Rear-horned Baboon

Rear-horned Baboon key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Females 13-15 years, males 2-4 years

Size

Leg span 13-15cm

Temperature

24〜28℃

Humidity

60〜70%

Diet

Crickets, roaches, superworms

Temperature & Humidity

Aim for 24-28C and 60-70% humidity. As an arid-habitat species it must not be kept too wet, and ventilation matters.

Enclosure

As an obligate burrower it needs deep diggable substrate such as coconut fibre, plus cork bark or leaf litter as web anchors.

Diet & Feeding

It takes crickets, roaches and superworms readily but tends to shy away from oversized prey.

Temperament & Venom

It has no urticating hairs and is fast and defensive. Bites are painful, so it is not handled.

Notes

It is sometimes sold under the obsolete name Ceratogyrus bechuanicus, so check the scientific name when buying.

About Rear-horned Baboon

A fossorial tarantula from southern Africa with a distinctive backward-curving horn, needing deep dry substrate. Fast-growing and hardy, but quick and defensive, this species suits keepers with some prior experience.

7 things to know before welcoming a Rear-horned Baboon

1. 1Needs Deep Substrate

   As a burrowing species, this tarantula digs its own retreat, so the enclosure needs a deep layer of dry substrate. Without enough depth, it can't dig a proper burrow and may become stressed.

2. 2Fast Growth Rate

   This species grows noticeably faster than many other tarantulas and molts at shorter intervals. It's also a robust, hardy spider, making it relatively easy to track its progress under good care.

3. 3Fast and Defensive

   True to its striking horned appearance, this spider moves extremely quickly and readily adopts a defensive posture when startled. Handling isn't recommended, so enjoy it as a species best watched rather than touched.

4. 4Lifespan Differs by Sex

   Females can live around 13 to 15 years, while males typically live only 2 to 4 years. If you're hoping for a long-term companion, it's worth keeping the sex of your spider in mind.

5. 5Adult Size ~13-15cm

   Adults reach a leg span of roughly 13 to 15 centimeters. That's a substantial size within the hobby, so the enclosure should be sized accordingly.

6. 6Provide Hiding Spots

   Along with deep substrate, adding a hide like cork bark helps encourage natural burrowing behavior. A secure setup reduces unnecessary stress and lowers the risk of molting problems.

7. 7Set Up Before Arrival

   Since this species moves fast and escape risk is a real concern, prepare a securely lidded enclosure with deep substrate before your spider arrives. Give it time to settle into its new environment once it's home.

Frequently asked questions about Rear-horned Baboon

Q.Is this species suitable for beginners?

A.The Rear-horned Baboon tarantula is generally considered an intermediate-level species. Because it moves quickly and is quite defensive, it's best kept by someone with some basic tarantula-handling experience already.

Q.Is its temperament calm?

A.Not particularly, it tends to be alert and quick-moving rather than calm. It readily takes a defensive stance when disturbed, so this species is better suited to observation than handling.

Q.How big does it get?

A.Adults reach a leg span of about 13 to 15 centimeters, making it one of the more impressively sized species in the hobby.

Q.How long does it live?

A.Lifespan differs a lot by sex, females typically live around 13 to 15 years, while males live only about 2 to 4 years. If you're planning for the long term, it's worth confirming the sex.

Q.What kind of substrate should I use?

A.Since this species digs its own burrow, it needs a deep layer of dry substrate. Adding a hide as well helps create a more secure, settled environment.

Learn more about Rear-horned Baboon in the encyclopedia

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