Hysterocrates gigas (Cameroon red baboon)

Hysterocrates gigas (Cameroon Red Baboon Tarantula)

Origin: Cameroon, Central Africa.

Size: 6–7 inches (15–18 cm) leg span.

Lifespan: Females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years.

Lifestyle: Fossorial; constructs deep burrows but is also semi-aquatic, known to enter water and even submerge when threatened.

Appearance: Dark reddish-brown to black body with a heavy build and strong legs, sometimes showing a reddish sheen in proper lighting.

Temperament: Defensive and powerful; capable of rapid movement and strong threat displays. Not recommended for handling.

Care & Habitat:

Enclosure: Fossorial setup with 6–8 inches of compact substrate for burrowing and a large hide. Provide access to a water dish big enough for soaking.

Substrate: Moisture-retentive soil, coconut fiber, or a soil/sand mix. Keep damp to simulate natural conditions.

Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C).

Humidity: 75–85%, with consistently moist substrate and good ventilation.

Diet: Crickets, roaches, mealworms, and other large feeder insects weekly; juveniles more often.