Monocentropus balfouri
Monocentropus balfouri, or Socotra Island Blue Baboon Tarantula, is a highly unique fossorial tarantula species native to Socotra Island, Yemen. It is renowned for its striking appearance, featuring blue legs, a creamy carapace, and a silvery abdomen, making it one of the most visually stunning Old World tarantulas.
Unlike most Old World species, the Socotra Blue Baboon has been successfully kept in communal setups under the right conditions. However, it is not advised due to the lack of research beyond anecdotal evidence for their true eusocial capabilities. It is a heavy webber, often covering its enclosure with dense silk structures and creating elaborate tunnel systems.
While generally not aggressive, it is fast and alert and should not be handled. It does not have urticating hairs and relies on speed and defensive posturing when threatened. Due to its stunning coloration, communal potential if necessary, and unique behavior, it is a favorite among experienced keepers.
Monocentropus balfouri, or Socotra Island Blue Baboon Tarantula, is a highly unique fossorial tarantula species native to Socotra Island, Yemen. It is renowned for its striking appearance, featuring blue legs, a creamy carapace, and a silvery abdomen, making it one of the most visually stunning Old World tarantulas.
Unlike most Old World species, the Socotra Blue Baboon has been successfully kept in communal setups under the right conditions. However, it is not advised due to the lack of research beyond anecdotal evidence for their true eusocial capabilities. It is a heavy webber, often covering its enclosure with dense silk structures and creating elaborate tunnel systems.
While generally not aggressive, it is fast and alert and should not be handled. It does not have urticating hairs and relies on speed and defensive posturing when threatened. Due to its stunning coloration, communal potential if necessary, and unique behavior, it is a favorite among experienced keepers.
Monocentropus balfouri, or Socotra Island Blue Baboon Tarantula, is a highly unique fossorial tarantula species native to Socotra Island, Yemen. It is renowned for its striking appearance, featuring blue legs, a creamy carapace, and a silvery abdomen, making it one of the most visually stunning Old World tarantulas.
Unlike most Old World species, the Socotra Blue Baboon has been successfully kept in communal setups under the right conditions. However, it is not advised due to the lack of research beyond anecdotal evidence for their true eusocial capabilities. It is a heavy webber, often covering its enclosure with dense silk structures and creating elaborate tunnel systems.
While generally not aggressive, it is fast and alert and should not be handled. It does not have urticating hairs and relies on speed and defensive posturing when threatened. Due to its stunning coloration, communal potential if necessary, and unique behavior, it is a favorite among experienced keepers.
What's the ideal diet for Socotra Island Blue Baboon Tarantula?
All Tarantulas can eat a variety of feeders. Stick to crickets, dubia roaches, silkworms, horned worms occasionally, and a superworm or mealworm as the occasional treat!
How should I keep a Socotra Island Blue Baboon Tarantula?
You can start with the Fossorial Fissure Small enclosure for this particular creature. When they are about ⅓ the size, you will want to go to the Fossorial Fissure Medium or Fossorial Fissure Large enclosure. Feed them as slings once a week, twice if their opisthosoma (abdomen) looks small, but if the opisthosoma is wider than their prosoma (pneumothorax), then wait a couple of days to feed. For juveniles or adults, stick to feeding once a week, nothing larger than their opisthosoma. Make sure to keep a full water dish at all times; wider and deeper is preferred.
How long could a Socotra Island Blue Baboon Tarantula live?
Females are believed to live upwards of 12+ years, and males not exceeding around 3 years of age. All estimates are based on multiple sources.
