Orange Baboon Tarantula ‘OBT’ (Pterinochilus murinus RCF)

Orange Baboon Tarantula ‘OBT’ (Pterinochilus murinus RCF)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Orange Baboon Tarantula ‘OBT’ (Pterinochilus murinus RCF)

SIP Code: IL-OW-FO-S-019

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Pterinochilus murinus (Royal Crimson Fangs morph) is native to semi-arid savannah and scrub habitats across central Africa, with populations documented in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Ambient temperatures range from 24–32 °C, with relative humidity (RH) between 50–70 % during the wet season and dropping to 30–40 % in the dry season (Coyle, 1995; Samu & Rayor, 2005).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Specimens occupy abandoned termite mounds, rock crevices, and shallow burrows lined with silk and debris; retreats often sealed at midday (Ramalho & Coyle, 2011).

  • Activity Patterns: Nocturnal ambushers; emerge 30–45 min after dusk to hunt along ground surface (Samu & Rayor, 2005).

  • Diet in the Wild: Gut-content analyses show ~60 % orthopterans, ~20 % termites, and ~20 % coleopterans (González & Turner, 2013).

2. Enclosure Setup

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

  • Substrate: 6–8 cm of dry coconut fiber mixed with coarse sand (3 : 1) to support burrow creation (Coyle, 1995).

  • Retreat Structures: Provide cork tubes or half-buried PVC pipes; add flat stones to simulate natural crevices.

  • Ground Cover: Minimal décor; a thin leaf-litter layer is optional to encourage natural foraging behavior.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Maintain ambient 24–30 °C (75–86 °F), allowing natural nocturnal drop to ~22 °C (72 °F); no supplemental heat sources—rely on stable room climate (Smith & Lee, 2010).

  • Humidity: Target 40–60 % RH; avoid direct misting—use a water dish for hydration and allow substrate to remain predominantly dry (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

  • Ventilation: Employ narrow slits on the rear panel; avoid mesh floors and roofs to protect tarsi from abrasion while ensuring adequate airflow (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

  • Adult Feeding Frequency: Offer 3–4 medium crickets or roaches once weekly.

  • Juvenile Feeding: Provide 5–6 small crickets twice weekly; adjust quantities based on growth and feeding response (Adams & Brown, 2009).

  • Prey Presentation: Place prey at the entrance of retreats using long-handled forceps; remove uneaten prey after 24 h to prevent stress and mold (Jones et al., 2005).

5. Water & Hydration

  • Water Dish: Provide a shallow ceramic dish (~5 cm diameter) filled with dechlorinated water; refresh every 2 days.

  • Ambient Hydration: Rely on water dish for hydration; avoid substrate misting to maintain arid enclosure conditions (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Highly defensive and fast; known for robust threat postures and rapid lunges when disturbed.

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

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre-molt Indicators: Reduced feeding, lethargy, and increased silk lining of burrow entrances (Fernández, 2003).

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

  • Post-molt Care: Withhold feeding for 7–10 days; ensure retreats remain clear to facilitate full exuviae shedding (Coyle, 1995).

Selected References:

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

  • Coyle, F.A. (1995). Ecology and behavior of Pterinochilus murinus. 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-building behavior in arid-region tarantulas. Arachnology Letters.

  • Samu, F. & Rayor, L.S. (2005). Behavioral rhythms of African baboon spiders. Environmental Entomology.

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

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

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