How to Identify a Baboon Spider

Whether you’re planning a trip to Africa or living there currently, knowing more about the amazing animal life will only enhance your experience--so keep a look out for the beautiful baboon spider! A relative to the North American tarantula, baboon spiders might look scary but are actually harmless to humans. Knowing how to identify them, find their habitats and treat their bite in case of an accident will help you appreciate these fascinating spiders.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Looking at Physical Characteristics

Baboon spiders are big and bulky, and they can be anywhere from 0.5-3.5 in (13-90 mm) long.
2
Observe the spider’s coloring. There are 34 different species of baboon spider, and coloring ranges among them from black and gray to copper or cinnamon-colored. The most common colors of baboon spiders will vary based on what region you’re in.
- South African species tend to be brown, grey, yellow or black.^{[1]XResearch source}
- The Pterinochilus species is golden-brown and is found from north-eastern South Africa to Ethiopia.^{[2]XResearch source}
- The Bacillochilus species is black with white hairs and makes its home in Angola.^{[3]XResearch source}
- The caramel-colored Trichognathella is found on the Eastern Cape.^{[4]XResearch source}
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Baboon spiders have thick legs and hair all over their body. Their name derives from the hair, which is monkey-like, and the pads on their “feet,” which resemble those of baboons.
Baboon spiders have black fangs that can be over 0.2 in (6 mm) in length that extend forward from their jaws. The hair beneath the fangs can range from orange to reddish pink, setting it apart from the black hair that covers the rest of the spider’s underbelly.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Recognizing the Baboon Spider Habitat

Baboon spiders prefer lightly wooded areas and can survive in a variety of habitats, such as dry scrubland, grassland, or savanna woodland. Human encounters with baboon spiders are rare, as they prefer to live in natural habitats rather than gardens or houses, although they can occasionally pop up in sheltered areas, such as dog houses or old sheds.^{[5]XResearch source}
Look for the small circular entrances to the underground burrows, which are lined with silky webs to catch prey. The burrow won’t be much larger than the spider itself, up to 1-4 in (25-100 mm) across. Females typically stay close to home, while mature males will roam to look for a mate.
Baboon spiders are nocturnal, so they won’t often be seen during the day. If you locate a burrow during the day, you can return at night to observe the spider’s hunting habits.^{[6]XResearch source}
4
Know the baboon spider’s prey and predators. Baboon spiders are “sit and wait” hunters who catch their prey, usually small invertebrates, by lining the entrance to their burrow with sticky webs. Being familiar with the spider’s hunting habits and predators will allow you avoid areas where their prey are prevalent or find locations where their predators are common, if you want to keep out of the spider’s way.
- Baboon spiders prey on beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, and other spiders. Their predators include birds, centipedes, lizards and small mammals, such as bats and mice.^{[7]XResearch source}
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Treating a Baboon Spider Bite

Baboon spiders that feel threatened will raise their forelegs and expose the distinctive orange coloration beneath their fangs. Remember, baboon spiders aren’t generally aggressive and won’t react unless provoked, so take care while walking at night in lightly wooded areas where they might make their burrows.
It may be painful and bleed a little.^{[8]XResearch source}
You may experience burning pain around the bite area, but you shouldn’t have any discoloration or swelling. Baboon spiders aren’t dangerous to people, so beyond some pain, you shouldn’t experience any other major symptoms.
Use mild soap and water to gently wash around the wound.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
Press a cool compress or a pack of ice to the bite area to soothe any pain you might feel.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
The duration of pain at the bite area will depend on the species of baboon spider; it could last for 2-18 hours. Take a non-prescription painkiller, such as ibuprofen or Tylenol, or an antihistamine like Benadryl.
If you continue to feel pain for over a day, or if you’re experiencing other symptoms such as swelling, fever or chills, the bite may be infected. Consult a doctor or go to the hospital for medical attention and explain your symptoms.
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Do spiders only attack when scared?
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It really depends on the spider. Some spiders are very aggressive, while some spiders don't like to bite, at all. But, if you were to attack a spider, it would probably try to bite you.
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What is the noise of a baboon spider?
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It makes a hissing or striking sound with its scapulae which is a part of its mouth.
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Will tarantulas eat mantises?
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Most likely it would be the other way, but if the mantis is hurt or disabled it will probably be eaten.
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Warnings

Collecting baboon spiders as pets is highly discouraged. These spiders mature slowly and often die before becoming full adults, so their capture has led to steep population decline. And they don’t make very good pets, either! They’re mostly inactive, even at night, and many in captivity die of dehydration, stress or neglect. Research other spiders to keep as pets, like North American tarantulas, the baboon spider’s close relative.
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