Unexpected Houseguest

[Retro Red]

Note to self: Never move to Arizona...

I only wish more people felt like that... Unfortunately, we have WA-A-AY too many people moving to this fragile environment. Arizona is being loved to death...

Remember folks, Arizona has a lot of plants with thorns & critters that sting or are poisonous & the heat can kill you. Don't move here! Come visit our Grand Canyon & other scenic wonders & then return to your green, gentle lands...

From a native Zonie...

[starbkjrus]

Note to self: Never move to Arizona...

My thoughts exactly.

Well not something I'd want in my living room, oh and doesn't rarely mean sometimes?

My thoughts exactly.

Aye, that's a fine speciman. I'd have been tempted to keep it as a pet.

Arizona tarantulas are pretty laid-back, docile & shy. You have to really work at getting them PO'd before they'll bite you.

The only problem I have with Arizona tarantulas is the company they keep - the Tarantula Hawk!

This is the wasp from Hell & let me tell you, it looks the part. First, for a wasp it's big, about 2-inches (50 mm) long & has this sinister, irridecent metallic blue-black body, with reddish antennae & bright orange wings, with long legs with hooks at the end - just evil looking! And their stinger is about 1/3-inch (7 mm) long & it's considered among the most painful of any insect! It's listed near the top of the list in Schmidt Sting Pain Index.

We've got plenty of tarantulas in Arizona & therefore, unfortunately, plenty of Tarantula Hawks!

You don't want to come across one of these!

Note to self: ANOTHER reason not to move to Arizona.