KING BABOON SPIDER Citharischius crawshayi Arachnid Suborder Mygalomorphae Description Length 4-6 inches. Carapace 1.1/2 x 1 inches. Carapace longer than it is wide. Color: Reddish brown, clothed with distinct silky rusty-redhairs. Range East Africa (Kinani, Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyka) Status Continuous imports and loss of habitat will inevitably lead to serious depletion in the wild. Photo © James P. Rowan

Ecology Habitat Dry mixed woodland and forest.   Niche Nocturnal and terrestrial. These large spiders will eat any small mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian or invertebrate they can overpower. Life History These spiders spend much of their time in shallow burrows either dug by themselves or other animals. They are solitary except during breeding season. The male and female come together briefly to mate after which the male is usually eaten by the much larger female. The males usually live about 7-10 years. Females can reach an age of 20-30 years old. Special Adaptations Mating hooks appear on the front two legs of the males upon sexual maturity. The male uses these hooks to hold the female's fangs during copulation. This gives the male spider a chance to escape after the interlude. The hairs on the spiders body act as a sensory organ alerting the spider to the presence of potential predators or prey. Highly aggressive species which rears up with its front legs and exstends its 1/2 inch fangs to warn off predetors. This spider can stridulate (chirp or produce a shrill like noise) loudly in an attempt to scare off enemies.