Genus Spotlight: Harpactira Tarantulas That Break the Mold

Written by Owner of Exotics Unlimited, Tarantula Expert, William West

Harpactira tarantulas (AKA baboon tarantulas) is a group of terrestrials that come from a subfamily of baboon spiders in South Africa called the Harpactirinae. They're Old World tarantulas that go against the grain.

Unlike many other African tarantulas, Harpactira tarantulas display vibrant coloration, strong webbing behavior, a great feeding response, and a temperament that is more manageable and different than expected from other Old World tarantulas. Popular species like the Harpactira pulchripes, Harpactira sp. Silaka, and Harpactira dictator stand out in the hobby not just for their personalities, but also for their stunning colors and unique patterning.

Instead of being highly defensive, fast, and more drab in color like other African species, the Harpactira species tend to be more laid back, easier to raise, and often have metallic colors with golds, blues, and greens that really pop under light. They are best suited for intermediate keepers.

If you’ve been in the hobby for a while and think you’ve seen it all when it comes to African species, this one might just change your mind.

What Sets Harpactira Tarantulas Apart?

Compared to other Old World or African baboon tarantulas, Harpactira Tarantulas stand out because of their beautiful colors and more tolerant and patient behavior. While this doesn’t mean that they can’t or won’t be defensive, they are typically less quick to bite or show aggression compared to other species.

They have:

Strong feeding responses
Impressive webbing
Manageable behavior
Easy sling-to-adult development
Beautiful metallic coloration of gold, green, blue, and copper

Why Harpactira Tarantulas Make Great Display Species

One of the many reasons the Harpactira genus is so appealing to hobbyists is their behavior in captivity. While these tarantulas are fossorial (burrowing) in their natural habitat, in captivity, Harpactira species tend to be less reclusive and spend more time out in the open.

The difference in behavior is partly due to a more stable, threat-free environment in captivity. Without natural pressures like predators or scorching daytime temperatures, they don’t feel the need to hide as much.

This makes them excellent display species, allowing keepers to appreciate their vibrant coloration and behaviors without waiting for nighttime sightings.

Featured Specie: Harpactira Pulchripes, the Golden Blue Leg Baboon Tarantula That Started It All

The big turning point for this genus came when Harpactira pulchripes, also known as the Golden Blue-Legged Baboon, entered the hobby. Its golden body paired with striking blue legs made it an instant favorite. It’s one of the most talked-about baboon tarantulas in the community.

Harpactira Cafreriana: An Orange Baboon Tarantula, But Classier

Harpactira cafreriana is one of my personal favorites among the baboon spiders in South Africa. Think of it as the refined version of an Orange Baboon Tarantula (also known as “OBT” or “Orange Bitey Thing”), as it has the same glowing orange and copper hues, but with a calmer, less defensive attitude.

With its reflective sheen and bold coloration, this species makes a stunning display for tarantula keepers who want the Orange Baboon Tarantula look with more manageable behavior.

Unique Patterns & Coloration of Harpactira Baboon (Old World)

Some of the most visually stunning Old World tarantulas in the hobby come from this genus due to their unique patterns and colors, including:

Harpactira sp. “Silaka”: Has a very eye-catching patterning on the abdomen with four large spots and then stripes towards the end of the abdomen.
Harpactira tigrina: This species features an interesting gold coloration with a striped pattern that gives it a tiger-like appearance. It’s very different from the rest of its relatives in the genus.
Harpactira dictator: Sports a bold black and bronze coloration with faint striping on the legs.
Harpactira sp. “Golden Black”: A species with a dark black base and golden spots, making a unique pattern. Each time the light hits it, different tones come out as well. It stands out in any collection.
Harpactira chrysogaster: One of the rarest in the Harpactira genus, and is hard to source. Both males and females feature a striking gold ring around the carapace and a bright orange abdomen, contrasted by a dark carapace and legs.

Harpactira Tarantula Behavior, Webbing, & Care Tips

As Old World tarantulas, Harpactira species don’t flick hairs like New World species do. However, compared to other African baboon tarantulas, they tend to be less defensive.

Harpactira baboon tarantulas are heavy webbers, often covering their enclosures in elaborate silk webs within days. And if they are not webbing, the environment may not be ideal. Feeding is usually easy, as both slings and adults eat well. Most species also adapt well to simple setups.

We’ve been keeping and raising slings of these species for breeding, and care across the genus tends to be similar. If you’re keeping or planning to keep one, check out our beginner care guide for tips on enclosure setup, feeding schedules, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Harpactira tarantulas good for beginners?

No, Harpactira species are best for intermediate keepers. They tend to be less aggressive than other Old World tarantulas, but it doesn’t mean they can’t be aggressive, so they still require experience handling their temperament.

How aggressive are Harpactira species?

While they are Old World tarantulas and can be skittish and defensive, many species in this genus are less quick to bite or get aggressive compared to other African baboon tarantulas.

What do Harpactira tarantulas eat?

Like most tarantulas, they thrive on a diet of crickets, roaches, and other appropriately sized insects. They have a strong feeding response.

Do Harpactira tarantulas web a lot?

Yes! Harpactira species are heavy webbers and often cover their enclosure with silk, which is a sign of a happy, healthy spider in an ideal environment.

Final Thoughts

Harpactira tarantulas have become one of my top picks of genera to keep. They’re stunning with their unique patterns and colors while also being manageable in behavior.

Whether you’re new to Old World tarantulas or looking for a more visually striking baboon tarantula, Harpactira species like Harpactira pulchripes and Harpactira sp. Silaka are excellent additions to any collection.

If you haven’t kept one yet, now might be the time to start! Browse our Harpactira species for sale.

About the Author

William West is the founder of Exotics Unlimited, a leading US brand for rare and exotic tarantulas. With 15+ years of hands-on experience caring for and breeding over 150 species, he’s dedicated to advancing tarantula husbandry and helping keepers succeed. The information he shares is based on his personal experience keeping and raising these species himself in captivity.