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Blue Baboon Tarantula

Monocentropus balfouri

About the Blue Baboon Tarantula

conservation status: data deficient

Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Family: Theraphosidae
Genus: Monocentropus
Species: balfouri

Blue baboon tarantulas are striking, burrowing spiders from Socotra Island and the Horn of Africa. Males shine in vibrant blue, while females sport a subtler grey-blue. Unlike many tarantulas, they lack urticating hairs—barbed bristles used for defense. Generally docile, especially females, they live solitary lives in warm, arid climates. Though mildly venomous, their bites are not known to be deadly. If one seals itself inside its burrow, it’s likely molting—a process during which it won’t eat or emerge.

Committed to Conservation

The blue baboon tarantula is one of nearly 700 species found exclusively on Socotra, an island off the coast of Yemen. As with many endemic island species, it faces significant threats to its survival. Human settlement over thousands of years has led to extensive habitat degradation, which accelerated in 2015 due to deforestation linked to civil war. Additionally, illegal wildlife trafficking has emerged as a growing threat, likely impacting wild populations as this species gains popularity in the pet trade. To support conservation efforts, it is crucial to ensure that captive individuals come from reputable breeders rather than being taken from the wild.

You can help!
Responsible pet ownership is a great way to protect wildlife. Before bringing home a new pet, ask where the animal came from and if it is legal to own where you live. Learn more about our work to save animals from illegal trafficking.

About the Blue Baboon Tarantula

Appearance:
At full maturity, males display a more vibrant blue, while females are grey-blue in color. Unlike many New World tarantulas, this species lacks urticating hairs—barbed bristles that embed in a predator’s skin as a primary defense mechanism.

Size:

  • Body Length: 2.5 inches
  • Diagonal Leg Span: 7 inches

Diet:
Adults eat approximately every 6-14 days. Spiderlings are fed more frequently, every 5-10 days.

Reproduction:
Females reach sexual maturity at around two years of age, while males mature slightly faster. A female may lay up to two egg sacs, which she incubates and guards until the hatchlings molt or reach their second instar (developmental stage), as they cannot survive independently before this point.

Behavior:
Blue baboon tarantulas are burrowing spiders that weave webs at the entrance of their burrows. If one completely seals itself inside, it’s usually a sign that it is molting and will not eat during this time.

Generally docile, females tend to be calmer than males. When threatened, they may display defensive posturing by raising their front legs.
In the wild, this species has not been observed living communally.

Habitat/range:
These scorpions are an Old World terrestrial species native to Socotra Island, off the coast of Yemen, and the Horn of Africa. They thrive in tropical to semi-desert climates with moderate temperatures and rainfall. Their ideal temperature range is 70–75°F, and they can tolerate humidity levels as low as 5%.

Threats:
Illegal acquisition from the wild.

Median Life Expectancy:

  • Females: 12-14 years
  • Males: 3-4 years

Fun Fact:
Blue baboon tarantulas are classed as “mildly venomous” but have caused no deaths.