Fort Hall
Baboon Tarantula
Pterinochilus lugardi (Araneae: Theraphosidae)
Fort Hall Baboon Tarantulas are one of several species of Pterinochilus (the popular name doesn't mean anything, but I've included it here since many people who view my site are not keen on proper Latin names). Scientists still have a lot to learn about the taxonomy and different species of the genus Pterinochilus. These spiders lack the urticating hairs of the New World tarantulas, but can be quite defensive. These obligate burrowers may remain secluded in their burrows for long periods of time.
Captive Requirements
| Housing: | 10 to 20 L cage for large adults |
| Communal: | No |
| Diet: | Crickets, cockroaches |
| Substrate: | At least 10 cm of soil or peat moss |
| Decor: | Cork bark, flower pot, or wood hideout, water dish |
| Temperature: | 21.1 to 26.7° C (70 to 80° F) |
| Humidity: | Low |
| Temperament: | Secluded and skittish |
| Considerations: | Not for beginners |
***Tana***
I got Tana on November 9, 2002. I have not gotten to know her very well yet. She doesn't seem as aggressive as other Pterinochilus that I have seen, and I have handled her (about twice), but she is skittish and VERY fast. She dug a shallow burrow and comes out only when she feels the need to bite the hand that feeds her (hasn't tagged me yet though). She has molted at least once in my care and I was unable to retrieve most of the molt as it was deep inside her burrow.
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| Nov. 16, 2002 | Apr. 15, 2003 | May 4, 2003: with roach (Blaptica dubia) |
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| Feb. 11, 2004: Tana was summoned
from her burrow to get a cockroach (2nd picture), but instead she got angry. |
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Copyright © 2002-2006 By Emily Tenczar
LINKS:
(I haven't found a page devoted to this
species yet, but care is similar to that for Pterinochilus murinus.)
Mombasa golden starburst tarantula caresheet (Arachnophiliac)
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