King Baboon (Pelinobius Muticus)

This is the heavyweight champ of African tarantulas. The King Baboon brings a prehistoric, armored look and a no-nonsense temperament. It's a powerhouse burrower, a tank in personality and appearance — and definitely not afraid to throw up a threat pose if you mess with its turf.

Quick Facts

Common Name: King Baboon

Scientific Name: Pelinobius muticus

Origin: East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania)

Size: Up to 8 inches (20 cm) leg span

Lifespan:

• Females: 20–25+ years
• Males: 5–8 years

Temperament: Defensive, reclusive, and very territorial

Coloration

Burnt orange to rusty brown — almost coppery

Thick, powerful legs and dense body hair give it a “tanked-up” look

Slight iridescence under certain lighting

Juveniles often duller, but color intensifies with age

Housing & Care

Enclosure Type: Terrestrial deep burrower — 10"+ substrate is ideal

Substrate: Moist, compactable mix (coco fiber, topsoil, clay blend)

Humidity: 60–70%, keep the burrow area humid

Temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C)

Decor:

• Start with a deep starter burrow — it’ll take it from there
• Minimal decor needed, but a few anchor points (bark, moss) help
• Keep the vibe dry on top, damp below — classic arid burrower

Expect deep tunnels and almost no surface activity. They love their underground fortress.

Feeding

Diet: Roaches, crickets, mealworms — even small locusts

Feeding Schedule:

• Slings: 2–3x/week
• Juveniles: Weekly
• Adults: Every 10–14 days

Bold eater — strikes fast, especially if near the burrow entrance

Why It’s Legendary

One of the most iconic old-world tarantulas

Insanely impressive burrowing behavior

Thick, armored look makes it a favorite for hardcore collectors

Known for drumming — yes, it "stridulates" by rubbing legs to warn threats

Long-lived and slow-growing — a serious commitment

Notes

Not for handling — strong threat posture, will bite if provoked

Strong fangs and potentially painful bite (no known fatalities, but ouch)

Needs deep, humid substrate to thrive

Mostly reclusive — a pet hole, but a fascinating one