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Known as the “Social Butterfly” of the tarantula world, Monocentropus balfouri is one of the very few species that thrives communally. Hailing from the remote Socotra Island off Yemen, this blue-beige beauty blends stunning appearance with remarkable behavior — often sharing meals and living peacefully in groups. A truly mesmerizing Old World species that redefines how we think of tarantulas.
**I’ve specialized in M. balfouri for over 14 years and I’m currently the largest breeder of this species in the United States. I've also kept the largest known communal—646 individuals—which you can see on my social media. When you buy from me, you’re getting healthy specimens already used to living together (never tiny fragile slings), and sizes may vary depending on availability. Whether you’re looking for a solitary spider, a small or large communal, or even a paired/gravid female, I usually have them. Stock can occasionally run low, but the quantities and sizes listed on the website are generally accurate to what’s available at that moment.
M. balfouri can breed in a communal setting, but the egg sacs almost always get damaged or run over by other individuals. I’ve never had a successful sac while the female stayed inside the communal. If you want a real chance at a sac, keep the paired or gravid female by herself until she drops and guards it.
For communal setups, the best start is six or more, but starting with two is fine as long as they’re kept very close together. Less space is better—they naturally huddle for warmth. They thrive when warm; if you want them visible and active, keep temperatures in the upper-70s to low-80s °F. Even though they’re a dry species, lightly misting the enclosure a few times a month helps with hydration and simulates occasional rain. Substrate shouldn’t be soaking wet, but also not bone-dry all the time. A simple layout works perfectly: substrate on the bottom with a flat piece of cork on top—they usually gather underneath as a group.