Understanding Tarantulas and Mole Crickets
Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a vast world filled with various creatures, and among the most sought-after are the tarantula and the mole cricket. These elusive insects can be valuable additions to your museum and provide a lucrative source of income. This guide will delve into the behavior, habitats, and best strategies for catching these creatures, helping you become a master bug catcher.
Tarantula Behavior and Habitats
Tarantulas are nocturnal creatures that roam the islands at night, specifically between the hours of 7 PM and 4 AM. They are aggressive and will attack if they sense danger, so understanding their behavior is key to success. These spiders generally spawn on higher elevations on your island, such as cliffs or even open areas, so be mindful of the terrain. They move slowly, but can quickly pursue you if you are caught off guard. Their primary habitats are open grassy areas and open terrain where they can easily roam and ambush.
When and Where to Find Tarantulas
Tarantulas are most active during the late hours of the night. Check any open space, especially grassy areas, and also on higher elevations. During the colder months, tarantulas may not appear. If you’re having trouble finding them, consider visiting a Mystery Island, especially one with a flat, open layout. This will drastically increase your chances of encountering these elusive arachnids. Ensure your inventory is prepared, and move slowly.
Mole Cricket Behavior and Habitats
Mole crickets, on the other hand, are subterranean creatures, hidden beneath the ground’s surface. You can only detect their presence by the chirping sound they emit. Their habitat is underground, where they create tunnels. They emerge when the game is played on your island. They can be caught by digging the ground where you hear chirping. Successfully catching a mole cricket depends on your ability to pinpoint the sound’s origin and react quickly.
When and Where to Find Mole Crickets
Mole crickets are active throughout the day and night. The telltale sign of their presence is a chirping sound. To find them, you must listen carefully for this sound. Once you hear it, dig with your shovel near the sound’s origin to unearth them. It’s as simple as that. The key is to listen attentively and react quickly, as the sound indicates their location, and the digging is the key to catching this insect. They can be found on any part of your island, so ensure you take a walk across all of the areas.
Top 5 Animal Crossing Tips for Catching Tarantulas and Mole Crickets
Tip 1: Prepare Your Inventory and Tools
Before embarking on your bug-catching adventure, ensure you have ample space in your inventory. Carry a net, a shovel (for mole crickets), and any necessary items, such as medicine. If you plan on hunting tarantulas on a Mystery Island, it’s wise to clear the island of everything except the trees. Be sure to drop the items somewhere safe. Also, crafting multiple nets ahead of time is a good idea to avoid running out. This preparation can make the difference between success and failure.
Tip 2: Master the Stalking Technique
When approaching a tarantula, slow and steady movements are essential. Hold your net and approach slowly. If the tarantula raises its front legs, stop immediately. Wait for it to lower its legs before taking another step. Repeat this process until you are close enough to swing your net. For mole crickets, listening attentively is key. The digging will be the final stage. Always be prepared to move around your island.
Tip 3: Understand Island Time and Spawn Rates
Tarantulas spawn during specific hours, so knowing the time is crucial. Also, the spawn rates can be affected by the season. Mole crickets are active all day. However, spawn rates are generally the same during the day and night. Visiting Mystery Islands is an effective way to increase your chances of finding tarantulas, as the layout can be more conducive to their spawning. Consider the time of day as well.
Tip 4: Utilize the Island’s Landscape
Manipulating your island’s environment can significantly improve your chances of catching tarantulas. Clearing away flowers, trees, and other obstacles will make it easier to spot and approach tarantulas. This is a good idea when hunting on a Mystery Island. Since they can be found in open areas, it’s important to increase those areas. For mole crickets, focus on listening to the sounds around you.
Tip 5: Selling and Making the Most of Your Catch
Tarantulas and mole crickets are valuable catches, and can be sold for a good price at Nook’s Cranny or to Flick (the bug-loving visitor). This can be a great way to earn bells quickly, which is the in-game currency. To maximize your profits, store your catches until Flick visits, as he will pay a premium price. If you are selling to Nook’s Cranny, you will not get that high of a price. Make sure to take advantage of this by planning your strategy to sell your bugs. Selling multiple tarantulas can be a quick way to wealth.
Additional Tips and Tricks for Success
Creating a Tarantula Island
For a more controlled and efficient approach, consider turning a Mystery Island into a tarantula island. This involves removing all trees, flowers, and rocks from the island, leaving only the grass. This maximizes the spawn rate of tarantulas, making it easier to catch multiple ones in a single trip. This is a very useful technique to quickly farm tarantulas. It’s important to know how to do this as well.
Identifying the Sounds of Mole Crickets
Mastering the sound of mole crickets is essential to finding them. They make a distinct chirping sound that indicates their location. Practice listening closely and learning to pinpoint the source of the sound. As soon as you hear it, grab your shovel and start digging. Be sure to always be on the lookout for it.
Other Rare Bug and Fish Spotting
While focusing on tarantulas and mole crickets, keep an eye out for other rare bugs and fish. The more you play the game, the more your understanding and skill in catching creatures in the game increases. This provides a diverse and enjoyable gameplay experience. If you find them, be sure to catch and donate them to the museum or sell them for extra profit. There’s so much to find in the world of Animal Crossing.
Conclusion
Catching tarantulas and mole crickets in Animal Crossing: New Horizons requires patience, skill, and a little bit of luck. By following these tips and understanding their behaviors and habitats, you can increase your chances of catching these valuable insects. Whether you’re aiming to fill your museum or make a fortune selling them, mastering the art of tarantula and mole cricket hunting will undoubtedly enhance your Animal Crossing experience. Happy hunting!