Monocentropus Balfouri - Socotra Island Blue Baboon (Sling)

Socotra Island Blue Baboon Tarantula (Monocentropus balfouri)
SIP Code: IL-OW-SA-S-018
Region: Socotra Island, Yemen – arid granite caves and dry scrublands

Lore Fragment
"Born of wind-carved stone and salt air, Monocentropus balfouri moves like myth across the cliffs of Socotra. The islanders say it shares its home like a kingdom—fiercely guarded, yet filled with kin."

Overview
Monocentropus balfouri, the Socotra Island Blue Baboon, is one of the few tarantulas known for its communal behavior under controlled conditions. With brilliant powder-blue legs, a sandy carapace, and desert resilience, this Old World species is visually striking and behaviorally unique.

Though fast and potentially defensive, its intelligence, social tolerance, and architectural webbing make it a prized species among advanced keepers. Whether kept solo or in cautiously maintained communal setups, M. balfouri offers a rare glimpse into natural tarantula colony dynamics.

Behavior & Husbandry

Temperament: Defensive but intelligent; tolerates conspecifics in optimal conditions

Webbing: Heavy—builds silk tunnels and walls

Speed: Fast

Recommended For: Advanced keepers with strong enclosure control and experience

Care Profile

Enclosure Type: Terrestrial with vertical anchors and deep substrate

Substrate: 5–6 inches dry mix, optional rockwork and silk anchors

Temperature: 76–82°F

Humidity: 55–65% (dry with high ventilation)

Mature Size: 5–6 inches leg span (measured tip to tip)

Growth Rate: Fast

Feeding Guidelines

Slings: Micro crickets or fruit flies, 3x per week

Juveniles: Small roaches or crickets, twice weekly

Adults: Medium crickets or dubia roaches, once per week

Communal note: Feed generously and evenly to reduce cannibalism risk

All specimens are raised under arid, high-ventilation conditions modeled after Socotra’s harsh cliff ecosystems. Ships with our Live Arrival Guarantee.

Ships Monday - Wednesday