Straight Horned Baboon (Ceratogyrus marshalli)

Straight Horned Baboon

Ceratogyrus marshalli

These are the most spectacular of the "horned" tarantulas, as the protrusion from the carapace is a large spike that may approach an inch in length in older individuals.
Like their cousins in the Pterinochilus genus, Ceratogyrus spp. prefer a dry habitat with room to burrow.
C. marshalli has dark legs after a molt, a mottled opisthosoma, the typical "starburst" on the carapace, and, of course, that great big ol' horn. The leg coloration is unique- it's more ash gray than the tawny tone of most Ceratogyrus spp.
The spermathecae of females are paired, not fused. They were formerly known as Ceratogyrus cornuatus until 2001.
Note: The horn is not an indication of a member of Ceratogyrus. In fact, half of the Ceratogyrus species have no horn.

Range: The Straighthorned Baboon comes from southern Africa, in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Habitat: Semi-dry scrubland.

Size: Medium tarantulas. Females may get about 5" in legspan.

Attitude: Fairly defensive; will bite if provoked enough. Handling is not suggested.

Dwelling: These burrowers will dig and web a lot.

Ideal Setup: A 2.5 to 5 gallon space with enough peat/potting soil for digging in (fill it about 4-5 inches deep). Supply a water dish. They like it somewhat dry, but moistening the soil or misting may be appropriate in August/September to mimic the S. African wet season if desired. Keep the temperature around 75-80 degrees F if possible.

Food: Any bugs that haven't been exposed to pesticides (3-5 crickets a week for adults); baby mice, etc.


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