The Horned Baboon Tarantula, indigenous to the southern Africa region is a spider of the theraposid family. The horn-like feature situated on the carapace of these species is its main identifying feature, which also results in its name.
Size: 11cm to 13 cm (4 to 5 inches); females being larger than males
Color: They are mud-brown, ash-gray or black in color
Other characteristics: On their carapace is located a black horn that has a curved appearance.
The egg sac is seen after 15 or 20 days of mating of both the sexes and is protected with utmost care by the mother.
The spiderlings possess a good appetite and are quick to grow, sometimes also attacking food bigger than them in size.
Though not much information is available in this regard, their webs are not that prominent like most other tarantulas, which mostly spin silk.
These species are known for their aggression and might inject their venom when threatened. However, not much harm has been reported from their bite that has been compared to a bee sting. Symptoms might range from localized pain, to nausea, sprain in the muscles of the affected areas and headache.
| Lifespan | Males: 2 to 4 years Females: 10 to 15 years |
| Distribution | Southern parts of Africa, particularly in the regions of Lezotho, Botswana, and Mozambique |
| Habitat | Being terrestrial creatures they are mostly found in burrows |
| Diet | Roaches, superworms, and cricket |
Image Credits: Virginiacheeseman.co.uk, Pinchersandpokies.com
The Horned Baboon Tarantula, indigenous to the southern Africa region is a spider of the theraposid family. The horn-like feature situated on the carapace of these species is its main identifying feature, which also results in its name.
Size: 11cm to 13 cm (4 to 5 inches); females being larger than males
Color: They are mud-brown, ash-gray or black in color
Other characteristics: On their carapace is located a black horn that has a curved appearance.
The egg sac is seen after 15 or 20 days of mating of both the sexes and is protected with utmost care by the mother.
The spiderlings possess a good appetite and are quick to grow, sometimes also attacking food bigger than them in size.
Though not much information is available in this regard, their webs are not that prominent like most other tarantulas, which mostly spin silk.
These species are known for their aggression and might inject their venom when threatened. However, not much harm has been reported from their bite that has been compared to a bee sting. Symptoms might range from localized pain, to nausea, sprain in the muscles of the affected areas and headache.
| Lifespan | Males: 2 to 4 years Females: 10 to 15 years |
| Distribution | Southern parts of Africa, particularly in the regions of Lezotho, Botswana, and Mozambique |
| Habitat | Being terrestrial creatures they are mostly found in burrows |
| Diet | Roaches, superworms, and cricket |
Image Credits: Virginiacheeseman.co.uk, Pinchersandpokies.com
