Tarantula Caresheet

Columbian Giant Tarantula (Megaphobema robustum)

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Range: Tropical rainforests of Columbia, as well as northern and southern Brazil.
Type: Burrowing.
Diet: Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, small lizards, pinkie mice, and even an occasional fuzzy mouse.
Full Grown Size: 6.5 to 8 inches.
Growth: Slow speed.
Temperature: 75 to 80° F.
Humidity: 78 to 82%. All tarantulas that have at least a 3" legspan may drink from a shallow, wide water dish.
Temperament: Aggressive and nervous.
Housing: Spiderlings can live in a clear plastic deli-container with air holes. Adults can live in a 10 to 15-gallon tank. Floor space is more important than height.
Substrate: 6 to 8 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor: No decorations are really needed.
Other Names: Columbian Redleg Tarantula, Columbian Giant Redleg Tarantula, and Giant
Columbian Redleg Tarantula.

The Columbian Giant Tarantula is a very beautiful, large, and unusual tarantula. They are a very popular species for advanced collectors, but they can get expensive. Columbian Giant Tarantulas are known for their unusual defensive behaviors. These tarantulas are of course able to flick urticating hairs and bite, like the usual New World tarantula species, but wait... there's more. They will stretch out their legs, and bob up and down as a first effort to scare away or intimidate the predator. If that doesn't work, then Columbian Giant Tarantulas will then spin in a circle while whipping their legs around trying to hit the predator with the sharp spikes on their back legs. The Columbian Giant Tarantula is an amazing tarantula species like no other!

Brazilian Red Tarantula (Nhandu carapoensis)

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Range: Rainforests and savannahs of southern Brazil, and Paraguay.
Type: Terrestrial.
Diet: Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, and an occasional pinkie mouse.
Full Grown Size: 6 to 6.5 inches.
Growth: Medium speed.
Temperature: 80 to 85° F.
Humidity: 75 to 80%.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive and nervous.
Housing: Babies can live in a clear plastic deli-container with air holes. Adults can live in a 5 to 10-gallon tank. Floor space is more important than height.
Substrate: 3 to 5 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor: No decorations are really needed, but you can add a log, or cork bark.
Other Names: Brazilian Orange Tarantula.

Brazilian Red Tarantulas are large and shaggy tarantulas. These rare tarantulas have long red hairs covering their body, that's how they got their common name! A Brazilian Red Tarantula can make a pretty good display tarantula since they are large and don't really burrow. Since the Brazilian Red Tarantula is from the non-extensive genus Nhandu, it can be picked out on a price list without much confusion. These tarantulas are aggressive, and are more on the skittish side. The urticating hairs from the Brazilian Red Tarantula are supposedly more severe than many other species, and they are not shy about flicking their hairs at a potential predator or threat, which could be its' owner! Not a beginners' species, the Brazilian Red Tarantula is a good display tarantula.

Pinkfoot Goliath Tarantula (Theraphosa apophysis)

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Range: Venezuela.
Type: Burrowing.
Diet: Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, and small vertebrates.
Full Grown Size: 9 to 13 inches.
Growth: Fast speed.
Temperature: Around 80° F.
Humidity: 75 to 80%.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive and nervous.
Housing: Babies can live in a clear plastic deli-container with air holes. Adults can live in a 15 to 20-gallon tank. Floor space is as important as height.
Substrate: 4 to 8 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor: No decorations are really needed, but you can add a log, or cork bark.
Other Names: Venezuelan Goliath Tarantula, Venezuelan Bird Spider, and Goliath Pinkfoot Tarantula.

The Pinkfoot Goliath Tarantula is a highly desirable and massive tarantula species! Although the Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) is renowned for being the largest spider in the world, some breeders and hobbyists believe otherwise. The Pinkfoot Goliath Tarantula was described 187 years after the Goliath Birdeater, therefore it's not as well-known. Recently, this species changed from the Pseudotheraphosa genus to the Theraphosa genus. Whether or not it's the largest tarantula species, the Pinkfoot Goliath Tarantula is still an immense spider, with some specimens recorded up to 13 inches in legspan! In the wild, they are found in burrows up to 24 inches in the ground! Since most people can't provide it with that much substrate in captivity though, and since most people want to see their tarantula, four to eight inches of substrate is acceptable. The Pinkfoot Goliath Tarantula is a moderately aggressive species with severe urticating hairs. It is not a beginners' species. Unfortunately, Pinkfoot Goliath Tarantulas are very rarely bred in captivity. They also can't be exported anymore, since Venezuela is closed to exportation. Pinkfoot Goliath Tarantulas are some of the hardest to find tarantulas in captivity, and they are quite possibly the largest spiders on earth!

Brachypelma klaasi (Mexican Pink Tarantula)

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Range: Mexico
Type: Terrestrial
Diet: Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, and small vertebrates.
Full Grown Size: 5 - 6.5 inches
Temperature: 70-80F
Humidity: 65-75%
Temperament: Nervous

One of the favorite and desirable Brachypelma species in hobby since it is not so common in pet-trade but very nice and docile.
Being fairly recently described, this is the real beauty hence one of its common names: the overall black robust body decorated with the thick rust-red or pink hairs on the abdomen and legs. It can be kept as all “red” representatives of Brachypelma genus on mildly moistened or dry substratum with a large water bowl for drinking with periodical misting of the one side of the substratum. This species is more nervous than many other close relatives (except Brachypelma auratum) and skittish, can flick urticating hairs, but does not show any aggression to humans.

Poecilotheria ornata (Fringed ornamental)

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Range: Sri Lanka
Type: Arboreal, but will burrow some, espescially as spiderlings
Diet: Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, and small vertebrates.
Full Grown Size: 18-22cm
Temperature: 80-84°F
Humidity: 70-80%
Substrate: 2½" deep potting soil
Furnishings: Cork bark slab
Temperament: Very fast, defensive if threatened


Poecilotheria ornata, along with P. rufilata is one of the largest pokies and, in fact, one of the largest arboreals in the world. Like the other pokies, they are purported to have powerful venom compared to most other tarantulas. They are native to Sri Lanka. They're lightning quick, and can be aggressive. This combined with their painful bite makes them a poor choice for a beginner, but a stunning specimen for a more experienced keeper.

Poecilotheria fasciata (Sri Lankan ornamental)

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Type: Arboreal, but may display some burrowing behavior
Full Grown Size: 8"
Diet: Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, and small vertebrates.
Substrate: 2½" deep bed-a-beast
Furnishings: cork bark slab for climbing
Temperature: 80-84°F
Humidity: 70-75% humidity
Temperament: Skittish, very speedy, sometimes defensive if cornered.


This Poecilotheria is similar to P. regalis but native to Sri Lanka. They're fast and nervous, and their bite is rumored to be very painful.

Poecilotheria formosa (Salem ornamental)

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Type: Arboreal, but may show some burrowing behavior
Full Grown Size: 14 to 16cm
Diet: Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, and small vertebrates.
Substrate: 1-2" deep potting soil
Furnishings: Cork bark slab
Temperature: 80-84°F
Humidity: 70-75%
Temperament: Skittish and speedy, defensive if cornered

Poecilotheria formosa is a somewhat uncommon pokies native to India. They supposedly have purple highlights which distinguish them from others of their genus. They're fast and can be defensive, and like all the pokies, can inflict a painful bite. Not a beginner's spider by any stretch.

Poecilotheria rufilata (Redslate ornamental)

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Type: Arboreal, but may burrow some, especially as spiderlings
Full Grown Size: 18 to 22cm
Diet: Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, and small vertebrates.
Substrate: 1½" deep potting soil
Furnishings: Cork bark for climbing
Temperature: 80-84°F
Humidity:70-80%
Temperament: Speedy, defensive if threatened

This species of Poecilotheria native to India is rarely bred in the US. They're the largest of the pokies and supposedly the most communal (I'm not going to test that though).

Avicularia braunshauseni (Goliath pinktoe)

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Type: Arboreal
Full Grown Size: 15 to 18cm
Diet: Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, and roaches.
Substrate: 1½" deep potting soil
Furnishings: Cork bark for climbing
Temperature: 80-84°F
Humidity: 70-75% Humidity
Temperament: Fairly docile (but speedy) so far

Ensure that you adhere to the specific needs of the Avicularia you are housing. Bear in mind that the warmer you keep your tarantula, the higher its metabolic rate will be. Therefore it will want to eat more often and will grow faster. At night temperatures can so ensure a temperature drop of at least 10°F, to give the tarantula a sense of time. Humidity can be provided by moist substrates and a misting bottle. Misting can cause Avicularia to lose their grip of smooth surfaces, so becareful not to squirt it off its perch. The best way to keep the tank humid is to provide a large shallow water bowl and keep the substrate moist.

Avicularia huriana (Ecuadorian wooly Tarantula)

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Type: Arboreal
Full Grown Size: 4-5"
Diet: Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, and roaches.
Substrate: 1" deep potting soil
Furnishings: Cork bark for climbing
Temperature: 80-84°F
Humidity: 70-75%
Temperament: Just a bit skittish so far.

The classic beginner's arboreal! This species is readily available as both spiderlings and adults. Higher humidity and good ventilation is a must. Mating is straightforward and the males may cohabitate with the females for several days to several weeks. A typical arboreal setup suits this species well. Mist the walls once or twice weekly or provide a water dish.

Brachypelma boehmei (Mexican Fireleg)

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Range: Mexico
Type: Terrestrial
Diet: Spiderlings will eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, and other large insects such as lobster roaches.
Size: 5 to 5.5 inches when fully grown.
Growth: Slow Growth
Temperature: 75° to 80° Fahrenheit
Humidity/Water Requirements: 40 to 60%. All tarantulas that have at least a 3" legspan may drink from a shallow, wide water dish. Spiderlings will require light misting to drink droplets of water. Mist cage regularly to maintain humidity.
Temperament: Docile and easy to handle.

Brachypelma boehmei is a beautiful species of Brachypelma. They are considered the most prone to hair throwing of the genus. Their patellae, tibiae, and metatarsi are covered with red setae while their their tarsi and femurs are black. They are very good eaters! B. boehmei should be kept in a terrestrial environment. A hide and water bowl are mandatory, and a high soil level is recommended to prevent injury and/or death due to a fall. A bottlecap is ideal for maintaining hydration while keeping the tarantula's booklungs out of the water. Prior to reaching 1.5" droplets of water on the side of its vivarium should be provided for hydration.

Cyriopagopus sp. (Sulawesi Black)

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Distribution:
Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Habitat:
Primary lowland monsoon forest where it lives in hollow trees. Adult females are almost entirely found in large mature trees, but younger animals can be found behind loose bark.

Care:
Should be offered a hide-away consisting of a hollow log or cork bark tube fitted with an entrance hole. Also important is to fill the hide-away approximately halfway up with loose substrate, which the spider will incorporate with silk to make a snug home. The surrounding substrate should be 5-10 cm. deep and should be kept moist. Day temperatures should be in the range of 25-28 celcius degrees with a drop to 20-22 at night.

Breeding:
Best time for mating is in spring/summer. It is common that the female eat or destroy the male after mating and this is usually a sign of a succesful mating. After mating the cage should be dried out for a few months followed by a flooding which usually induces egg laying - usually in the fall. The egg sac will hatch after 2-3 months and contains between 100-150 spiderlings.

Growth:
The spiderlings of this species is growing medium-fast, maturing in approximately 1 year.

Sexual dimorphism:
There is a distinct difference between the two sexes as the male is greyish green with faint pale leg striation. The male is distinct in lacking the tibial apophysis found in most other ornithoctonine genera. This should place this species by default in the genus Phormingochilus. Subadult males can be easily sexed by the epigynal fusillae method. Contrary to Cyriopagopus schioedtei, this species is difficult to sex by colouration in juveniles and subadults. Before sexual maturity both sexes will be a uniform black.

Size:
This is a very large spider with a leg span of 25 cm. and a carapace lenght above 3 cm.

Cyriopagopus sp. "Sulawesi Black", should rather be called "Sulawesi Grey Velvet" as it has a vibrant grey velvety appearance when freshly molted. It is a large arboreal tarantula nesting in the subfamily Ornithoctoninae. With its uniform grey colouration and velvety appearance it's a different Cyriopagopus species for sure.

Poecilotheria metallica (Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tree Spider)

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Regions Found: India
Class: Arboreal
Longevity: 12 years
Adult Size: 6-8"
Temperament: Skittish
Urticating Hairs: No
Venom Potency: Strong
Temperature: 22-26°C (71.6-78.8°F)
Humidity: 70%
Tarantula Housing: Height is much more important than floor space, a substrate should be provided with a variety of plants and branches. Ensure branches are in a stable position and will not fall if the tarantula climbs onto it.

A striking arboreal spider from India, the Metallic Blue Ornamental Tree Spider or Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tree Spider, has been creating quite a stir. This wonderful bright blue spider is also quite expensive.

Brachypelma emilia (Mexican True Red Leg)

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Regions Found: Mexico and Panama
Type: Terrestrial (Scrubland)
Requirements: 72-75 Farenheit
Humidity: 65-70%
Substrate: 2 inches
Shelter: Cork bark or flower-pot.
Water: Open water dish.
Food: All standard invertebrates
Aggressiveness: Considered docile

This is one of the most commonly found spiders in the pet trade, this is mainly due to its similarities to the CITES listed B. smithi that is a frequent film star in such diverse films as "Fierce Creatures", James Bond films and those classic B movies! Indeed this spider is now also listed on CITES due to its popularity.

The spider originates from Mexico and Panama where it lives in semi-desert scrubland. The abdomen is usually a mahogany brown colour with distinct red hairs. The legs are dark with distinct red hairs on the patella and tibia, and the colour varies from light pink/rose to dark rose/red. The carapace is usually beige with a distinctive black triangle with the apex pointing towards the abdomen and the base towards the pedipalps.

This species was my first introduction to the fun of spiderlings. I've had mine for over seven years now and it has grown from less than a 1 inch to five inch legspan. This is a suitable starter tarantula, due to it's forgiving nature and relatively easy temperament. Be warned as it can be a bit of a hair-flicker and tends to be a little skittish.

This is generally considered a docile species, handling is possible, but still not recommended due to their urticating hairs and skittish temperament.

As for keeping them as pets, many people keep these in large 12x12x12 (inches) tanks.

Like the other terrestrial (ground living) species they require reasonable humidity levels (above 65%).

As these are scrubland spiders, you must make provision for a retreat, such as a piece of cork bark or a flower-pot. Substrate for the cage should be of peat/vermiculite mix, should be at least 2 inches deep.

An open water dish is a must, humidity must not fall below 55 percent!

Tapinauchenius cupreus (Indigo Tree Spider)

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Origin: Peru

Lifestyle: Arboreal

Temp: 27-30°C

Humidity: 75 - 80%

Leg Span: 12cm

Disposition: Fast

Singapore blue (Lampropelma violaceps)

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Common name : Singapore Blue
Scientific Name : Lampropelma Violaceopes (Abraham 1924)
Origin of Range : Malaysia’s Rainforest specifically in the Southern Part, Singapore and Indonesia
Habitat : Highland tropical rainforest
Class : Opportunistic
Temperament : Defensive
Temperature : 27 ° c to 30 ° c
Humidity : 50% to 85%
Life Span : Male mature within a year, usually die out few months after maturity. Females live up to 10 years or more.
Growth Rate : Fast
Full Grown Size : Measured by leg span, females may reach up to 9 inches Male usually reach up to 5 to 6 inches.


Taxonomical History:
The taxonomic origins of this tarantula are technically complex. They were initially known as Cyriopagopus sp ‘Blue’ but recently as Lampropelma Violaceopes. This is not the only confusion made by taxonomic progress; they were also mistaken for other tarantula species such as Malaysian Blue Femur (Haplopelma Robustum), and even Ornithoctoninae sp ‘Malaysia’. This is because of some similar characteristics these tarantulas have.

It is however believed that the description of this species fit most with the described Lampropelma Violaceopes made by Abraham, 1924. Nonetheless, this is still unconfirmed. Perhaps the easiest way to name this tarantula would be by its common name known as Singapore Blue.



Sexual Dimorphism:

Lampropelma violaceopes; as the name implies, viola literally means violet. This however only refers to juvenile and female. As mentioned, female grow up forming royal purple coloration while male are emerald green upon maturity.

Enclosure:

Although arboreal by nature, this specie is actually opportunistic. A nice bark would usually be preferred as this provides a hiding place for the tarantula. They also appreciate height compared to floor space as they will typically only settle in a corner and occasionally perch on the bark in search for food.

Diet:

Diets in the wild are usually insects or small birds. As such, crickets, grasshoppers, super worms and pinkie are options for their diet in captivity.

Indian violet (Chilobrachys fimbriatus)

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Latin Name: Chilobrachys fimbriatus
Common Name: Indian Violet
Geographic Regions: India
Natural Habitat: wet, tropical forest.
Temperature: 25-30C
Humidity: 80-100%
Diet: crickets, silkworms
Attitude: semi-aggresive and skiddish.
Personal Comments: The Inidan Violet is a beautiful species in all stages of life. Starting out as a moroonish violet color (spiderling) and matures to violet, maroon with a "tiger" stripped rump. Not recommended as a beginner species, because of their aggressiveness and lightning quick speed. My spidering almost escaped from me before. Luckily it lost grip each time and fell backto the bottom of the container. Since they come from a wet, humid area they need misting constantly. I spray mine once or twice a week. I believe you can wet the substrate to saturation, but really there is not need too. Use your judgment. Not overly big spider, gettin to around 5-6 inch. As spiderlings they are eating machines. Mine will take prey close too as big as itself. The Violet is a webber too. They will borrow into substrate if given the depth. But they will also construct massive webbed homes that are just amazing.

Hysterocrates Hercules ( hercules baboon)

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Type: Burrowing
Adult Size: 7-8"
Humidity: higher
Temperament: Skittish and defensive
Origin: rainforests of Nigeria, near the Niger river

Hysterocrate sp. are found to the coast of south of Cameroon and of course the countrys around to like Congo, Nigeria, but also the small island near Cameroon and Nigeria coast, like Malabo ... This said I dont know much about the total distribution of the Hysterocrate sp. The climate is tropical and very humid, and this is in the condition I am keeping my specimen, with raining season all over the year and a high humidity level. Of course the raining season are cutted by some dry period, from november to january are much drier then marsh to june by example, you can mist 1 to 2 time a week in these dry season, while you can mist like 1 mist a day in the rainy season, october behind the most rainy month, with over 11 inch of rain a month.

Pterinochilus chordatus (Kilimanjaro Mustard Baboon)

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Latin Name: Pterinochilus chordatus
Common Name: Kilimanjaro Mustard Baboon
Geographic Regions: Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda
Natural Habitat: hot and humid climate
Temperature: 25-30C
Humidity: 50-60 %
Diet: crickets, silkworms.
Attitude: fast and aggresive, shouldn't be handled
Personal Comments: The Mustard Baboon comes from the hot, humid scrublands and hilly terrain of E. Africa. This species is similar to its cousin, P.murinus which are fast, aggressive and not a beginner tarantula. They are obligate borrowers so be sure to give them a good amount of substrate, 6-7 inchs. Mustards will make elaborate borrows and tunnels throughout the substrate. Feeding them crickets and silkworms three times a week roughly. Bigger specimans can take down pinkies and small fuzzies. A 5 gallon enclosure will do these baboons fine. Spiderlings are keeped in pill containers and sub adults in deli containers. A misting or two a month is all these spiders need since they come from a dryer area of the world.

Paraphysa scrofa (Chilean Copper Rose)

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Latin Name: Paraphysa scofra
Common Name: Chilean Copper Rose
Geographic Regions: Chile, Argentina
Natural Habitat: temperate, mediterranean climate
Temperature: 20-26C
Humidity: 75-80 %
Diet: crickets, silkworms.
Attitude: usually docile but skiddish; will bite if threatened.
Personal Comments: This is one of the smaller species of tarantuala. A mature speciman may only reach 3-4 inches. Often mistaken in the pet trade as the "Red Phase" Chilean Rose. Fast and skiddish, not recommended for handling. Will eat large crickets, about 3-4 per week. Not much of a webber, but will lay some around the enclosure. Peat moss and potting soil will do for this species. It will borrow if given a good amount of substrate, but usually is out. Decorate with cork bark, sticks and rocks or whatever you choose. Misting once every couple of weeks would be fine with this species also.

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Although they do not have red bodies, Costa Rican Red Tarantulas are appealing, medium-sized, tarantulas. They get their name from the shaggy red hairs on the legs and abdomen. Costa Rican Red Tarantulas actually have a black to dark brown overall color. These tarantulas are not as docile as other Brachypelma species, but they are just as rewarding. Costa Rican Red Tarantulas will flick urticating hairs as a primary defense. They are smaller than most Brachypelma species also, but they are heavy-bodied. Costa Rican Red Tarantulas are pretty hard to obtain in captivity. Surprisingly, Costa Rican Red Tarantulas are usually not very expensive though. They resemble Mexican Redrump Tarantulas (Brachypelma vagans) in appearance, although Mexican Redrump Tarantulas are generally larger. If you a beginner, and are looking for a less docile species, the Costa Rican Red Tarantula should be considered.

Range Forests of southern Mexico and Central America.
Type Terrestrial.
Diet Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, and
other large insects.
Full Grown Size 3.5 to 4 inches.
Growth Medium speed.
Temperature 75 to 85° F.
Humidity 75 to 80%. All tarantulas that have at least a 3" legspan may drink from a
shallow, wide water dish.
Temperament Semi-docile and nervous.
Housing Spiderlings can live in a clear plastic deli-container with air holes. Adults can live
in a 5 to 10-gallon tank. Floor space is more important than height.
Substrate 2 to 3 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor Logs, driftwood, cork bark, etc. make good hiding places.
Other Names N/A.

Please note that ALL tarantulas have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this tarantula. Also, New World species of tarantulas like this one can flick urticating hairs off of their abdomens, which can also cause a reaction, depending on the person. Affects of this tarantulas' natural defenses may vary between people. All tarantulas should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!

Cyclosternum fasciatum (Costa Rican Tiger Rump Tarantula)

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Common Name: Costa Rican Tiger Rump

Scientific Name: Cyclosternum fasciatum

World: New World

Range: Costa Rica and Guatemala

Type: Terrestrial

Adult Size: 4 to 5 inches

Temperature: 70 to 80 degrees

Humidity: 60 to 70%

Temperment: Semi-aggressive and a bit skittish, they kick urticating hairs.

Speed: Medium

Diet: Spiderlings can be fed pinhead crickets, small roaches and small mealworms. Adults can be fed large crickets, roaches, mealworms/superworms. An occasional pinky mouse may be offered.

Housing: Adults can be kept in large critter keepers. Spiderlings may be kept in small critter keepers or deli cups.

Substrate: Peat moss/ potting soil mix. Make sure the potting soil is chemical free. You may give them a substrate depth of 4 to 5 inches so they can burrow.

Additional Info: If you don't offer them the depth of substrate to burrow, then place hides in the enclosure.

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Chilobrachys Huahini

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Regions Found: Thailand
Class: Terrestrial and arboreal
Adult Size: 15 and 20cm
Temperament: Very aggressive
Urticating Hairs: No
Tarantula Housing: Due to its nature this species can prefer either terrestrial and arboreal setups so provide as necessary to your tarantulas preference.
Temperature: 26-32°C (79-89°F)
Humidity: Approximately 70-80%

Diet : Livefood insects such as crickets, locust, butter worms, meal worms, superworms, houseflies and cockroaches.

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Monocentropus Balfouri

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Monocentropus Balfouri A gorgeous Blue tarantula commonly know as the Socotra Island Blue Baboon comes from a group of islands in the Indian ocean with the main island called Socotra. Which is located approx. 190 NM south of the Arabian Peninsula (important to remember for temps etc…) and although this is a very expensive spider it is still hardy and can be considered a good choice (if some what expensive) for anybodies first experience with old world tarantulas.


Housing

this is a very prolific Webber and will cover its cage in webbing. Apart from that it should be considered a burrower / terrestrial and the enclosure should be set up with this in mind.

Substrate should be about 6 inches for burrows. Some decoration can be added such as pieces of bark or plastic plants to give the spider places to web up and retreat to.

Adding a water dish is a sensible idea even though very low humidity is required. (Better safe then sorry with a couple of hundred pounds worth of spider!)

Other info

size small to medium adult size

growth is reasonably fast with maturity reached at around 2 years. Life span is still N/A as this species is to new to the hobby to know for sure.

Temperature 25 - 28 °C is ideal. Although it will tolerate 18°C to 36°C which may effect growth rates. And activity levels.

Humidity in the wild humidity is between 7% and 55% which can be hard to replicate in the UK so it is best to just leave it bone dry. With possibly a quick spray on the side of the tank once every so often.

Temperament M. Balfouriis shy but fast and comes with the usual Baboon attitude so watch your fingers!

Food crickets and the usual array of live foods will do fine.

Mating Females can be sexually mature at just 4 inch’s and as this species can be kept communally it is considered easy to mate.

Sexing. Males and females can be differensated by the colour markings on there legs males will typically have blue covering all the legs while females first leg segment if normally a lighter tan colour.

Straight Horned Baboon (Ceratogyrus marshalli)

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Range: The Straighthorned Baboon comes from southern Africa, in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Habitat: Semi-dry scrubland.
Size: Medium tarantulas. Females may get about 5" in legspan.
Attitude: Fairly defensive; will bite if provoked enough. Handling is not suggested.
Dwelling: These burrowers will dig and web a lot.
Ideal Setup: A 2.5 to 5 gallon space with enough peat/potting soil for digging in (fill it about 4-5 inches deep). Supply a water dish. They like it somewhat dry, but moistening the soil or misting may be appropriate in August/September to mimic the S. African wet season if desired. Keep the temperature around 75-80 degrees F if possible.

These are the most spectacular of the "horned" tarantulas, as the protrusion from the carapace is a large spike that may approach an inch in length in older individuals.
Like their cousins in the Pterinochilus genus, Ceratogyrus spp. prefer a dry habitat with room to burrow.
C. marshalli has dark legs after a molt, a mottled opisthosoma, the typical "starburst" on the carapace, and, of course, that great big ol' horn. The leg coloration is unique- it's more ash gray than the tawny tone of most Ceratogyrus spp.
The spermathecae of females are paired, not fused. They were formerly known as Ceratogyrus cornuatus until 2001.
Note: The horn is not an indication of a member of Ceratogyrus. In fact, half of the Ceratogyrus species have no horn.