Pelinobius muticus (King Baboon) 0.5-0.75"

The one and only King Baboon Tarantula, Pelinobius muticus Karsch, is best summarized as "majestic," as one of the most enormous tarantulas in Africa. This spider is as regal as any animated or CGI feline monarch as Disney could contrive. These are very muscular spiders, similar in build to members of other stout members of the early-diverging tarantula subfamily Eumenophorinae (e.g. Hysterocrates). Everything about this tarantula is optimized for extensive digging and a burrowing lifestyle. The hindlegs of this species are disproportionately stout and splay uniquely bow-legged, which is a bizarre contrast to their slim, elongate, and cylindrical abdomen. Their entire body is lined in a beautiful, extremely fine, velvet-like pelt of tiny hairs, giving them a mole-like appearance and satin-like sheen.

P. muticus attains a robust 8" diagonal leg span and develops a gorgeous warm orange-brown to rusty chocolate coloration. This monotypic genus is native to dry thorn scrub and savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania, where it thrives functionally as an arachnid mole, building deep earthen burrow galleries in clayey substrates.

The King Baboon Tarantula is well known for its very slow growth rate, which is unusual among the typically rapidly-growing Old World tarantula lineages. Over their first two years, spiderlings grow at a respectable rate, reaching a 3" diagonal leg span, but then their growth rate declines to a creep for the rest of their lives. Patience is the name of the game when working with the King Baboon, and this tarantula will not disappoint upon attaining a bulky 7.5-8" diagonal leg span.

P. muticus is hardy and has a strong feeding response. However, it is best suited for experienced to advanced keepers due to their size, highly defensive demeanor, willingness to bite, venom potency, and wicked speed. These spiders are a poster child for Old World tarantula darling attitudes as they will readily throw a threat display and stridulate (hiss) if threatened, so do not tempt their wrath. The King Baboon Tarantula is the arthropod equivalent to a Nile Crocodile in terms of handleability.   

A sizeable terrestrial enclosure with a deep organic, well-aerated substrate is required (at least 8" deep for an adult enclosure). Allow the substrate to dry out almost completely between periodic light mistings. Typically, P. muticus will excavate elaborate galleries of tunnels throughout the substrate of their enclosure, almost like a gigantic ant farm. Keep this species in a dark location with low foot traffic to make them feel most comfortable and curious. If kept in a brighter area, you will unlikely ever see this tarantula in the day. If you have ever been curious about what it is like living with the king of Africa's tarantulas and have the patience to help David become a Goliath, you need a P. muticus in your life!