Fun Hercules Baboon Spider Facts For Kids

One of the scariest species in the Animalia kingdom, the Hercules baboon spider (Hysterocrates hercules) is a venomous tarantula that is found in a few countries in the African continent, including Nigeria. It is believed that these tarantulas may be extinct as the last specimen was found 100 years ago.

This specimen currently resides at the Natural History Museum in London.

These large-sized tarantulas generally dwell in burrows and are found in grasslands, dry scrublands, and savannah woodlands. In barren areas, these spiders make a deep shelter to protect themselves from scorching heat. Hysterocrates hercules spiders prey on insects, bugs, and small spiders.

Very little information regarding their appearance is available due to the scarcity of the species, but they are believed to be larger than camel spiders and Brazilian wandering spiders, and many more. These spiders are primarily found in either black or brown variants and they possess hair all over the body.

Their long legs resemble a baboon's fingers, while their abdomen has spotted multicolored markings and their carapace has glowing bands. They generally stretch their front legs to the side to expose their fangs.

The IUCN has not evaluated the status of the species due to a deficiency of information. It is said that habitat destruction could be a major threat to the species.

Let's read more interesting facts about the Hercules baboon spider, and if you find this article insightful, don't forget to check out more fun facts about different animals like the Indian ornamental tarantula and the green lynx spider.

Hercules Baboon Spider Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a Hercules baboon spider?

The Hercules baboon spider (scientific name: Hysterocrates hercules) is a species of venomous tarantulas found in a few African countries, including Nigeria. The legs of these spiders are quite strong and they resemble a baboon's fingers.

These tarantulas may be extinct as the last specimen was found 100 years ago (this specimen currently resides at the Natural History Museum in London). Another common name of the species is the Nigerian Hercules baboon spider.

What class of animal does a Hercules baboon spider belong to?

The Hysterocrates hercules spider belongs to the class Arachnida, the family Theraphosidae, and the Hysterocrates genus. Species such as the king baboon spider and several bird-eating spiders also belong to the Theraphosidae family.

How many Hercules baboon spiders are there in the world?

The exact population of Hercules baboon spiders is unknown as of now, but a scarcity in their population is clearly shown. The last specimen was found around 100 years ago in Nigeria, but the population of another larger spider, the king baboon spider, seems to be stable.

Where does a Hercules baboon spider live?

The Hysterocrates hercules spider is endemic to Nigeria, a country in Africa. Other species of tarantulas are generally found in Africa and America; species such as king baboon spiders are found in Tanzania and Kenya, while Goliath bird-eating spiders are native to South America.

What is a Hercules baboon spider's habitat?

Hysterocrates hercules tarantulas generally dwell in burrows and are found in grasslands, dry scrublands, and savannah woodlands. In barren areas, these spiders make a deep shelter to protect themselves from the scorching heat.

Who do Hercules baboon spiders live with?

Very little information regarding the social behavior of this spider is available as of now, but spiders are generally solitary creatures who prefer to live alone. Male and female Hercules baboon spiders generally come together during the breeding season.

How long does a Hercules baboon spider live?

The lifespan of the Hysterocrates hercules spider is not known. Most spiders live for around two to three years, but their lifespan generally increases if kept in captivity.

How do they reproduce?

The reproduction patterns of this spider are not known, but it is believed that the species follows similar methods to other spiders. Many spiders are known for their violent courtship displays.

The female spider lays eggs during the summer months and the litter size generally varies.

The spider deposits eggs in a waterproof sack made of silk and places them at the bottom of the burrow. For captive breeding, containers with a space of around 1 x 1 x 1 ft (31 x 31 x 31 cm) are suitable for these spiders.

What is their conservation status?

The IUCN has not evaluated the status of this species due to a deficiency of information. It is said that habitat destruction could be a major threat to this species and it is believed that this spider may already be extinct (or it is simply living very far away from humans).

Hercules Baboon Spider Fun Facts

What do Hercules baboon spiders look like?

The Hercules baboon spider is smaller than the Goliath birdeater. It is found either in black or brown variants and possesses hair all over the body.

Its long and strong legs resemble a baboon's fingers, while its abdomen has multicolored markings and its carapace has glowing bands. This spider generally stretches its front legs to the side to expose its fangs.

How cute are they?

These spiders look very frightening. They may appear small, but they possess powerful jaws and venom that can kill their prey.

How do they communicate?

Spiders generally have similar methods of communication. They vibrate to attract their partners and prey. Also, vibrations help to ward off their predators.

How big is a Hercules baboon spider?

The exact Hercules baboon spider size is not known, but it is said that this species is similar to a smaller version of king baboon spiders. The average leg span of a king baboon spider is 8 in (20 cm). Hercules baboon spiders are bigger than species such as camel spiders and Brazilian wandering spiders.

How fast can Hercules baboon spiders move?

The exact speed of the Hercules baboon spider is not known as of now, but the species is generally known as an ambush predator. Hercules baboon spider fangs can kill small creatures within seconds and the spider becomes quite agile while hunting. The giant house spider can reach a top speed of 1.2 mph (1.9 kph).

How much does a Hercules baboon spider weigh?

The weight of the Hercules baboon spider is not known as of now.

What are their male and female names of the species?

Male and female spiders do not go by a particular name. People generally refer to them as Hercules baboon spiders.

What would you call a baby Hercules baboon spider?

A common name, spiderlin,' is generally used to refer to the babies of any spiders.

What do they eat?

The Hercules baboon spider is a carnivore that is generally seen eating small insects such as grasshoppers, centipedes, bugs, and small spiders.

Are they poisonous?

Generally, these spiders prefer not to live around humans and they are not likely to attack, but they can be quite aggressive. If someone tries to provoke or threaten them, they can attack.

Their poison usually does not affect the human body, hence, they can not kill humans. It is always advised not to provoke or harm spiders in any way.

Would they make a good pet?

It is said that the species may have become extinct or it is likely to be living far from humans, therefore it is not a suitable pet. Spiders can be dangerous pets and are not recommended for beginners to the world of pet insects.

Did you know...

Tarantulas are not true spiders. They are known as true giants instead.

The Hispaniolan giant tarantula is widely regarded as the world's scariest spider.

Why do they call it a Hercules baboon spider?

The legs of the Hercules baboon spider are so strong that they resemble a baboon's fingers. Thanks to this, and because of their hairy appearance, these spiders are called baboon spiders.

What is the largest spider ever recorded?

The world's largest species of spider ever recorded was from Venezuela (a South American country) and it was a male Goliath birdeater spider (Theraphosa blondi). The bite of Goliath birdeater spiders can not kill humans.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other arachnids from our whip spider facts and giant huntsman spider facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Hercules baboon spider coloring pages.  

*Please note that the image is of a king baboon spider, not a Hercules baboon spider. If you have an image of a Hercules baboon spider, please let us know at hello@kidadl.com.