarantulas

Approach tarantulas slowly and deliberately. Hold down the A button to keep your net raised. This will allow you to creep up on them without scaring them. Always be mindful of your surroundings and the tarantula’s line of sight. If a tarantula rears up, stop immediately and wait for it to relax before continuing your approach. Patience and precision are key to success.
Stalking and Timing
Once you’re close enough, quickly release the A button to swing your net and catch the tarantula. The timing is crucial, and it may take a few tries to get it right. If you miss, the tarantula will likely attack. Be prepared to run away or quickly equip medicine if you get bitten. The best approach is to move in a zig-zag pattern. This can throw off the tarantula’s tracking ability.
Dealing with Tarantula Attacks
Even with the best techniques, you will be bitten by a tarantula from time to time. Knowing how to deal with an attack can minimize the impact. When they see you, they rear up and give you a warning. If you are bitten, you will faint and be transported back to your house. Knowing how to mitigate the effects will help you during your hunting.
Avoiding Getting Bitten

The best way to deal with tarantula attacks is to avoid them altogether. Be mindful of your surroundings and the tarantulas’ movements. Maintain a safe distance and approach them slowly. Always have your net ready, and be prepared to react quickly. If a tarantula rears up, stop moving immediately. Wait for it to calm down before continuing your approach. Understanding their behavioral patterns will assist in your ability to avoid being bitten.
Recovering After a Bite
If you do get bitten, the best course of action is to run away or immediately equip medicine. Medicine can be purchased from the Nook’s Cranny or crafted using weeds and wasps. Once you recover, resume your hunting. Take the time to strategize and prepare again. If you faint, you will wake up at your house, and you can resume your hunt when you are ready.
Creating a Tarantula Island
Creating your own tarantula island is a highly effective method for maximizing your catch rate and earning Bells. This involves traveling to a mystery island and modifying it to create an ideal environment for tarantula spawning. With the right preparation, you can transform a regular island into a tarantula haven. This takes time and effort, but the rewards are substantial.
Preparing Your Island

To prepare an island for tarantula spawning, you’ll need to remove anything that prevents them from spawning. This means removing all trees, flowers, and rocks. Dig up any tree stumps and clear away any weeds. The goal is to create a completely flat, open space where tarantulas can spawn freely. This can be a time-consuming process, but it will significantly increase your catch rate. Ensure you have the tools available, such as a shovel and axe.
Removing Unwanted Bugs
Besides removing trees and flowers, it’s important to eliminate any bugs that might compete with tarantulas for spawning space. This might involve scaring away or catching other insects. Sometimes you can simply run around to make them disappear. If you don’t remove these, they will prevent tarantulas from spawning in those locations. This also maximizes the effectiveness of your tarantula island.
Maximizing Catch Rate
Once your island is prepared, it’s time to maximize your catch rate. There are several strategies you can employ to increase the number of tarantulas you catch per trip. Effective strategies, tools, and preparation are crucial components in this process. Knowing how to maximize the rate at which you capture tarantulas is key to earning Bells and making the most of your time.
Selling Your Tarantulas

Tarantulas sell for 8,000 Bells each at Nook’s Cranny, making them one of the most valuable creatures in the game. However, you’ll get even more Bells if you sell them to Flick, the bug-loving visitor who occasionally appears on your island. He will buy them for 12,000 Bells each. By selling to Flick, you can maximize your profits. Remember that you can only sell to Flick when he is on your island, and he is a random visitor.
Making Bells
Tarantula hunting is one of the most efficient ways to make Bells in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. By creating your own tarantula island and mastering the catching techniques, you can quickly accumulate a significant amount of wealth. This will allow you to expand your house, purchase new items, and customize your island to your liking. The time spent hunting tarantulas will pay off handsomely in the long run.
In conclusion, mastering the art of daytime tarantula hunting in Animal Crossing: New Horizons requires a blend of knowledge, preparation, and patience. By understanding tarantula behavior, preparing your tools and inventory, and using the correct catching techniques, you can significantly increase your success rate. Remember to prioritize your safety and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Happy hunting!