Orange Baboon Tarantula (Pterinochilus Murinus)
The Pterinochilus murinus comes with many names. Orange Baboon tarantula, but more affectionately named by enthusiasts as ‘Orange bitey thing’. You do not have to search too hard online to find out why it has been given this name. It is a little angry orange ball of fangs and legs.
This is not just your average bad tempered tarantula, but a full blown aggressive little beast that will sometimes not even bother to give you the warning of a threat posture. Even though the bite itself will not kill you, it is said to be insanely painful. It is possible even walking past their enclosure will set them off.
The “OBT” can be easily distinguishable by its beautiful ginger hue, sandy start burst pattern, and it’s general threat posturing.
It is native to a majority of the continent of Africa. This is an incredibly popular choice for hobbyists. However it is incredibly unlikely you will see this little angry orange arachnid in your local pet store. Due to their extremely aggressive nature it is unlikely you will see them many places. It is usually left to enthusiasts and hobbyists to seek them out.
This falls into the mid-range size of tarantulas. Females can grow up to around 6 inches give or take, males around 4 inches.
They are an old world tarantula so rely on their bad tempers and nasty bite for protection. Luckily this species does not have irritating hairs. Which is just as well, the hairs combines with the bite would make it monstrous.
You will find this grumpy species in its own, or a den that is has taken over from another animal. It will line the front with a carpet of silk and sit and wait. This combined with the sensitive hairs on their legs allows them to sense any potential dinner in pounce range.
In captivity your “OBT will dig itself its own den. However, this species will appreciate a little hidey hole to hide away in initially.
Scientific name:
Pterinochilus murinus
Distribution:
Africa
Natural habitat:
Taking over abandoned animal burrows or making their own and lining it with silk.
Food:
This ferocious little beast will eat anything it can get its fangs into. This includes the usual; crickets, locusts, and the occasional small mammal.
Lifespan:
Your cranky lady should have a happy and healthy lifespan of around 12 years if well cared for.
Mating:
The male of this species is considerably smaller and more spindly compared to the female. So it is not surprise really that she will commonly turn him into a post mating snack. You can attempt to play referee if you dare.
Housing:
You need to take into consideration that this species can be on you in a heartbeat and it won’t be to welcome you. So an enclosure that opens from the top would be best all around.
If you need help buying an enclosure why not check out our enclosure review. Click here for the article.
Habitat layout:
This hardy little tarantula is not as fussy as some other species can be. They are very tolerant of a less humid environment. Plenty of substrate is needed as they like to burrow, plus some tree bark, or a hollowed area where they can set up shop. The basics are always required of course, a heated area so the OBT and pick and choose which area it prefers, and also access to fresh water.
Development rate:
Considering they are willing to battle anything up the same size of its body, it is little shock that this species develops very quickly.
Temperature:
Ranging from the late 70s and 80s. They are a pretty hardy species and do not require too much specialist care.
Personality:
The name truly gives it away. This spider is up for a fight at anytime, and will not be able to resist running at you while you attempt to feed it or change its water dish. This is a viewing only spider and only for hardcore and experienced keepers. This is a species you do not want a bite off.
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Reproduction:
Considering what a cantankerous species this is, the female even more so; it is hard to envision how mating could possible take place in any realm of the imagination. It is generally recommended that this feisty lady is very well fed before her suitor is introduced to her. If you can possibly believe it this species has been considered by my enthusiasts quite easy to breed. If all has gone well, this species should produce around 50-100 spider-lings.
