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.
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.
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