| Special Notices |
| Setup notes |
This is a true fossorial baboon tarantula, so the enclosure should be built around deep substrate, a starter burrow, and secure footing rather than open display space. I like giving them enough depth to dig properly, with a tight hide entrance to help them settle in and build their tunnel system. |
| Keeper note |
Pelinobius muticus is not a handling species. Expect defensiveness, powerful threat postures, and a strong bite response if pushed. This is a respected Old World tarantula for keepers who enjoy burrowing baboons and hands-off observation. |
| Care videos |
Check out the Urban Tarantulas YouTube channel for care, setup, feeding, and show-and-tell videos to see how we keep and feed our tarantulas: Urban Tarantulas on YouTube. |
| 🧰 Care Details |
| 🌡️ Temperature |
75–85°F (24–29°C). Warmer temperatures usually mean faster growth because they molt more often, but this species is naturally slow growing, so I focus on stable warmth and good enclosure conditions. |
| 💧 Humidity |
Around 50–60% works well, with the lower layers of substrate allowed to hold a little moisture. Keep the top layer mostly dry, avoid swampy conditions, and never let the entire enclosure become bone dry during molt. Water dishes are optional; I usually skip them except for larger species. |
| 🏠 Housing |
| 🏠 Babies |
Use a 1–4 oz deli cup with needle ventilation and enough substrate for a small starter burrow. Keep the setup simple, secure, and slightly packed so the baby can dig without the tunnel collapsing. FREE container at checkout IF requested; not included otherwise. |
| 🏠 Juveniles |
Juveniles should have an enclosure around 2–3x body size with plenty of depth for burrowing. I like to pre-start a tunnel against the side or under cork bark so they can claim it quickly and feel secure. |
| 🏠 Adults |
Adults do best in a secure terrestrial enclosure around 2–3x body size with deep, compactable substrate—often 8–12+ inches if the enclosure allows it. This species wants a serious burrow more than a big open cage, so depth and structure matter. |
| General Diet |
| 🍽️ Feeding |
Crickets + roaches work great, especially Dubia, Red Runner, and Lobster roaches. Babies should get baby crickets or baby roaches. If prey is too big, pre-kill by crushing the head, leave it, then remove leftovers or bolus. Occasional treat for super large specimens: pinky/hopper mouse or feeder lizard very sparingly; excess calcium can cause constipation/pooping issues. We never use pinhead crickets because they do not provide enough protein. |
| In-depth Facts |
| 🕷️ Latin name / Scientific name |
Pelinobius muticus |
| 📛 Common name(s) |
King Baboon Tarantula. |
| 🌡️ Temperature |
75–85°F (24–29°C), with stable warmth and no extreme heat spikes. |
| 💧 Humidity |
About 50–60%. I keep the substrate layered so the top can stay drier while lower levels retain a little moisture for burrow stability and molt support. |
| 📍 Locale |
East Africa, especially Kenya and Tanzania in hobby references. This species is strongly associated with deep burrows in dry to seasonally humid habitats. |
| 🏷️ Category |
Old World African terrestrial/fossorial baboon; deep burrower, defensive, heavy-bodied, and best kept with deep compactable substrate. |
| 📏 Size |
Females commonly reach about 8–9 inches DLS; males are usually smaller and leggier, around 5–6 inches DLS. Max size is typically around 8 inches DLS, with a very thick, powerful build. |
| 🪶 Urticating hairs |
No urticating hairs. This Old World species relies on threat postures, stridulation, defensiveness, and a potent bite when pushed. Use tools and give it respect during maintenance. |
| ⏳ Growth rate |
Slow. This is not a tarantula that rushes to adult size, but that slow growth is part of what makes raising one so rewarding. Warm, steady conditions and regular meals help them molt on a healthy schedule. |
| 🧭 Life span |
Females can live around 15–25+ years with good care; males usually live about 4–6 years. |
| 🍽️ Feeding |
Often a strong eater once established, though some individuals feed more cautiously from inside the burrow. Offer appropriately sized crickets or roaches near the burrow entrance and remove uneaten prey or bolus. |
| 🎯 Recommended levels |
Ideal for lovers of defensive baboon species who want a massive, long-lived, burrowing Old World tarantula with serious attitude and legendary status. Best for keepers who enjoy fossorial setups, patient growth, and hands-off maintenance. |
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| ⚠️ Safety Disclaimer |
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Safety Disclaimer: Tarantula bites are extremely rare, and there are no recorded human fatalities. Venom strength varies by species; Old World tarantulas are usually more potent than New World tarantulas, with Poecilotheria known for especially strong venom. Larger tarantulas may also deliver more venom.
If bitten, stay calm. Most symptoms fade within minutes to hours, though potent species may cause discomfort for up to a week. In 13 years, I’ve only been bitten once, and symptoms were gone after one week.
Handling is at your own risk. I’m not responsible for bites or injuries. Always prioritize your safety and the tarantula’s well-being.
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