Orange baboon tarantula (Pterinochilus murinus)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Orange baboon tarantula (Pterinochilus murinus) (origin: East Africa (the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania and Kenya), hot and dry). Adult size around 10–13 cm leg span. Life expectancy females approx. 10–15 years, males approx. 3 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Orange baboon tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×30×30 cm with deep substrate (burrowing and semi-arboreal).
Orange baboon tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, at night 20–22 °C.
Orange baboon tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).
Orange baboon tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females approx. 10–15 years, males approx. 3 years.
Orange baboon tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 50–60 % (keep dry, water bowl)
- UVB
- No UVB needed (nocturnal)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×30×30 cm with deep substrate (burrowing and semi-arboreal)
- Substrate
- A dry, diggable coco humus or soil mix, 10–15 cm; a cork tube; it webs heavily
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (house crickets, roaches, crickets)
- Feeding interval
- adults approx. 1×/week, juveniles 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 10–13 cm leg span
- Life expectancy
- females approx. 10–15 years, males approx. 3 years
- Origin
- East Africa (the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania and Kenya), hot and dry
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES; no special registration duties
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Strictly solitary and strongly cannibalistic; no pairs or groups.
Notes
The "OBT" – one of the most defensive Old World species: extremely fast, aggressively defensive, with medically significant venom and no urticating hairs. Only for experienced keepers, with a strict no-handling rule. An escape-proof, front-opening enclosure; dry with a water bowl, and vigorous burrowing.
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Related species
- Fort Hall baboon tarantula (Pterinochilus lugardi) – Intermediate
- 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
What you need to start
To keep Orange baboon tarantula (Pterinochilus murinus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×30 cm with deep substrate (burrowing and semi-arboreal)), substrate (A dry, diggable coco humus or soil mix, 10–15 cm; a cork tube; it webs heavily), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pterinochilus_murinus, https://www.thetarantulacollective.com/caresheets/pterinochilus-murinus
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).