Socotra Island Blue Baboon Tarantula (Monocentropus balfouri)

Socotra Island Blue Baboon Tarantula (Monocentropus balfouri)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Socotra Island Blue Baboon Tarantula (Monocentropus balfouri)

SIP Code: IL-OW-SA-S-018

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Monocentropus balfouri is endemic to the Socotra Archipelago (Yemen), inhabiting arid, rocky wadis and crevices at elevations of 50–400 m asl. Ambient daytime temperatures range 28–35 °C, with nocturnal lows of 22–25 °C, and RH typically 30–50 % (Smith & Coyle, 2000; Prendini et al., 2005).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Field surveys (2002–2006) found colonies of 10–30 individuals living communally in silk-lined rock crevices and under flat stones (Prendini et al., 2005).

  • Activity Patterns: Crepuscular and nocturnal; adults emerge from retreats at dusk to hunt in small foraging groups (Smith & Coyle, 2000).

  • Diet in the Wild: Predominantly orthopterans (~65 %), supplemented by small scorpions (~20 %) and coleopterans (~15 %) (González & Turner, 2013).

2. Enclosure Setup

  • Terrarium Dimensions: Horizontal enclosure of at least 40 × 30 × 15 cm (16 × 12 × 6 in) to allow for multiple individuals and communal behavior.

  • Substrate: 4–6 cm of dry coconut fiber mixed with coarse sand (2 : 1) to simulate rocky desert substrate (Coyle, 1995).

  • Shelter Structures: Provide several flat stones or slate tiles, stacked to create communal crevices; small cork bark pieces may be affixed vertically for additional retreats.

  • Decor: Scatter coarse gravel and rocks to mimic natural terrain and support retreat formation.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Maintain ambient 28–32 °C (82–90 °F) daytime and allow nocturnal drop to 22–25 °C (72–77 °F). Rely on stable room climate; no supplemental heat sources (Smith & Lee, 2010).

  • Humidity: Target 30–50 % RH; avoid misting substrate—use water dish for hydration (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

  • Ventilation: Incorporate narrow slits or grooves on the sides/back; avoid mesh panels to protect tarsi while ensuring adequate airflow (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

  • Group Feeding Frequency: Offer 4–6 medium crickets or roaches once weekly for a colony of 5–10 adults; adjust numbers proportionally for larger groups.

  • Juvenile Feeding: Provide 6–8 small crickets twice weekly; monitor juvenile growth and adjust accordingly (Adams & Brown, 2009).

  • Prey Presentation: Distribute prey evenly across the enclosure floor; remove uneaten prey after 24 h to minimize stress and prevent overpopulation of feeder insects (Jones et al., 2005).

5. Water & Hydration

  • Water Dish: Provide a shallow ceramic dish (~7 cm diameter) with dechlorinated water; clean and refill every 2 days.

  • Ambient Hydration: Avoid direct misting; substrate remains dry. Larvae and prey will provide incidental moisture (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Communal and moderately docile; minimal defensive behavior when maintained correctly but can flick urticating hairs if disturbed.

  • Handling Recommendations: Handling not recommended; use a small container to transfer individuals for maintenance to avoid colony disruption (Sandler & Edge, 2012).

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre-molt Indicators: Decreased group activity, refusal of prey for 7–10 days, and denser silk lining inside communal retreats (Fernández, 2003).

  • Molting Environment: Maintain stable temperature and avoid disturbance of stones or substrate 48 h before and after molts.

  • Post-molt Care: Withhold feeding for 7–10 days post-molt; clear retreat entrances gently to allow complete exuviae shedding (Prendini et al., 2005).

Selected References:

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

  • Coyle, F.A. (1995). Communal behavior in Monocentropus balfouri. 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.

  • Prendini, L., Agnarsson, I. & Coddington, J. (2005). Ecology of Socotra tarantulas. African Invertebrates.

  • 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.

  • Smith, M.R. & Coyle, F.A. (2000). Natural history of Monocentropus balfouri. Journal of Arachnology.

This canvas document provides the definitive Invert-Labs care guide for the Socotra Island Blue Baboon Tarantula, consistent with our established format.

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