Josh's Frogs
Feather Leg Baboon Tarantula Care - Stromatopelma calceatum
Stromatopelma calceatum or “Featherleg baboon” has a scientific name with both Greek and Latin roots meaning “covered sole of foot” and “having shoes” and it’s not hard to see why - they have some pretty attractive feet with some wide scapulae, almost making it look like they’re wearing fuzzy boots.
Enclosure Size
As with most arboreals, we recommend an enclosure with at least two times the spider’s diagonal leg span for length and width, and at least three times the spider’s diagonal leg span for height. Stromatopelma slings do require about 1”-1.5” of a good substrate to burrow into. A vertical hide and some leaf clutter high in the enclosure is suggested to help the spider feel more secure as it decides to venture out of the ground.
Temperature
A comfortable range for the Feather Leg Baboon tarantula is between 75°-82°; temperatures consistently 5 or more degrees outside of this range should be avoided for long term safety of the spider.
Humidity
Humidity should be between 65%-75%, and can be achieved by misting ½ of the enclosure every week or two depending on ventilation. Mist more frequently or less frequently if you find that the substrate is drying out too quickly or staying consistently wet.
Size
Adults reach about 2.5 inches on average, and typically reach a leg span of roughly 5 to 6 inches.
Age
Females of this species can reach 12-15 years of age, while males will only live 3-5 years.
Feeding
At time of sale most specimens are eating 3-4 hydei fruit flies a week. With size and age, they will eat larger prey (roughly the size of their carapace or smaller) and will eat less frequently. Young tarantulas should be offered food every 4-7 days; adults every 7-10 days. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider.
Sexing
Due to their age, Stromatopelma calceatum sold by Josh's Frogs are sold as unsexed. Sexing can be done at 2.5""-3"" diagonal leg span and most accurately done by molt. Females, between the top two sets of book lungs in the molt will have a pronounced spermatheca and uterus externus that will present as a ""flap"" that will catch and open if a pin is gently run down it. Males will have just a simple slit that does not budge if manipulated.
Coloration/Patterning
As slings, S. calceatum are a mottled golden brown. As they molt and age, they gradually go to their adult coloration of a flat beige-gray with a black starburst on the carapace and black patterning on the abdomen and legs. Adults have reddish setae on the legs.
Social Behavior
Stromatopelma calceatum are not social creatures, and any attempts to cohabitate will likely result in cannibalism.
Breeding
Spiders for breeding purposes should remain supervised when together and should only be attempted when well fed. Mature males can be put in the enclosure of a mature female for courtship/mating. Remove male promptly after insertion is observed, or immediately if female is aggressive rather than receptive. This is best done around a month after the female molts, as a freshly molted female is less likely to molt out of a pairing.
Natural Range
Stromatopelma calceatum are found over much of West Africa.
A Few Notes:
- One of the more popular African arboreal species, their lovely appearance as adults should not lull you into a false sense of security, these spiders do have a medically significant bite.
- Due to the strong nature of this species’ venom, extra caution should always be taken any time the enclosure is open.
- Preferring to stay hidden, they can occasionally be seen on daytime walkabouts during times of low traffic in the room their enclosure is in.
- Preferring to burrow as slings and traveling upwards as they gain some size, they are among some of the easier arboreal baby tarantulas to house.
Links of Interest
- Arachnoboards: a community of spider enthusiasts that will be able to or have already answered almost any question you can think of with regards to tarantulas.