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King Baboon Tarantula (Pelinobius muticus)

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. 

Scientific Classification

King Baboon Tarantula

 

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

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

King Baboon Tarantula Size

Eggs

The female lays about between 30 and 180 eggs in a silken sac,

Spiderlings

Spiderlings are about 0.39 in (1 cm) long.

King Baboon Tarantula Spiderling

The Web

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.

Are King Baboon Tarantulas Poisonous

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.

King Baboon Tarantula Spider

Quick Facts

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
King Baboon Tarantula Sling

Did You Know

  • The species was first described in 1885 by German entomologist and arachnologist Ferdinand Anton Franz Karsch.
  • King baboon tarantula is the second largest spider in Africa.
  • When they get aggressive or are ready to bite, these spiders would emit a hissing sound by rubbing together the hairs situated on their forelegs.
King Baboon Spider
Picture of a King Baboon Tarantula

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. 

King Baboon Tarantula

 

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

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

King Baboon Tarantula Size

Eggs

The female lays about between 30 and 180 eggs in a silken sac,

Spiderlings

Spiderlings are about 0.39 in (1 cm) long.

King Baboon Tarantula Spiderling

The Web

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.

Are King Baboon Tarantulas Poisonous

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.

King Baboon Tarantula Spider

Quick Facts

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
King Baboon Tarantula Sling

Did You Know

  • The species was first described in 1885 by German entomologist and arachnologist Ferdinand Anton Franz Karsch.
  • King baboon tarantula is the second largest spider in Africa.
  • When they get aggressive or are ready to bite, these spiders would emit a hissing sound by rubbing together the hairs situated on their forelegs.
King Baboon Spider
Picture of a King Baboon Tarantula

Image Credits: Memberfiles.freewebs.com, Fearnottarantulas.com, Cdn11.bigcommerce.com, Keepingexoticpets.com,
Biolib.cz, Mikebasictarantula.com