Socotra Island Blue Baboon

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton with fine hairs

The body is covered in a velvety coat of fine hairs. The carapace and legs are a vivid blue, while the abdomen is cream, grey and partially blue. The trochanters are cream or grey. Very rare red and amber variants have been seen.1

Personality what they are like

This tarantula is fast and can be defensive when threatened, but is considered more docile than many other Old World species. It prefers to flee but will deliver a painful bite if provoked. It lacks urticating hairs and relies on speed and venom for defence.24

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low activity needs; it is an opportunistic burrower that spends much time in its silk-lined burrow. Provide deep substrate (15-25 cm) for tunnelling.51

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming; the spider cleans itself. Keep the enclosure clean by removing uneaten prey and waste. Provide a shallow water dish and mist lightly to maintain humidity.5

Home where they are happiest

A terrestrial enclosure with 15-25 cm of firmly packed substrate (coconut coir) for burrowing. Temperature 70-80°F (21-27°C) with a slight drop at night. Humidity 40-60% with good ventilation. Floor space at least 25x25 cm for a single adult; larger for groups. A hide and shallow water dish are essential. This species is not venomous enough to be medically significant to humans, but its bite is painful and it is fast, so it is not recommended for beginners.524

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivorous; feeds on crickets, roaches, locusts and other appropriately sized arthropods. Adults may occasionally take small vertebrates. Feed once or twice a week.53

Company who they like around

Unusually for tarantulas, this species is communal. Multiple individuals of different ages can live together peacefully if given enough space and food. Mothers care for their young, allowing spiderlings to feed alongside her. However, it is not a beginner species and group housing requires experience. There are no legal restrictions on keeping this species, but it originates from a UNESCO World Heritage site and wild collection may be regulated.152

The story where it all began

First described by Reginald Innes Pocock in 1897, the species was named after the collector Isaac Bayley Balfour. It remained little known in the pet trade until recent decades, when its stunning blue colour and communal behaviour made it highly sought after. It is now bred in captivity and considered an intermediate to advanced tarantula for enthusiasts.13

Recognised by the official bits

UNESCO

Socotra Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, partly due to its unique wildlife including this tarantula.3