Why This Enormous Spider Is Called a Baboon Spider

When you think of large hairy spiders, you probably think of tarantulas first. But the world is full of different spider species, including other large and creepy spiders. One of these is the baboon spider. These spiders are amazing hunters with unique adaptations that set them apart from other spider species. This YouTube Short by @untamedwildlifeTV talks about this spider, showing up close video of it! Read here to learn more about this amazing spider.

Why Are They Called “Baboon” Spiders?

Baboon spiders are a subfamily of tarantulas inhabiting the different climates and biomes of Africa. They thrive in savannas, dry forests, and grasslands, using the softer soil to burrow and build their homes underground. Different species within this subgroup prefer different environments, all aligning with their individual adaptations and needs. So, where do they get the name from? While their large, hairy appearance is similar to that of a baboon, the true origin of their name comes from the pads on their legs, which resemble a baboon’s fingers. They come in a variety of sizes, with the largest baboon spider, the king baboon, reaching a leg span of 9 inches! This makes this species one of the largest arachnids in Africa.

The diversity of species means there is also a wide range of appearances. Most of the spiders are heavy-built and hairy, with a mix of different colors. Within this group, you can find spiders in shades of brown, black, orange, and, on rare occasions, metallic blue. These colorings help blend the spiders into their earthy backdrops, camouflaging them from predators and making them perfect for hunting as well. They are ambush predators whose diet consists of insects, other arachnids, and small vertebrates such as frogs and mice. As they are nocturnal hunters, they burrow underground and wait for their prey to pass. When prey approaches, they pounce, bite, and inject venom through their fangs before eating. Using this sit-and-wait method, baboon spiders are a very successful hunting group.

Other Facts About the Baboon Spider

Baboon spiders play important roles in African ecosystems, helping to maintain ecological balance. While spiders are important globally, baboon spiders are successful hunters of insects, helping to keep the population in check. This makes them key predators of insects and small animals in their habitats. Another reason why they are dominant in many ecosystems is their lifespan. Male baboon spiders, like those of other species, have relatively short lifespans of around three to seven years. On the other hand, females can live extremely long in comparison, anywhere between 15 to 25 years! Because of their long lifespans and time spent hunting and reproducing, baboon spiders continue to play a role in controlling insect populations, even though some populations are threatened or declining due to habitat loss and climate change.