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.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Looking at Physical Characteristics
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Estimate the size of the spider. Baboon spiders are big and bulky, and they can be anywhere from 0.5-3.5 in (13-90 mm) long.
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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] X Research source
- The Pterinochilus species is golden-brown and is found from north-eastern South Africa to Ethiopia. [2] X Research source
- The Bacillochilus species is black with white hairs and makes its home in Angola. [3] X Research source
- The caramel-colored Trichognathella is found on the Eastern Cape. [4] X Research source
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Look at the spider’s legs and hair. 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.
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Check the size of the fangs. 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.Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Recognizing the Baboon Spider Habitat
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Look for baboon spiders in wilder parts of southern and eastern Africa. 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] X Research source
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Observe the entrance to the spider’s burrow. 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.
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Look for baboon spiders at night. 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] X Research source
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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] X Research source
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Treating a Baboon Spider Bite
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Recognize the warnings of an attack. 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.
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Look for two red blood spots at the bite mark. It may be painful and bleed a little. [8] X Research source
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Recognize the symptoms of a bite. 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.
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Clean the bite. Use mild soap and water to gently wash around the wound. [9] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Ice the bite if you feel pain. Press a cool compress or a pack of ice to the bite area to soothe any pain you might feel. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Take a painkiller or an antihistamine. 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.
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Seek medical attention if the pain continues or you see signs of infection. 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.Advertisement
Community Q&A
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QuestionDo spiders only attack when scared?Community AnswerIt 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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QuestionWhat is the noise of a baboon spider?Community AnswerIt makes a hissing or striking sound with its scapulae which is a part of its mouth.
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QuestionWill tarantulas eat mantises?Community AnswerMost 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.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.sanbi.org/creature/blue-footed-baboon-spider
- ↑ http://www.baboonspideratlas.co.za/
- ↑ http://www.baboonspideratlas.co.za/
- ↑ http://www.baboonspideratlas.co.za/
- ↑ https://africageographic.com/blog/baboon-spiders/
- ↑ https://www.sanbi.org/creature/blue-footed-baboon-spider
- ↑ https://www.sanbi.org/creature/blue-footed-baboon-spider
- ↑ http://www.cmej.org.za/index.php/cmej/article/view/2547/2582
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spider-bites/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20204179
About this article
Article Summary
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To identify a baboon spider, expect it to be black, grey, or brown, and to measure between 0.5 and 3 inches in length. Additionally, check to see if the spider has thick legs and hair all over its body. You should also notice black fangs with red or orange hair underneath. If you want to locate a baboon spider, look for an underground burrow that's about 1 to 4 inches in size. For tips on which time of day you're most likely to find a baboon spider, keep reading!
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