Defining Characteristics:

• One of the largest African species, females can get up to an 8 inch diagonal legspan
• An easier-to -keep Old World spider—they like nothing more than a container full of deep dirt, peace & quiet
• While their care requirements are pretty simple, due to the defensive nature of this spider we do not suggest them for beginners
• One of the few species that can stridulate, making an audible buzzing sound to warn others to back off

Name: Pelinobius muticus, commonly known as the King Baboon Tarantula. This species' scientific name translates to 'Silent Silk Dweller'. Pelin- ('thread' or 'yarn'); -obius ('life' or 'way of life'), possibly referring to the tarantula's heavily silk-lined burrows. Muticus is Latin, meaning 'muted' or 'silent'.

This spider comes by its common name honestly, it’s one of the biggest, if not the biggest tarantula in Africa! 

Recommended Enclosure Size: The Pelinobius muticus is a fossorial spider that likes to dig. The ideal enclosure size will provide at least 4 times the spider’s diagonal leg span for surface area branching out in any direction, and be deep enough to accommodate a fair bit of substrate, at least 2 inch for spiderlings, and at least 8 inches for adults. Arachnid BioBedding is our top pick for substrate, as it was developed specifically with the needs of tarantulas in mind! ABG Mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, as well.

Never provide more than twice your spider’s diagonal leg span as headspace above the surface of the substrate, as falls from greater than this height can be catastrophic.

Temperature (°F): This species likes it on the warm side. Though it will still thrive around a room temperature of 72°, they prefer it closer to 76-82 degrees.

Humidity: Aim for around 65%. They like their substrate bone dry, but as a water source, you can either provide a tattoo ink cup or small shallow bottle cap as a water dish, wet a small corner of substrate intermittently, or mist the sides of the enclosure twice a week so that the spider can drink the droplets.

Size: At the time of sale P. muticus sold by Josh’s Frogs are at least 1/2 an inch. Females can achieve sizes of up to an 8 inch diagonal leg span, and males of this species mature smaller. 

Age: Female Pelinobius muticus can live 20-25 years, with males topping out at 10-15 years.

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating 3 to 6 hydei fruit flies, once a week. As your spider grows, there are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms. We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement. Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well-rounded nutrition.

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on its age, the hardening process could take anywhere from 48 hours all the way up to a week.

Sexing: Due to age, P. muticus spiderlings sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed. Specimens of 2.5-3 inches will be able to start being accurately sexed. The most accurate method will always be molt sexing. The molt of a female tarantula, between the top set of book lungs will have a slit with spermatheca and a uterus externus, which on a smaller spider will just be a flap that moves when manipulated with a toothpick or a pin. A male tarantula will have a much more plain slit that will not budge with attempts to manipulate it.

Color/Pattern: As spiderlings they are a mid brown color. As they age, their color turns from generic brown sling coloration to a rich rusty color.

Social Behavior: Pelinobius muticus is not a sociable animal and should be housed as an individual. Attempts at cohabitation can result in cannibalism. 

This is a curious choice as this tarantula is known for stridulating (making a hissing noise by rubbing body parts together) when threatened.

Breeding: Males and females of sexual maturity can be put in the same enclosure briefly for the purpose of mating. Ideally both will be fairly freshly molted and well fed. The male and female should be separated fairly immediately after insertion is observed (the male will generally initiate separation on his own after he has had success) or if the spiders are acting less than receptive or aggressive towards each other.

Natural Range: Tanzania and Kenya in dry scrubland.

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards: a community of spider enthusiasts that will be able to or have already answered almost any question you can think of with regards to tarantulas.

Still not sure if King Baboon tarantula from Josh's Frogs is the right pet bug for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!