Monocentropus balfouri (1.5cm)

Appearance and characteristics Monocentropus balfouri is a real gem in the collection of any terrarium hobbyist. This spider is distinguished by an unusual color combination: a creamy beige carapace and intense blue legs, the saturation of which increases with each successive moulting. Although the offered specimens are still young, they are already showing a high growth rate. The species grows to an average size, but makes up for it with an extremely stocky and strong body structure, typical of Old World spiders. Behavior and venom Like other spiders of the "Baboon" group, M. balfouri is characterized by its high speed and lack of vapor hairs. When threatened, it usually chooses to escape into its intricate web, but when pressed, it can assume a defensive posture. The venom of this species is stronger than that of New World spiders, so caution is advised when handling it in the terrarium. The most fascinating feature of this species is their sociality - given enough space and food, individuals from one cocoon can live together in one terrarium, hunting and sharing nests together. Breeding conditions In the wild, this spider inhabits the dry and semi-desert areas of Socotra Island. In breeding, therefore, it requires lower humidity than tropical species. The substrate should be dry or only slightly moist in one corner. It is crucial to provide the spider with plenty of elements for nesting, such as pieces of bark or roots, as Monocentropus balfouri produces huge amounts of dense web, forming intricate tunnels out of it. The optimal temperature is 24-28°C, which stimulates the spider's metabolism and rapid growth.