The King Baboon - Notes on Rearing & Problems Mating

Citharischius crawshayi Pocock 1900, the large East African King baboon, is possibly my favourite terrestrial tarantula species. First collected in Kenya in 1899, an adult female leg span can reach upwards of 9", making it the second largest recorded spider after the enormous Hysterocrates hercules. The whole spider is clothed with short hairs giving it an overall velvet appearance and these are especially striking on the curved, thickened rear legs. The hairs are various shades of rust red giving the spider a very outstanding appearance on emergence from its burrow after dark.

In captivity the spider is best housed in a large container (at least 12" x 12" x 12") and, if given a deep substrate mix of peat and vermiculite, its amazing burrowing behaviour can be observed. This spider doesn't simply dig a burrow then disappear for months but is constantly forming itself new burrows and tunnels through the substrate. The peat/vermiculite mix should be kept slightly damp as this species prefers it drier. This is demonstrated in captivity as the spider always stays at the dry end of the container. Other cage ornaments aren't necessary as they will soon be covered with substrate. A water dish can be introduced periodically but as long as there is enough condensation on the container walls, is considered unnecessary as the spider frequently upturns this during its burrowing causing the substrate to become too wet. This is by no means an inactive species. Every night after dusk the spider emerges in search of prey and to excavate and enlarge its ever-changing burrow. With the onset of dawn, C. crawshayi returns to the safety of the burrow and seals itself in for the day with a thick veil of silk across the retreat entrance. This entrance is totally plugged with substrate when the spider enters pre-moult and it can be several weeks before the freshly moulted, brightly coloured spider emerges again

C. crawshayi will take a wide range of prey such as large crickets, locusts, pieces of lean raw meat but large earthworms are a particular favourite. Sometimes adult females will fast for long periods making the abdomen look particularly thin but once feeding resumes, it soon attains its usual plump egg-like shape. This species doesn't possess urticating hairs therefore the beautiful appearance is maintained throughout its life.

Handling this species is not recommended. I personally disagree with handling altogether but especially with this spider. Once aggravated C. crawshayi will rear up on its hind legs and with bared fangs, stridulate loudly producing a very audible hissing sound which can continue for several minutes alter the threat has passed. Always ensure a tight fitting lid on your container as this spider has powerful chelicerae and fangs and can easily snap even a seemingly strong lid.

All in all, C. crawshayi is fairly easy to rear in captivity but the real problems begin when it comes to breeding. Over the last two years I have had three mature males but each time the result has been the same, disappointment.

On maturing, a male is quite a bit smaller than his mate, rather thin-legged and the carapace takes on a distinct pink silky appearance. The eyes also seem to be much larger in comparison to the size of the carapace. There is no tibial hooks or spurs on the forelegs and the chelicerae are (as usual) small. Males' need plenty of room and several objects to attach their sperm web to and this should occur approximately two weeks alter the final moult. He should be fed and watered as often as possible as he'll need all the strength in the world when he meets his gigantic mate! Once sperm induction has been observed, a mating can be attempted. Here's where the problems start. Of the several attempts I have made over the past years, the spider have always proceeded in the same way: -
On introduction all the males were eager to mate (actively searching for the female and drumming impatiently on the substrate) and once at the entrance to her burrow they showed no hesitation and quickly entered. The female responded by following them out of her burrow, all the while the males stroking her front legs with his. The mating position was always achieved more or less easily but actual insertion of the palp never occurred. Each time the female presented her epigynum to the males and each time they extended their embolus to within easy reach but always failed to actually insert. This behaviour continued for several minutes until the female became bored and frustrated and chased them away.

Possible explanations for this behaviour
(1) Alter assuming the mating position, the males became nervous - somehow sensing that once mating was over they would probably have been attacked or, (2) the female deliberately kept her epigynum just out of reach as her intentions were to kill the males instead of mate with them. The first explanation is probably the more obvious.

Out of the three males only one was lost to the female, the other two dying of old age or injuries sustained during pairing (lost legs, etc).

References: Smith. A. M. 1995: Baboon Spiders: Tarantulas of Africa and the Middle East.


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