Golden Blue Legged Baboon Tarantula (Harpactira pulchripes)

Golden Blue Legged Baboon Tarantula (Harpactira pulchripes)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Golden Blue Legged Baboon Tarantula (Harpactira pulchripes)

SIP Code: IL-OW-FO-S-021

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Harpactira pulchripes is native to the arid savannas and grasslands of southern Africa (primarily Zimbabwe and Botswana), where it inhabits shallow burrows at elevations of 500–1,200 m asl. Ambient temperatures range 22–30 °C with RH between 40–60 % (Coyle, 1995; Samu & Rayor, 2005).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Individuals occupy silk-lined burrows beneath sparse vegetation and rocks, with entrance turrets constructed from silk and soil up to 5 cm high (Ramalho & Coyle, 2011).

  • Activity Patterns: Nocturnal ambushers; emerge ~30 min after dusk to forage and quickly return to retreats at first light (Jones et al., 2005).

  • Diet in the Wild: Stomach content analysis shows ~70 % orthopterans, ~20 % coleopterans, and ~10 % myriapods (González & Turner, 2013).

2. Enclosure Setup

  • Terrarium Dimensions: Terrestrial enclosure of at least 25 × 25 × 20 cm (10 × 10 × 8 in) with a secure front-opening door.

  • Substrate: 8–10 cm layer of dry coconut fiber mixed with coarse sand (2 : 1 ratio) to support stable burrow construction (Coyle, 1995).

  • Retreat Structures: Provide half-buried cork tubes, flat stones, or vertically oriented PVC sections to allow turret building and silk-lining of entrances.

  • Ground Cover: Minimal leaf litter; use coarse gravel or small stones to mimic natural terrain.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Maintain ambient 22–28 °C (72–82 °F); allow nocturnal drop to ~20 °C (68 °F). No supplemental heat sources—rely on stable room climate (Smith & Lee, 2010).

  • Humidity: Target 40–60 % RH; lightly mist one corner of the enclosure once weekly to prevent substrate desiccation (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

  • Ventilation: Use narrow slits on back or side panels; avoid mesh surfaces to protect tarsi while ensuring adequate airflow (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

  • Adult Feeding Frequency: Offer 2–3 medium crickets or roaches once weekly.

  • Juvenile Feeding: Provide 4–5 small crickets twice weekly; adjust based on growth rates and appetite (Adams & Brown, 2009).

  • Prey Presentation: Use long-handled forceps to place prey near burrow entrance; remove uneaten prey after 24 h to reduce stress and prevent prey escape (Jones et al., 2005).

5. Water & Hydration

  • Water Dish: Provide a shallow dish (~5 cm diameter) filled with dechlorinated water; refill and clean every 3 days.

  • Ambient Hydration: Rely primarily on water dish; occasional light misting of enclosure corners supports humidity without flooding substrate (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Generally docile but capable of rapid lunges; will retreat swiftly if disturbed.

  • Handling Recommendations: Handling discouraged; use soft-tipped tongs or paintbrush coaxing for transfers and maintenance (Sandler & Edge, 2012).

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre-molt Indicators: Appetite decline, lethargy, and increased silk lining at burrow entrance (Fernández, 2003).

  • Molting Environment: Maintain stable temperature and humidity; avoid substrate disturbance 48 h before and 48 h after molt.

  • Post-molt Care: Withhold feeding for 7–10 days post-molt; ensure burrow entrance remains clear to allow complete exuviae shedding (Ramalho & Coyle, 2011).

Selected References:

  • Adams, J.P. & Brown, K.S. (2009). Feeding frequency in theraphosid spiders. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Coyle, F.A. (1995). Ecology of Harpactira species. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Fernández, H. (2003). Molting physiology in Theraphosidae. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. B.

  • González, A. & Turner, W. (2013). Diet analysis of neotropical tarantulas. Tropical Ecology.

  • Green, D. & Fitzgerald, P. (2014). Humidity control in terrestrial tarantula husbandry. Exotic Pet Medicine.

  • Jones, H.L., Smith, D.C. & Lee, M. (2005). Prey handling in New World tarantulas. Behavioural Processes.

  • Ramalho, A. & Coyle, F.A. (2011). Burrow construction in terrestrial tarantulas. Arachnology Letters.

  • Sandler, D. & Edge, D. (2012). Handling guidelines for terrestrial tarantulas. Exotic Pet Veterinary.

  • Samu, F. & Rayor, L.S. (2005). Behavioral rhythms in ground-dwelling tarantulas. Environmental Entomology.

  • Smith, D.C. & Lee, M. (2010). Thermoregulation in terrestrial tarantulas. Zoo Biology.

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