Tarantulas of the World

The Rear Horned Baboon tarantula (Ceratogyrus darlingi) or sometimes referred to as the Burst Horned Baboon is an Old World (OW) arachnid from the southern parts of Africa. Indigenous to Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe they grow to be about 4.5 to 5 inches in size with females being a lot bigger then their male counterparts. This is a very fast growing species. Females are known to live 10 to 15 years while males can mature within 2 years and typically live between 2 and 4 years. This is one of the most common Ceratogyrus species in the hobby highly admired due to its carapace/peltidium featuring a black slightly reared foveal horn. The Rear Horned Baboon tarantula’s coloring are ash gray, mud-brown to black.

(Photo credit: @arachnophobaea)

Habitat: The rear horned baboon (Ceratogyrus darlingi) is an obligate burrower and terrestrial tarantula. As slings they should be kept in damp substrate in small vials and as they grow in deli cups. This is a very fast growing tarantula and you can expect a few molts a year until they reach maturity. Fully grown they only need about a 5 gallon tank with a somewhat dry substrate. Be sure to add plenty of substrate as this tarantula will start burrowing and tunneling within days of being housed. You can add a starter hide which may or may not get used. A water dish should be available and it is recommended to overfill this at least once a week. Temperature should be kept around 78° to 80° F with a humidity of 60% to 70%. This tarantula is notorious for webbing up its home and you will notice that right away.

Feeding: This tarantula eats EVERYTHING you throw its way. A steady diet of crickets, roaches, locusts, and other insects should be fine. They are ferocious and will pounce on anything even when they’re small little slings. As always feed your tarantula about once a week and be sure to remove any prey if not touched after 24 hours. If your tarantula is in pre-molt stages do not feed and wait at least a week and a half to re-feed after it molts.

Attitude: Being that Ceratogyrus darlingi is an Old World tarantula they are known for being aggressive. They do not come equipped with urticating hairs and rely on their bite and venom for protection. Though this is a very common species in the hobby we do not recommend this being a beginner tarantula at all. Their venom is equivalent to a bee sting but can still pack a punch. Common symptoms of a bite include; nausea, muscle aches, headache. If an allergic reaction occurs seek medical attention.

Do you have a Ceratogyrus darlingi ? Comment below!

Known as one of the largest species of tarantulas in the world, this tarantula comes straight from Guyana. Adults have a leg span anywhere between 9 to 11 inches in length. Mature (ultimate) males  lack mating spurs (tibial apophyses), they have pink tarsi (feet) as spiderlings and juveniles. As Adults their patella (knee) will also be bald or have next to no/small hairs. These tarantulas are heavy bodied and posses a distinct burgandy/brown post molt color with reddish bristle-like looking legs and abdomen.

Habitat:

The Burgundy Goliath Birdeater Tarantula are big terrestrials. The Burgundy Goliath Birdeater Tarantula will need an enclosure that is more wide then it is tall. They are fast growers and as adults should be kept in a 15-20 gallon tank giving it ample space to move. The Burgandy Goliath Birdeater requires some humidity (we recommend 75 to 80% humidity) with a temperature of 80 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit to emulate its environment in the wild. Your substrate is key. We recommend damp coconut fiber but vermiculite can also do well, both with weekly water spraying. In addition to humidity your tarantula will require ample ventilation. Prevent stagnant air as this can do harm and even kill your tarantula. A bark hide is recommended as a startup hide, your tarantula will probably end up burrowing underneath it and make its own home. An overflowing water dish should always be present with clean water. Pesticide-free plants and moss can be added but not required.

Feeding:

The Burgandy Goliath Birdeater is a voracious eater to keep up with its fast growth. Any variety of gut-loaded crickets, roaches, locusts, mealworms, superworms can be a healthy and great meal for your tarantula. As full adults you might be able to also feed your tarantula small lizards and mice though we would recommend this be a rare snack for your tarantula to prevent any calcium buildup in your tarantula. As always any prey not consumed within 24 hours should be immediately removed from the enclosure to prevent harm/stress to your tarantula.

Attitude:

The Burgandy Goliath Birdeater is known for having one of the most irritating urticating hairs of all tarantulas. As slings and juveniles they tend to be very skittish but become more laid back as adults. Though they can be aggressive they rarely show a threat pose. We do not recommend handling this species to their sheer size and inch long fangs which can definitely cause some harm though their venom is not lethal to humans.

The Panama Blond Tarantula is a species of tarantula from the rainforests of Panama. This is a great new world (NW) arboreal tarantula and is perfect for the intermediate hobbyist who wants to migrate from the Avicularia species to a different type of arboreal for the first time. The Panama Blond Tarantula will grow to be about 4 to 6 inches in length. They tend to be slow growers but are very fast in speed.

Habitat:

As most arboreal species the Panama Blond requires an enclosure that has height for it to climb but just enough floor space in the event that it wishes to climb down. As spiderlings they can be kept in medicine vials. For juveniles to adults we recommend a 2.5 to 5 gallon enclosure. the floor space should only be about 2.5 times your tarantula’s leg span and height should be about 4 to 5 times as much. For substrate we recommend coconut fiber that is damp but not wet. You will want to maintain a humidity level of about 75 percent with temperatures between 77 to 84 degrees In addition you will want to make sure you have a nice piece of bark for it to climb on to. We recommend a round hollow piece of cork bark instead of a flat piece of bark, this will give your tarantula a hide should it need one. You can also decorate this enclosure with plants (we recommend fake plants to prevent mold) or other pieces of bark for it to explore on. A fresh shallow water dish should also always be available for your tarantula.

Feeding:

As most insectivores we recommend a steady diet of crickets, cockroaches, locusts and super worms. For slings flightless fruit flies should be suffice until you can start feeding them small pinhead crickets.

Attitude:

Though a new world species we do not recommend handling at all. The Psalmopoeus pulcher does not come equipped with urticating hairs and is a very skittish tarantula that can be very aggressive. They will easily strike a defense pose should they not want to be bothered. This tarantula also has speed and if not careful can easily escape their enclosure which can result in a fall.

All in all it is a great tarantula to have but due to its not so new world characteristics and attitude we recommend this to be for a more intermediate to expert keeper.

If you have a Panama Blond Tarantula tell us about it! Comment down below!