King baboon tarantula (Pelinobius muticus)

Short answers

King baboon tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?

30×30×40 cm (the height is for the substrate).

King baboon tarantula: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 21–24 °C.

King baboon tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

King baboon tarantula: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females 25–30 years.

King baboon tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C

Night temperature

21–24 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

50–65 %

UVB

Not required

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×40 cm (the height is for the substrate)

Substrate

Very deep coco humus and loam (20–30 cm), firmly compacted

Feeding

Food

House crickets, roaches

Feeding interval

adults every 14–21 days

Key facts

Adult size

body 7–9 cm, leg span 16–20 cm

Life expectancy

females 25–30 years

Origin

East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania)

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep singly (strictly) — tarantulas are cannibals. The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts. It is also highly aggressive and defensive; handling is not recommended. For breeding, the male is introduced under supervision and separated again immediately.

Notes

Africa's largest tarantula; it digs very deep burrows and is rarely seen. Without urticating hairs, but defensive and with a medically significant bite – take care when moving it.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for King baboon tarantula (Pelinobius muticus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
• Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
• Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Beginner
• Cobalt blue tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus) – Expert
• Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) – Expert
• Peruvian blue tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum) – Beginner
• Singapore blue tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes) – Expert
• Blue foot baboon tarantula (Idiothele mira) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep King baboon tarantula (Pelinobius muticus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×40 cm (the height is for the substrate)), substrate (Very deep coco humus and loam (20–30 cm), firmly compacted), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.