Pterinochilus lugardi
-Tanzanian Blonde Baboon

Warning: Illegal to own in South Africa

Adult Size: 12 to 14cm (Females) | 10 to 12cm (Males)

Type: Old World, Fossorial

Growth Rate: Fast

Temperament: Defensive but tolerant

Lifespan: Females (10 to 12 years) | Males (2 to 3 years)

Origin: Large distribution over Southern Africa

Recommended Climate: 26-28°C (Summer), 20-24°C (Winter)

Recommended Humidity: 50% to 60%

Basic Enclosure Requirements: Terrestrial/Fossorial hybrid setup with lots of structure and at least 4 x the size of the spider in horizontal space, roughly 20 to 25cm of substrate to allow for burrowing with a water dish as always.

Photo Credit: L.R. Tarantulas and more

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Description

Scientific Name: Pterinochilus lugardi

Common Names: Tanzanian Blonde | Fort Hall | Grey Starburst | Dodoma | Morogoro – Baboon Spider

Known by many common names as you can see, Pterinochilus lugardi is a beautiful and sandy colored baboon spider from a large distribution across Southern Africa from Tanzania all the way down to Cape Town, South Africa. As beautiful as they are, all South African Hobbyists are not permitted to collect, keep, own or transport this species. They are a beautiful mix of sandy tones and have a gorgeous “skull” pattern mottled over their abdomens.

They are described as being slightly more tolerant and maybe even “calmer” than their more violent cousin, Pterinochilus murinus, the Orange Baboon Tarantula which is famous for it’s aggression and defensive behaviour. Deep substrate and lots of structure should be provided for this species to construct and web a safe suitable burrow from which to hunt. Throw in some leaf litter, loose bark and other debris to make it looks nice and authentic. You might even find this baboon spider building a “trap door” or webbed “flap” to it’s burrow, as some specimens are reported to have done in the wild (See “Rediscovering” video below).

Being a fossorial baboon spider, these are not generally visible during the day in captivity but will make appearances at night. They are feisty eaters and don’t allow any disturbance to go unchecked. Remember this is a blue-print old world species and if you are being shown a threat pose, the next step is a smack or a painful, old world envenomed bite.

Video Not in English but has great visuals of this Pterinochilus lugardi

Local South African Production Showing the “Flap” or “TrapDoor” Created by Pterinochilus lugardi