Kilimanjaro mustard baboon

Summary/Introduction

Kilimanjaro mustard baboon is a ground-dwelling, old-world spider. Baboon spiders are known to be African bird spiders (belonging to Harpactirinae, a sub-family of tarantulas). They are not very colorful and don’t grow large in size. . Kilimanjaro mustard baboons have golden radial lines in contrast with the black, grey, or beige carapace. These feisty tarantulas are prolific webbers. Kilimanjaro mustard baboons lack urticating hair; however they make up for that by biting. Their venom is potent and can result in hospitalization. 

Kilimanjaro mustard baboons are not recommended for beginners due to its aggressive nature.

Scientific Name

The scientific name for Kilimanjaro mustard baboon is Pterinochilus chordates. Real Baboon spiders refer to spiders belonging to the Pterinochilus species.

Geographical distribution

Kilimanjaro mustard baboon is native to the East African continent. It is found in the lands between South Kordofanian, Sudan in the north, to Tanzania in the south.

Preferred natural habitat

The natural habitat of Kilimanjaro mustard baboon includes savanna woodlands, dry scrublands, and grasslands. Since the Kilimanjaro mustard baboon is a terrestrial spider, it loves to live in silk-lined burrows that it builds using its fangs and chelicerae. When feels in danger, it hides under debris, leaves , tree trunks and stones. 

Preferred food in the wild

Kilimanjaro mustard baboons are ravenous eaters and can easily ambush their prey. They usually hunt insects and devour them.

Personality

Kilimanjaro mustard baboon is aggressive in nature. It is more likely to attack when disturbed or provoked, so the keepers have to be very careful. Her bite is quite painful, and venom is potent. These tarantulas are nocturnal as they prefer to hide during the day and come out at dusk or night. They camouflage their burrow entrance which makes it hard to spot them in the wild.

Feeding as a pet

Kilimanjaro mustard baboon is a ravenous eater and can be fed live crickets, fireflies, grasshopper, mealworms, cockroaches, or flying insects such as moths. Adult Kilimanjaro mustard baboons can be fed pinkies and small fuzzies as well. They refuse food when they are near molting. Any uneaten food should be immediately removed from the enclosure to prevent mites or spiders from stressing.

Life span of both male and female

Male Kilimanjaro mustard baboon can live about 3-4 years, while the life span of female Kilimanjaro mustard baboon is much longer, nearly 12 years.

Pet enclosure type

Kilimanjaro mustard baboons are to be kept in large horizontal enclosures of up to 5 gallons in volume. It would be best if you had terrariums that allow at least 7 inches deep substrate. Heating equipment is required in enclosures to provide the adequate temperature of up to 26-28°C (Summer), 20-24°C (Winter), and humidity of 50% to 60%.

The terrarium should be well ventilated to allow cross ventilation as the damp condition can be disastrous and result in a sick spider.

Pet enclosure habitat layout

this species is the opportunist burrower, so it is crucial to have up to 7 inches deep substrate. Moss, Vermiculite, coconut fiber, and potting compost can used as substrate. You need to place a typical dish of 2inches diameter with water inside. However, it is not sure if they like to drink or not. Since they don’t like wet places and do well in the dry substrate, so moist the substrate only once a month and mist it weekly.

Mating / reproducing

Mating is a smooth process; however, cannibalism can happen. Therefore make sure female Kilimanjaro mustard baboons are well-fed before introducing them to make spiders. You have to be very careful as sometimes if the mother is stressed, she can eat the eggs as a defensive response, so better remove the egg sac. However, it has its pros and cons. 

The slings of Kilimanjaro mustard baboon disperse quickly, and even they can cannibalize on each other.

Development rate

It’s a fast-growing species and grows up to 5 inches. With constant feeding and adequate temperatures, they can grow up to 2 inches in a year which is a fascinating growth rate.

So if you are looking for a colorful, large-sized, or calm tarantula, then Kilimanjaro mustard baboon might not be the one for you.

for more African Species of Tarantula please visit African Species