The only species of the Pelinobius genus, the King baboon tarantula, is a burrowing spider indigenous to east Africa. These giant spiders are popular among collectors and spider enthusiasts. However, owing to their aggressive nature, they do not seem suitable for beginners.
Size: Females are typically 5.5 – 7.8 inches (13.9 – 19.8 cm) while males are smaller. Leg span could extend up to 7.8 inches (20 cm)
Color: They have a rusty brown or orange body with black fangs.
Other Characteristic Features: The body has a velvety and glossy texture
The female lays about between 30 and 180 eggs in a silken sac,
Spiderlings are about 0.39 in (1 cm) long.
The spider doesn’t build webs but creates a layer of silk at the entrance of its residential burrows to understand its prey’s presence through the vibrations produced by the silk.
King baboon tarantulas have venom, not lethal for humans. Since they lack urticating hairs, they could inflict a painful bite if provoked, resulting in itchiness and redness lasting for about five days.
| Other Names | King Baboon Spider |
| Lifespan | Females: 15-20 years Males: 5-8 years |
| Distribution | Tanzania and Kenya |
| Habitat | Grassland and scrubland |
| Common Predators | Baboons and birds |
| Diet | Cockroaches, snakes, mice, beetles, and lizards |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Not listed |
Image Credits: Memberfiles.freewebs.com, Fearnottarantulas.com, Cdn11.bigcommerce.com, Keepingexoticpets.com,
Biolib.cz, Mikebasictarantula.com
The only species of the Pelinobius genus, the King baboon tarantula, is a burrowing spider indigenous to east Africa. These giant spiders are popular among collectors and spider enthusiasts. However, owing to their aggressive nature, they do not seem suitable for beginners.
Size: Females are typically 5.5 – 7.8 inches (13.9 – 19.8 cm) while males are smaller. Leg span could extend up to 7.8 inches (20 cm)
Color: They have a rusty brown or orange body with black fangs.
Other Characteristic Features: The body has a velvety and glossy texture
The female lays about between 30 and 180 eggs in a silken sac,
Spiderlings are about 0.39 in (1 cm) long.
The spider doesn’t build webs but creates a layer of silk at the entrance of its residential burrows to understand its prey’s presence through the vibrations produced by the silk.
King baboon tarantulas have venom, not lethal for humans. Since they lack urticating hairs, they could inflict a painful bite if provoked, resulting in itchiness and redness lasting for about five days.
| Other Names | King Baboon Spider |
| Lifespan | Females: 15-20 years Males: 5-8 years |
| Distribution | Tanzania and Kenya |
| Habitat | Grassland and scrubland |
| Common Predators | Baboons and birds |
| Diet | Cockroaches, snakes, mice, beetles, and lizards |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Not listed |
Image Credits: Memberfiles.freewebs.com, Fearnottarantulas.com, Cdn11.bigcommerce.com, Keepingexoticpets.com,
Biolib.cz, Mikebasictarantula.com
Sahana Kanjilal on April 6, 2019.
Dr. Watuwa James
© 2023 (Spider Identifications). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
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