Pterinochilus murinus 'Usambara' (Orange Baboon Tarantula)

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.

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: Hatchlings start around 0.5 to 0.75 inch, and adults reach about 4 to 5 inches in diagonal leg span. Each size below has its own exact enclosure dimensions and prey measurement.
• Enclosure: Enclosure sizing depends on which size you choose below, each size page gives the exact dimensions for that animal.
• Rehousing: The cage path for this species runs from a small starting enclosure up through two more sizes as it grows; each size page below tells you exactly where that animal is on that path.
• 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 a quarter of its current leg span, listed on each size page, 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.

Which size should I choose?

• 0.5-0.75" Spiderling ($29): Our starting size for this locality, and your cheapest way to collect this color form from a young age.
• 1.5-2" MALE Juvenile ($65): A confirmed, well-started male, past the fragile spiderling stage. Please note male size may differ from the max size listed for this species, since in most spiders the females grow larger.
• 1.5-2" FEMALE Juvenile ($150): A confirmed, well-started female for anyone who wants a long-term keeper without starting from hatch size.
• 2-2.5" FEMALE ($175): A larger confirmed female, closer to full adult coloration and size.
• 2-2.5" MALE ($75): A larger confirmed male.
• 0.75" Spiderling, free with a qualifying purchase of $150: Available free with a qualifying purchase of invertebrates, which includes tarantulas, spiders, centipedes and scorpions.
• 0.5" Spiderling, free with a qualifying purchase of $50: Available free with a qualifying purchase of invertebrates, which includes tarantulas, spiders, centipedes and scorpions.

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

• Captive Bred: All tarantulas at Exotics Unlimited are captive bred.
• About the Locality: Usambara refers to the Usambara Mountains region of Tanzania, where this color form was originally collected, distinguishing it from the plain RCF form and other named localities we carry.

Frequently asked questions about the Usambara Orange Baboon Tarantula

• What is the difference between the RCF, Usambara, and Black Botswana-Zimbabwe forms? All three are the same species, Pterinochilus murinus, differing only in color form and locality. RCF is the classic, brightest red-orange version. Usambara, named for the Usambara Mountains of Tanzania, carries a warmer, more golden yellow-orange. The Black Botswana-Zimbabwe form is the darkest and rarest, with a black base accented in white and gold. Care is identical across all three; only the coloration and origin differ.