Breeding Notes
Pterinochilus murinus DCF
Orange baboon tarantula
Also known as: OBT, Mombasa golden starburst, dark colour form
Species-specific breeding guidance, seasonal context and practical caveats for experienced keepers.
Species breeding reference
Breeding Notes
Breeding the Orange Bitey Thing isn't for beginners, but experienced hands with a feel for their moods may have some success by imitating the rhythms of their East African homeland—drier spells, followed by a bit of extra moisture. Reports suggest pairing can work when the female is well-rested after a moult and the male has space to bolt. Time frames for sac production and sling numbers are variable, so be ready for surprises. Not the trickiest tarantula on the planet, but certainly among the most cautious and quick, so settle in for a challenge rather than swift, predictable results.
Wild Breeding Season
Precise timing in the wild isn't firmly pinned down, but breeding likely follows or coincides with the start of the rainy season when conditions shift from starkly dry to a bit more humid, which matches up with how many African tarantulas seem to operate.
Wild Environmental Triggers
Seasonal swings between dry and wet may play a part, with increases in humidity and slight temperature changes probably spurring adults to breed. Burrow-dwellers like these are well-adapted to wait for these less-harsh windows to pair up.
Native Climate Context
Comes from the hot, dry scrublands and savannahs of East Africa, where temperatures stay warm all year and wet spells break up the dryness. Rainy season usually lands between November and April, but local climates may vary a bit.
Captive Breeding Window
Captive pairings seem to go best when mimicking the end of a dry spell with a bump in moisture—think late winter into spring, but there's wiggle room. Don't expect perfect results on the first go; timing can be a bit trial and error.
Pre-pairing Conditioning
Give both adults a few months with slightly drier conditions, followed by a gradual increase in humidity—just a bit of spot misting, never a soggy enclosure. Good meals and peace and quiet help get both parties in top shape for introductions.
Male Introduction Guidance
As with most OBTs, introductions are not for the faint-hearted. Make sure the female is well-fed and the male has plenty of escape routes—think leafy bits, cork bark layouts, lots of web anchors—then introduce at dusk. Never leave them unattended, as even experienced breeders call these pairings nerve-wracking.
Female Readiness Signs
A female that's put on a bit of weight, has moulted a few months prior, and is actively webbing the enclosure tends to be receptive. Some keepers have noticed that increased activity at burrow entrances can be a good sign, but this varies.
Post-pairing Conditions
Remove the male promptly after pairing attempts. Keep things stable: steady warmth, moderate humidity, and minimal disturbance. Light spot misting every now and then can be helpful, but don't go overboard—dampness is unwelcome.
Sac Timeline
Exact timelines vary. If pairing is successful, a sac might be produced anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks later, but reports do differ, so patience is key. Keep disturbances to a minimum during this window.
Incubation Notes
Egg sacs generally need to be left with the female in her webbed burrow for at least four weeks before checking. Humidity should stay moderate—never wet—to avoid spoiling the sac. Some breeders remove the sac for artificial incubation around day 30–35, but this carries its own risks.
Expected Sling Count
Most reports suggest sacs in the 75–200 spiderling range, but some can go higher or lower depending on the female's size and age. These youngsters are nimble and feisty from the start, so have plenty of vials ready.
Risks and Cautions
Females may eat the male if not in the right mood, so stay alert during introductions. There’s a fair bit of variability in both pairing success and sac viability for this species. Patience and careful observation trump rushing or overhandling. Fast spiderlings, defensive adults, and sometimes-unpredictable breeding responses make this an advanced project best left to those already comfortable with old-world attitudes.
Evidence confidence: Medium
