The Cameroon Red Baboon Spider is a powerful Old World African fossorial species with a thick build, rich reddish-brown tones, heavy digging behavior, and a bold defensive reputation. This is a fascinating tarantula for keepers who enjoy deep-burrowing baboons, impressive size, and that intense “respect the enclosure” presence.
| Special Notices |
| Setup notes |
This is a fossorial Old World baboon tarantula, so the enclosure should be built around deep, compactable substrate and a secure starter burrow. I like giving them enough depth to dig properly, with a tight hide entrance and stable moisture in the lower layers so their burrow holds shape. |
| Keeper note |
Hysterocrates gigas is not a handling species. Expect defensiveness, speed when startled, and a strong bite response if pushed. This is a display and observation tarantula for keepers who respect powerful African baboons and enjoy burrow-focused setups. |
| 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 I prefer stable warmth and good enclosure conditions over pushing extreme heat. |
| 💧 Humidity |
Aim for about 70–80% inside the enclosure with good ventilation. Keep the lower substrate layers slightly moisture-retentive, especially for burrow stability and molts, while avoiding swampy substrate, stale air, or a bone-dry burrow. 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 starter burrow. Pack the substrate lightly so the baby can dig without the tunnel collapsing, and keep one lower area slightly moist without soaking the cup. FREE container at checkout IF requested; not included otherwise. |
| 🏠 Juveniles |
Larger specimens should be kept in an enclosure around 2–3x body size, flexible by the individual, with extra substrate depth for burrowing. I like starting a tunnel under cork bark or along the side so they can settle fast and build a secure retreat. |
| 🏠 Adults |
Adults need a secure terrestrial/fossorial enclosure with deep compactable substrate, a starter burrow, and conservative height. This species wants depth and security more than open display space, so build the enclosure for digging first and viewing second. |
| 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 |
Hysterocrates gigas |
| 📛 Common name(s) |
Cameroon Red Baboon Spider, Cameroon Red Baboon Tarantula, Giant Baboon Spider. |
| 🌡️ Temperature |
75–85°F (24–29°C), with steady warmth and no extreme heat spikes. |
| 💧 Humidity |
About 70–80% inside the enclosure, with lower substrate layers kept slightly moisture-retentive and the surface allowed to breathe. Avoid swampy, sealed, or stagnant setups. |
| 📍 Locale |
West/Central Africa, especially Cameroon in the hobby. This species is associated with warm, humid habitats and deep burrow systems. |
| 🏷️ Category |
Old World African terrestrial/fossorial baboon; deep burrower, defensive when stressed, moisture-loving, and best kept with deep compactable substrate. |
| 📏 Size |
Females commonly reach about 7–8 inches DLS; males are usually smaller and leggier, around 5–6 inches DLS. Max size is typically around 8 inches DLS with a thick, powerful build. |
| 🪶 Urticating hairs |
No urticating hairs. This Old World species relies on speed, defensiveness, threat postures, and a potent bite when pushed. Use tools and give the spider space during maintenance. |
| ⏳ Growth rate |
Medium-fast. Babies and juveniles can grow well with steady feeding, warmth, and proper moisture because warmer temperatures usually mean more frequent molts. |
| 🧭 Life span |
Females commonly live around 12–18+ years with good care; males usually live about 3–5 years. |
| 🍽️ Feeding |
Usually a strong eater once established. Offer appropriately sized crickets or roaches near the burrow entrance and remove uneaten prey or bolus. Some individuals feed mostly from the tunnel, so do not assume they are shy just because they stay hidden. |
| 🎯 Recommended levels |
Ideal for lovers of defensive baboon species who want a large, powerful, burrowing African tarantula with serious attitude and fascinating behavior. Best for keepers comfortable with deep fossorial setups, secure enclosures, 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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