Pterinochilus murinus

🔤 Taxonomy

Pterinochilus murinus is the currently accepted scientific name. Older names associated with the species include:

• Pterinochilus hindei
• Pterinochilus mamillatus

English common names used in the hobby:

• Orange baboon tarantula
• Usambara orange baboon tarantula
• OBT

📌 Description

Pterinochilus murinus is a fast, defensive Old World tarantula from East Africa, known for its heavy webbing and variable orange, brown, or gray coloration. It is one of the most recognizable African hobby species and is often called simply OBT.

Adult size is usually about 4-6 cm body length and about 11-13 cm legspan, with females typically heavier than mature males.

This is not a beginner handling species. It does not have urticating hairs like New World tarantulas, but it is fast, defensive, and capable of strong threat displays and bites if cornered.

☠️ Venom

Pterinochilus murinus should be treated as a medically significant tarantula. A bite can cause intense local pain, swelling and, in some cases, wider symptoms such as muscle pain, cramping, nausea, dizziness or prolonged discomfort.

There is no species-specific antivenom used in routine pet-keeping practice. Do not handle this spider, do not force interactions, and plan enclosure work so that defensive contact is unlikely. Seek medical advice after any serious bite, allergic reaction, breathing difficulty, spreading symptoms, or bite involving a child or vulnerable person.

🌍 Distribution

Pterinochilus murinus is native to eastern, central and southern Africa. In the wild it is associated with dry to seasonally dry savanna, scrub and woodland edges with retreats and many web anchor points.

For captive care, the useful lesson from this distribution is:

• a low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
• enough substrate for digging or reshaping a retreat
• dry to moderately dry surface conditions with a water dish available
• strong ventilation and stable warm room temperatures
• fall prevention, because heavy terrestrial tarantulas are easily injured

⚖️ Legal status

Pterinochilus murinus is not currently listed in the CITES Appendices. No specific current listing for this species is typically applied in Annexes A-D of the EU wildlife trade regulations.

The species is not relevant to the Bern Convention because it is not native to Europe. Local rules on import, sale, transport, exhibition, and breeding may still apply, so proof of legal origin is advisable.

🤌 Husbandry

Pterinochilus murinus should be housed alone in a very secure enclosure. Adults can be kept in a terrestrial or semi-arboreal setup with enough anchor points for webbing.

Slings and juveniles should start in small, secure containers, often around 250 ml for small slings, then move through intermediate enclosures as they grow. Upgrade gradually so the spider can find prey easily and maintain stable conditions.

Good basic husbandry includes:

• Dry substrate
• Cork bark or a secure retreat
• Excellent ventilation
• A water dish
• Plenty of web anchor points

💡 Lighting

No special lighting is required. A normal room day-night cycle is enough.

🌡 Heating and temperature

This species does well at warm room temperatures:

• Daytime: around 24-28°C
• Night: slight drop acceptable

Cool, damp conditions are more problematic than moderate dryness.

💧 Humidity and water

Pterinochilus murinus is usually kept on the dry side. The enclosure should not be damp overall, but fresh water should still be available.

Good ventilation is essential, and only a small area needs to stay slightly more humid, if any.

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

This species webs heavily, so the enclosure should include cork bark, angled hides, branches, or other structures that allow silk tunnels. Substrate depth can be moderate, but stability matters more than decoration.

The key is security: a well-seated lid, safe access for maintenance, and no need for frequent disturbance.

🪳 Feeding

Pterinochilus murinus is insectivorous and usually feeds readily. Suitable prey includes:

• Crickets
• Roaches
• Locusts where available
• Mealworms or superworms in moderation

Slings are fed every 3-5 days; juveniles once or twice weekly. Adults usually do well every 7-14 days depending on prey size and body condition.

🩺 Common problems

Common problems include escapes during maintenance, overly damp stagnant conditions, poor ventilation, dehydration, and stress from excessive disturbance.

Warning signs include lethargy, poor feeding response in a declining animal, repeated frantic running, and failed molts.

📌 Conclusion

Pterinochilus murinus is a striking and fascinating display tarantula, but it is best suited to keepers who respect fast, defensive Old World species. A secure dry enclosure, strong ventilation, web anchor points, and calm maintenance are essential.

📚 Sources and further reading

• CITES Appendices and Species+ trade database, checked April 2026
• EU wildlife trade regulations and annex references, checked April 2026
• GBIF species backbone and occurrence data for taxonomy and distribution context
• IUCN Red List and specialist husbandry references where applicable