We Spotted Our First Tarantula of '08 at Los Vaqueros

Almost on cue, we spotted the first tarantula of the season Friday, Oct. 3 at the Interpretive Center.

The large brown tarantula -- about four inches across -- was walking at a pretty fast clip across the driveway near the Interpretive Center. We assume it was a he, since males are usually out during the month of October looking for mates.

This is him, in the picture to the left.

While we do know he made it across the driveway safely, we cannot say if he found a mate.

October is the month when male tarantulas roam around the Los Vaqueros area in their search for love. Generally, the males die after they find a mate. But the females can live to be up to 25 0r 30 years old...that's a long time for a bug!

Mike Marchiano will bring his tarantula exhibit -- which includes live tarantulas -- to the race. Look for him around 9 a.m. near the start-finish line at Kellogg Creek.