Defining Characteristics: 

• One of the largest African species, females can get up to an 8 inch diagonal legspan
• An easier-to-keep Old World spider—they like nothing more than a container full of deep dirt, peace & quiet
• While their care requirements are pretty simple, due to the defensive nature of this spider we do not suggest them for beginners
• One of the few species that can stridulate, making an audible buzzing sound to warn others to back off

Name: Pelinobius muticus is commonly known as the King Baboon Tarantula. The Genus Pelinobius was coined by German arachnologist Ferdinand Karsch in 1885. It is derived from Greek words: pēlos (meaning "mud" or "clay") and bios (meaning "life"). This aptly describes the species' fossorial nature. The species epithet, muticus translates as “maimed” or “cut off”. This refers to the thickened back legs of mature females.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Pelinobius muticus is a fossorial species, meaning this animal will spend a lot of time underground and may need additional substrate to burrow. The surface area of the enclosure should be no less than 2 times the spider's diagonal leg span in one direction and 3 times the diagonal leg span in the other. We recommend against allowing your fossorial spider more than 2 times their diagonal leg span as head space above their substrate, as a fall from any higher could result in serious injury.

The enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate 2-3 inches of substrate for slings and 5+ inches for adults. Arachnid BioBedding is our top pick for substrate, as it was developed specifically with the needs of tarantulas in mind! ABG Mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, as well.

They will benefit from a variety of terrarium furniture as well to climb on and foliage to hide behind. Live plants can be beneficial to air quality. 

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s, so a temperature of 80° is ideal. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 or spiking above 85 degrees should be avoided. A reliable thermometer is strongly recommended.

Humidity: This species thrives in a dry environment, so the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 15 and 40%. Spiderlings should be kept on lightly moist substrate, and adults with mostly dry substrate. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier or dehumidifier to achieve this environment.

The enclosure sides and décor should be spritzed at least lightly around twice a week to provide your animal droplets to drink from, but do not spray your spider directly.  A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments.

Size: At the time of sale, this animal will be around 3/4-1 inch. Females can grow to be up to 7 inches, and typically the males are a bit smaller. We use diagonal leg span to measure our spiders.

Age: Before making this species available to our customers, we ensure that they are well-established. This means our spiders are generally molted to a minimum of third instar and will have hatched two to three months prior to being listed for sale.

For spiders that we have not produced in house, we like to get 2 to 3 solid feedings in as well as the aforementioned minimums. They go through a 2-week minimum quarantine process to ensure the health of the animal. 

For this species, the average lifespan is 4 to 6 years in males, and 30+  years in females when provided an adequate environment. They are currently approximately 6 to 10 months old.

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating 2 to 3 - 1/4 inch crickets per week. There are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms as size is appropriate. Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well-rounded nutrition.

We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement.

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on its age, the hardening process could take anywhere from 48 hours all the way up to a week.

Sexing: Due to age, Pelinobius muticus sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed.

Check out our individually listed spiders to see if we have what you’re looking for!

Color/Pattern: As spiderlings they are a mid-brown color. As they mature, they go from generic brown sling coloration to a rich rusty color.

Social Behavior: Pelinobius muticus is not a sociable animal and should be housed as an individual. Attempts at cohabitation can result in cannibalism. 

This species spends most of its time underground, in a silk lined burrow. They are quick to throw a threat pose—this is not a bluff!

Natural Range: Pelinobius muticus are native to Tanzania and Kenya in dry scrubland.

History in the Hobby: Pelinobius muticus entered the exotic pet trade in the 1980s and 1990s as the hobby shifted toward importing African species.

 Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards.com
• TarantulaForum.com
• TheTarantulaCollective.com

Still not sure if Pelinobius muticus from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!