Monocentropus Balfouri - Socotra Island Blue Baboon (Sling)

SIP Code: IL-OW-FO-S-007
Scientific Name: Monocentropus balfouri (Pocock, 1897)
Common Names: Socotra Island Blue Baboon Tarantula

Shipping Monday – Wednesday

Origin / Habitat

Endemic to Socotra Island, Yemen. Inhabits dry rocky hillsides, caves, and shrub-covered plateaus. The region is arid, warm year-round, with strong oceanic winds and low humidity. M. balfouri constructs deep silk-lined burrows and extensive communal retreats among stones and roots.

Category

Old World Fossorial / Semi-Communal

Adult Size

Females: 5 – 6 in (12 – 15 cm) leg span
Males: slender and short-lived

Temperament / Behavior

Defensive but not aggressive; more likely to retreat than strike. Known for its unusual communal tolerance when raised from the same sac. Produces heavy silk webbing that extends across the entire enclosure. Displays strong feeding response and complex social behavior when kept in groups.

Recommended Enclosure

Provide a terrestrial setup with 6 – 8 in of dry to slightly moist substrate for burrowing. Add multiple hides, rocks, and bark to support communal web networks. Maintain ample ventilation and a stable thermal gradient. Avoid bright light and frequent disturbance.

Temperature & Humidity

Temperature: 75 – 84 °F (24 – 29 °C)
Humidity: 55 – 65 % RH (with localized moist zones for web anchoring)
Ventilation: Moderate to High — dry air with occasional mist at one corner

Diet / Feeding Frequency

Slings: Micro crickets or fruit flies 2–3× per week
Juveniles: Small crickets or roach nymphs twice weekly
Adults: Medium crickets or dubia roaches once weekly
Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours.

Growth Rate & Lifespan

Moderate-to-fast growth. Females mature in 2 – 3 years and live up to 12 – 14 years. Males typically survive 3 – 4 years post-maturity.

Handling / Caution

Handling not recommended. While less reactive than many Old World species, bites remain medically significant. Use tongs for maintenance and avoid separating co-habiting juveniles unless necessary.

Invert-Labs – Summary

The Socotra Island Blue Baboon is renowned for its electric blue legs, ivory carapace, and rare communal tolerance. It thrives in dry, well-ventilated enclosures with ample space for webbing and burrow complexes. For keepers seeking a captivating display species with unique social dynamics, M. balfouri is a standout Old World choice.

Care Snapshot

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Temperament: Defensive / Communal Tolerant
Enclosure: Terrestrial / Fossorial (Communal Optional)
Temperature: 75 – 84 °F
Humidity: 55 – 65 %
Growth / Lifespan: Moderate to Fast | 12 – 14 yrs (female)

Beginner Guidance

Suited for keepers with some Old World experience. If attempting a communal setup, start with siblings from the same sac and provide ample space and resources to reduce conflict.