Urban Tarantulas
M. Balfouri - Monocentropus balfouri
M. Balfouri - Monocentropus balfouri
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Discover the M. Balfouri: The Social Butterfly of Tarantulas 🕷️🕷️🕷️
The most social and communal tarantula species of ALL tarantula species.
Expertly Nurtured at Urban Tarantulas 🌱
I'm humbled yet proud to share our unique expertise in breeding M. Balfouri tarantulas. We've cultivated the nation's largest and most thriving communal setup. For an exclusive peek, check out our social media channels.
Starting Your Own Communal 🕷️🏘️
When you acquire M. Balfouri juveniles from us, rest assured they're more than just healthy; they're thriving youngsters, a reflection of our unparalleled expertise in breeding this unique species. While their sizes may differ depending on what's available, I promise you won't get any delicate newborns. Think of it as skipping the diaper stage and going straight to the fun part. 🕷️ Your tarantulas will arrive as a cohesive group, primed for communal living, unless you opt for a solitary individual. Simply introduce them to their new habitat as a unit, and they'll be ready to flourish.
Investing in a Gravid/Paired Female 🕷️💕
Opting for a gravid or paired female? That's fantastic! While I can't offer a 100% guarantee that she'll lay a sac, know that she's been the belle of the ball, paired with multiple mature males. It's like she's been on several successful spider dates, increasing the odds of future spiderlings.
The Importance of Community 🕷️🕸️
Keeping your tarantulas together is like hosting a never-ending spider slumber party. Aim for a communal of at least five for the ultimate arachnid dream team. Once you separate these eight-legged roomies, reuniting them isn't recommended. For the ultimate arachnid dream team, aim for a communal of at least five. But if you're on a budget, a solo M. Balfouri is like the Beyoncé of spiders—still fabulous on its own.
Future Additions
If you start with two or more tarantulas, you'll have the flexibility to expand your communal setup later on.
Enclosure Size Recommendations 📏
- 1-5 babies: 5x5x3 container
- 6-12 babies: 8x8x5 container
- 13-25 babies: 12x12x6 container
Enclosure Etiquette 🕷️🏠
Start with a compact space to encourage closeness and avoid territorial behavior. As they grow, you can transition them to larger habitats. The aim is to make it easy for them to find each other, as they naturally tend to stay close in a communal setting.
Notes on Species 📝
- Communal Living: M. Balfouri tarantulas are the extroverts of the spider world.
- Low Maintenance: They're incredibly easy to care for.
- Unique Social Behavior: They often share meals, a behavior unique to this species.
- Suitable for All: Ideal for both novice and seasoned keepers.
Care/Husbandry 🕷️🌵
- Climate Preferences: Dry and arid
- Misting: Light spritz on the enclosure walls and a weekly misting for the substrate.
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Temperature: Best between 77° and 80°
Additional information.
- Latin/Scientific Name: Monocentropus Balfouri
- Commonly Known As: Socotra Island Blue Baboon
- Type: Terrestrial with a flair for opportunistic burrowing
- Category: A distinguished member of the Old World Baboon spiders, hailing from Africa
- Habitat: Native to the exotic Socotra Island, just off the Yemeni coast
- Size: Females boast an impressive legspan, stretching between 6.5 to 7.0 inches
- Urtication Hairs: None, this beauty prefers not to irritate
- Stridulation: Absolutely! Fondly referred to as their "bark," these tarantulas aren't shy about making noise when disturbed, and that is called stridulation.
- Growth Rate: Highly responsive to temperature; at a cozy 77°F, they're practically in the fast lane of growth
- Life Expectancy: Females can grace your life for up to 15 years, while males have a max of 4 years
- Recommended for: Keepers of all experience levels; this tarantula is an equal-opportunity charmer





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SHIPPING
Shipping costs:
I charge a standard rate of $50 for shipping tarantulas, and isopods.
I take a loss on shipping, on every package.
There are many costs associated with shipping that are not evident on the surface level:
An insulated box.
Cold/heat pack.
The vials that the animals go inside of have to be drilled a certain way.
The preparation of the vials with padding takes labor to make.
So $50 for shipping is actually a bargain.
Packages go out usually Monday/Tuesday and sometimes Wednesday.
I will not ship after Wednesday, because if there are shipping delays, I do not want it to go over the weekend.
Live Arrival Guarantee:
I offer LAG (Live Arrival Guarantee) on every single package that I ship.
Animals usually arrive at your doorstep, or your nearest FedEx hub the following day after I ship. Usually 10am, but that is not always the case.
Sometimes it might take an additional day to arrive, but that is rare.
In the RARE case that the animal/s arrive DOA (dead on arrival), the receiver MUST send photos and video to me within an hour documenting the condition of the said animal.
We will then discuss replacement options if that is the case.
I've been shipping and sending hundreds if not thousands of packages over the last 10 years with an impeccable track record.
Shipping costs on DOA’s are never refundable.
Local Pick Up:
Local pick up in Los Angeles is always available.
If you live close, come pick up the animals.
I can also personally deliver the animals the same/next day if the order is over $200.
FAQ
FAQ
Where do you get your enclosures?
For a good quality enclosure, I recommend Herpcult Enclosures
What substrate do you use?
I prefer coco fiber substrate mixed with peat. Usually a 80/20 mixture.
Coco or similar
Sphagnum Peat Moss or similar
What temperature do you keep your tarantulas in?
I have my room set at 80°F, but they will be perfectly fine in temperatures between 69°F-83°F. I prefer using the Govee thermometer.
Are tarantulas venomous?
Yes, all spiders are venomous. However, tarantulas do not possess a medically significant venom. There have been no records of any humans dying due to a tarantula bite.
What happens if I get bit by a tarantula?
On the rare occasion that you get bit by a tarantula, remain calm. Do not run hot water over the wound because it will speed up the spread of the venom. Instead, clean the bite mark with room temperature water and monitor your symptoms. If your pain does not go away, please consult a physician.
What do you feed your tarantulas?
I feed my tarantulas crickets, roaches, mealworms, or superworms. However, crickets are always the easiest and most accessible from pet stores.
Tongs I use are- My favorite option or a less expensive alternative.
How often do you feed your tarantulas?
I feed my tarantulas once a week or bi-weekly.