National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Support the National Park Service
Montezuma Castle National MonumentMontezuma Castle
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Insects, Spiders, Centipedes, Millipedes
Tarantula near the outlet at Montezuma Well.
NPS image by Robb Hannawacker.
A desert tarantula near the outlet at Montezuma Well.
Hundreds of species of insects, arachnids and other invertebrates find a home in the unique ecosystems of Montezuma Castle National Monument. These include harmless tarantulas as well as highly venomous black widow spiders and bark scorpions. However, these often misunderstoood desert inhabitants pose little threat to humans. The invertebrates found at Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Well reveal extraordinary evolutionary adaptations for survival in an arid desert environment.
 
Gates of the Bear River, WY. Photo courtesy of The Wagner Perspective.  

Did You Know?
Rivers played an important role in establishing the 1840s - 1860s Emigrant Road to Oregon and California. In general, the route left the Missouri River to follow the Platte, then the Sweetwater to the Bear, the Snake and then either North to the Columbia or South to the Humboldt.
more...

Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: September 20, 2008 at 12:41 EST