Description
Could Pterinochilus murinus be the most popular Old World tarantula? The orange bitey thing (OBT) has name recognition among hobbyists whether they’ve owned one or not. For many it was their first tarantula, unadvisedly as it sounds these days.
This orange variant comes from northeast Tanzania. Females grow to a leg span of about 4 inches. Males mature faster but at a smaller size. Juvenile and older P. murinus are easy to keep. Room temperature (68-72F) and a moderately dry enclosure work well, perhaps with a water dish to avert dehydration.
Spiderlings, however, as always do better on slightly dampened substrate (e.g. 1 part water + 10 parts dry substrate), with ventilation restriction to allow some humidity to build. As they grow in size they’ll become more drought tolerant. Gradually reducing enclosure moisture will suit your growing pet.
In captivity we’ve seen P. murinus burrow shallowly, but mostly they web to the lid. Over time they tend to make an above-ground maze of web tunnels. If threatened P. murinus responds with the famous OBT posture and hiss–no handling therefore. They’re quick to bite. Use tongs for enclosure manipulations and cups for transfers. The reward for keeping the OBT is seeing some interesting P. murinus behavior.
Photos: 1-adult female (ArachoEden); 2-adult female (Cathy Keifer)
Care highlights:
- slightly dampened substrate for spiderings
- room temperature (68-72F) up to 80F
- juveniles & older specimens can be kept drier
- consider forest litter and plantings for enrichment
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