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Orange Baboon Tarantula (Pterinochilus murinus)

The Orange baboon tarantula is a bright-colored spider from Africa. With its bold orange look, many people want one as a pet! But remember, this spider can be a bit feisty. Read on to find out exciting details about this vibrant creature!

Scientific Classification

Orange Baboon Tarantula

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Females are 4 – 6 inches (10.16 – 15.24 cm) long and males are 3 – 4 inches (7.62 – 10.16 cm).
  • Color: They have an orange body with bright rings on their legs. However, they come in five color variants based on the region they occur.
  1. Brown Color Form (BCF) – Tete and Mozambique
  2. Red Color Form (RCF) – Usambara Mountain area
  3. Typical Colour Form (TCF) – Kenya, Mozambique
  4. Dark Colour Form (DCF) – Botswana, Kigoma, Kenya, and Mikumi
  5. Orange Colour Form (OCF) – Usambara Mountains

  • Other Characteristic Features: The abdomen exhibits a fishbone pattern while the carapace appears in the shape of a star.
Orange Baboon Tarantula Size

Eggs

Females produce silken sacs having 75 – 100 round, pale green eggs.

Spiderlings

After around 5 weeks of egg-laying, the spiderlings emerge, having a fast-paced growth.

Orange Baboon Tarantula Sling

The Web

They make funnel-shaped webs, filled with a lot of substrates.

Orange Baboon Tarantula Web

Are Orange Baboon Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Orange Baboon Tarantulas have venom. They use it to capture their food. For humans, it’s not usually very harmful but can be uncomfortable.

Can Orange Baboon Tarantulas Bite?

They can bite, especially if they’re startled. A bite from this tarantula might be a bit painful, but it’s typically not very severe for most people.

Orange Baboon Tarantula Habitat

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Orange Baboon Tarantula 

This tarantula plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling the population of its prey, such as grasshoppers and crickets. It exhibits nocturnal behavior, hunting primarily at night and retreating to its burrow during the day. The spider’s territorial nature and aggressiveness ensure it stands its ground in the wild, making it a fascinating subject for behavioral studies.

Natural Predator and Prey-Predator Dynamics: The Orange Baboon Tarantula faces threats from larger predators, including birds of prey and mammals. Its venom and agility serve as its primary defense mechanisms, helping it navigate the challenges of its environment and maintain its position in the food chain.

Relationship with Humans: Despite its aggressive nature, this tarantula has found a place in the pet trade, captivating enthusiasts with its bright colors and dynamic behavior. It requires an experienced handler, as its propensity to bite and its venom can pose challenges. Educating potential owners and fostering respect for this tarantula’s wild nature is paramount, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for both the spider and its human caretaker.

Quick Facts

Other NamesMombasa golden starburst tarantula, orange bitey thing or OBT, Usambara baboon, and pterror
DistributionEastern, Southern, and Central Africa
HabitatBurrows
Web TypeFunnel-shaped
DietGrasshoppers, crickets, and sometimes mice
LifespanFemales: 15 – 20 years Males: 5 – 8 years
IUCN Conservation StatusNot listed
Mombasa Golden Starburst Tarantula

Did You Know

  • It was described by British zoologist Reginald Innes Pocock in 1897.

In conclusion, the Orange Baboon Tarantula, with its vivid coloration and feisty personality, stands as a testament to the diversity and complexity of the arachnid world.

Usambara Baboon Tarantula

The Orange baboon tarantula is a bright-colored spider from Africa. With its bold orange look, many people want one as a pet! But remember, this spider can be a bit feisty. Read on to find out exciting details about this vibrant creature!

Orange Baboon Tarantula

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Females are 4 – 6 inches (10.16 – 15.24 cm) long and males are 3 – 4 inches (7.62 – 10.16 cm).
  • Color: They have an orange body with bright rings on their legs. However, they come in five color variants based on the region they occur.
  1. Brown Color Form (BCF) – Tete and Mozambique
  2. Red Color Form (RCF) – Usambara Mountain area
  3. Typical Colour Form (TCF) – Kenya, Mozambique
  4. Dark Colour Form (DCF) – Botswana, Kigoma, Kenya, and Mikumi
  5. Orange Colour Form (OCF) – Usambara Mountains

  • Other Characteristic Features: The abdomen exhibits a fishbone pattern while the carapace appears in the shape of a star.
Orange Baboon Tarantula Size

Eggs

Females produce silken sacs having 75 – 100 round, pale green eggs.

Spiderlings

After around 5 weeks of egg-laying, the spiderlings emerge, having a fast-paced growth.

Orange Baboon Tarantula Sling

The Web

They make funnel-shaped webs, filled with a lot of substrates.

Orange Baboon Tarantula Web

Are Orange Baboon Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Orange Baboon Tarantulas have venom. They use it to capture their food. For humans, it’s not usually very harmful but can be uncomfortable.

Can Orange Baboon Tarantulas Bite?

They can bite, especially if they’re startled. A bite from this tarantula might be a bit painful, but it’s typically not very severe for most people.

Orange Baboon Tarantula Habitat

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Orange Baboon Tarantula 

This tarantula plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance by controlling the population of its prey, such as grasshoppers and crickets. It exhibits nocturnal behavior, hunting primarily at night and retreating to its burrow during the day. The spider’s territorial nature and aggressiveness ensure it stands its ground in the wild, making it a fascinating subject for behavioral studies.

Natural Predator and Prey-Predator Dynamics: The Orange Baboon Tarantula faces threats from larger predators, including birds of prey and mammals. Its venom and agility serve as its primary defense mechanisms, helping it navigate the challenges of its environment and maintain its position in the food chain.

Relationship with Humans: Despite its aggressive nature, this tarantula has found a place in the pet trade, captivating enthusiasts with its bright colors and dynamic behavior. It requires an experienced handler, as its propensity to bite and its venom can pose challenges. Educating potential owners and fostering respect for this tarantula’s wild nature is paramount, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for both the spider and its human caretaker.

Quick Facts

Other NamesMombasa golden starburst tarantula, orange bitey thing or OBT, Usambara baboon, and pterror
DistributionEastern, Southern, and Central Africa
HabitatBurrows
Web TypeFunnel-shaped
DietGrasshoppers, crickets, and sometimes mice
LifespanFemales: 15 – 20 years Males: 5 – 8 years
IUCN Conservation StatusNot listed
Mombasa Golden Starburst Tarantula

Did You Know

  • It was described by British zoologist Reginald Innes Pocock in 1897.

In conclusion, the Orange Baboon Tarantula, with its vivid coloration and feisty personality, stands as a testament to the diversity and complexity of the arachnid world.

Usambara Baboon Tarantula