Pterinochilus murinus "Usambara" (Orange Baboon Tarantula) 1.5-2" MALE

Pterinochilus murinus 'Usambara' (Orange Baboon Tarantula)

The Orange Baboon Tarantula, or Pterinochilus murinus, is an Old World terrestrial tarantula, and this locality traces back to the Usambara Mountains region of Tanzania in East Africa. Adults of the Usambara form have a warm, golden yellow-orange base covering the legs, carapace (head), and abdomen, a noticeably softer tone than the brighter red-orange of the classic RCF form. Even as spiderlings, that yellow-orange is already visible and only grows richer with every molt, and this species only grows to about 4 to 5 inches in diagonal leg span, with a fast growth rate that gets it to full size in as little as 1 to 2 years. This species also has a long lifespan, with females reaching about 8 to 12 years while males live 2 to 3 years. This is a fast, reactive, bold display species, and one we recommend for keepers who already have some tarantula experience and want a high-energy animal to watch. Grab this iconic Orange Baboon Tarantula for sale today, offered here as a juvenile male.

Why do hobbyists keep the Usambara Orange Baboon Tarantula?

• Warm Yellow-Orange Coloration: The Usambara locality carries a noticeably warmer, more golden yellow-orange than the brighter red-orange of the classic RCF form.
• Heavy Webber: This species webs constantly and extensively, often connecting its hide to the surface with a dense sheet web that becomes part of the display on its own.
• Great Display Species: It rarely stays buried for long and is quick to come out at the slightest vibration, so you actually get to see the animal you bought.
• Fast Grower: With a fast growth rate, this species reaches full size and full display value sooner than most terrestrials in the hobby.
• Uncommon in the Hobby: Named localities like Usambara show up far less often than the plain RCF form, so this is a specific, traceable origin rather than the generic version of the species.

How should the Usambara Orange Baboon Tarantula be kept?

• Adult Size: Males of this species mature smaller and faster than females, typically in the 3 to 3.5 inch range, while females reach about 4 to 5 inches.
• Enclosure: A 10 by 10 by 6 inch enclosure with about 3 inches of substrate suits this size well.
• Rehousing: Males of this species often mature before needing a third enclosure, but if yours keeps growing, a 14 by 14 by 10 inch enclosure with about 4.5 inches of substrate is the long-term home.
• Temperature: 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the optimal range for most tropical and savanna species like this one. Cooler temperatures are survivable, but increase the odds of trouble molting and growing, so we recommend staying in this range for the best results. Most keepers do not need any extra heating to hit it.
• Humidity: Moderate humidity with good cross ventilation works well. Keep the substrate mostly dry and avoid overly damp conditions, misting lightly only if it has gone bone dry for an extended stretch.
• Water: A shallow textured water dish works well, something they can grip when climbing out.
• Diet: At this size, prey should measure about 3/8 to 1/2 inch, roughly the width of the carapace (head). Offer food at least once a week.
• Temperament: Skittish and quick to react, more likely to bolt for cover or flare up at a disturbance than sit still, which is exactly what makes feeding time so entertaining to watch. It is not a handled species, but it is a hardy, forgiving one to raise, tolerant of small care mistakes while it grows.

Are there any additional notes or considerations for the Usambara Orange Baboon Tarantula?

• Captive Bred: All tarantulas at Exotics Unlimited are captive bred.
• Confirmed Male: This individual has been visually confirmed as male. Please note male size may differ from the max size listed for this species, since in most spiders the females grow larger.

Listing Notes

• This listing is for a Pterinochilus murinus Usambara Orange Baboon Tarantula juvenile male measuring around 1.5 to 2 inches in diagonal leg span, which is the size given in the title, visually confirmed male.
• Looking for other sizes? This locality is also available as a 0.5-0.75" Spiderling, 1.5-2" Juvenile Female, 2-2.5" Female, or 2-2.5" Male.