King Baboon Tarantula Care
Species: Pelinobius muticus
Common Name: King Baboon Tarantula
The King Baboon Tarantula (Pelinobius muticus) is a legendary African species known for its immense size, power, and deep burrowing behavior. With its coppery-orange sheen and commanding presence, it’s one of the most awe-inspiring tarantulas available — but also one of the most challenging to keep.
This Old World species is highly defensive, extremely strong, and not suitable for beginners. However, for experienced keepers who appreciate its raw power and natural behavior, the King Baboon is a rewarding and fascinating species to observe.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Pelinobius muticus
- Common Name: King Baboon Tarantula
- Origin: East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania)
- Adult Size: 18–20 cm (7–8 inches) leg span
- Lifespan: Females 20–25 years; Males 4–6 years
- Temperament: Highly defensive, reclusive, not handleable
- Experience Level: Advanced keepers only
Housing & Enclosure
The King Baboon is a fossorial (burrowing) species that requires deep substrate and a spacious floor area. This tarantula will dig complex tunnel systems and may spend most of its time underground.
Recommended enclosure sizes:
- Juveniles: 15–20 cm tall container with 10–15 cm substrate
- Adults: 40×30×30 cm (or larger) with at least 25–30 cm of substrate depth
Ensure the enclosure has a secure lid and excellent ventilation. King Baboons are extremely strong and capable of moving lightweight lids or decorations.
Provide a starter burrow by angling a piece of cork bark or digging a shallow hole to encourage digging.
Substrate & Decoration
The substrate is the single most important element for this species. Use a deep, compactable mix such as:
- 70% topsoil or coco coir
- 30% clay or sand for structure and stability
Pack it down firmly so that tunnels remain stable. Keep the substrate slightly moist near the bottom layers and drier toward the surface.
Decorate minimally — this spider prioritizes burrow stability over aesthetics. A few natural items like bark, rocks, or leaf litter help maintain humidity and mimic a natural environment.
Temperature & Humidity
- Temperature: 26–29°C (79–84°F)
- Humidity: 65–75%
Maintain moderate humidity by keeping the lower layers of substrate damp and misting lightly every few days. Always provide excellent airflow — stagnant, overly humid air can lead to mold and stress.
A shallow water dish should be present at all times, even if rarely used.
Feeding & Water
King Baboons are voracious predators and will eagerly ambush prey near their burrow entrance. Feed them a variety of live insects like crickets, roaches, locusts, or mealworms.
Feeding schedule:
- Juveniles: Every 5–7 days
- Adults: Every 10–14 days
Avoid overfeeding — a well-fed adult can go weeks without food. Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours to prevent stress or mold growth.
Handling & Temperament
Handling is strongly discouraged. The King Baboon is among the most defensive tarantulas in captivity and will readily threat posture, stridulate (hiss), and bite if provoked.
Bites can be extremely painful due to its powerful venom and large fangs, although not medically significant for most people.
If maintenance is necessary, use long tools and catch cups. Always move slowly and avoid disturbing the spider’s burrow.
Tip: Respect its space — this species thrives when left alone.
Molting
King Baboons molt infrequently and can take several months to complete a full cycle due to their slow metabolism. They typically seal themselves in their burrow before molting.
Signs of molting include:
- Refusal to eat
- Burrow sealed shut
- Long periods of invisibility
Do not disturb the spider during this time. Maintain steady humidity and allow it to reopen the burrow naturally after molting is complete.
Common Health Issues
- Dehydration: Maintain moisture in the lower substrate and provide water.
- Mold: Ensure good airflow; remove moldy patches immediately.
- Stress: Frequent disturbances or insufficient substrate depth can cause pacing or refusal to burrow.
- Injury: Avoid hard decorations or tall enclosures that increase fall risk.
Breeding (Overview)
Breeding Pelinobius muticus is notoriously difficult and should only be attempted by experienced breeders.
- Females are highly aggressive and may attack males.
- Introductions must be done cautiously and under supervision.
- If successful, females may produce an egg sac months later containing several hundred spiderlings.
Environmental consistency and deep burrows are critical for success.
Quick Care Checklist
- Type: Fossorial (burrowing)
- Enclosure: Deep terrestrial setup, 25–30 cm substrate
- Substrate: Firm mix of topsoil, sand, and clay
- Temperature: 26–29°C
- Humidity: 65–75%
- Feeding: Live insects every 10–14 days
- Handling: Never — extremely defensive and powerful
Final Thoughts
The King Baboon Tarantula is a true giant of the arachnid world — formidable, secretive, and mesmerizing to observe. While not interactive or suitable for handling, it offers a rare glimpse into the raw behavior of one of nature’s most impressive burrowing spiders.
For experienced keepers with patience, respect, and the right setup, Pelinobius muticus is a majestic and unforgettable addition to any serious collection.
© The Tarantula Vault
All information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional veterinary care.
Visit thetarantulavault.com for more expert tarantula care guides and resources.