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King Baboon Tarantula
The legendary Pelinobius muticus, known as the King Baboon Tarantula, reigns supreme as one of Africa’s most formidable and awe-inspiring species. Massive, copper-toned, and powerful, this burrowing giant commands respect and offers an unforgettable display for experienced keepers.
| 🔔 Special Notices | |
|---|---|
| I feature this incredible species in multiple care videos on UrbanTarantulas — showing enclosure setups, burrow depths, and feeding demonstrations of this African powerhouse. | |
| 🛠️ Care Details | |
| 🌡️ Temperature | 78–86°F (25–30°C) |
| 💧 Humidity | 70–80% |
| 🏠 Housing | |
| Babies | 1–4 oz deli cup with moist substrate; encourage burrowing. FREE container at checkout IF requested. |
| Juveniles | 6–8" enclosure with 4–5" substrate depth. Keep substrate slightly damp and allow for starter burrow. |
| Adults | Large enclosure (12–14") with at least 8–10" deep substrate. Provide room for complex burrow systems; low ventilation to retain humidity. |
| 🍽️ General Diet | |
| Crickets and roaches (Dubia, Red Runner, or Madagascar Hissing). Babies: small roaches or crickets. For adults, large roaches or multiple crickets per feeding. Occasional treat: small mouse or lizard, offered sparingly. | |
| 📚 In-depth Facts | |
| 🕷️ Scientific name | Pelinobius muticus |
| 📛 Common name(s) | King Baboon Tarantula |
| 🌡️ Temperature | 78–86°F |
| 💧 Humidity | 70–80% |
| 📍 Locale | Kenya and Tanzania, East Africa |
| 🏷️ Category | Fossorial (deep burrower); Old World; highly defensive |
| 📏 Size | Up to 8" (females); 6–7" males |
| 🪶 Urticating hairs | None – relies on speed, vibration, and powerful threat postures |
| ⏳ Growth rate | Slow but steady; one of the longest-developing tarantulas |
| 🧭 Life span | Females 20–25 yrs; males 5–7 yrs |
| 🍽️ Feeding | Aggressive feeder; ambushes prey from burrow entrance |
| 🎯 Recommended levels | Lovers of baboon tarantulas. Lovers of heaviest bodied tarantulas out there. They can be defensive at times. |
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| ⚠️ Safety Disclaimer | |
| Safety Disclaimer: Experiencing a tarantula bite is an extremely rare occurrence, and it's important to note that there have been NO recorded fatalities due to a tarantula bite. The venom potency varies across species, with Old World tarantulas generally having stronger venom than their New World counterparts. Within the Old World category, the Poecilotheria genus is known for having particularly potent venom. It's crucial to approach tarantulas with respect and understanding. If you happen to get bitten, which is unlikely, the key is to stay calm. In most cases, the discomfort is superficial and subsides within a few minutes to a few hours. However, bites from species with more potent venom may result in symptoms lasting up to a week. Remember, larger tarantulas tend to have more venom than smaller ones. Please be aware that I cannot assume responsibility for bites. Tarantula handling should be done at your own risk. In my 13 years of experience with these creatures, I have only been bitten once, by a species with highly potent venom. While the experience was painful, the symptoms had completely disappeared after a week. Handle tarantulas responsibly, and always prioritize your safety and the well-being of the tarantula. | |