A rare wonder — shimmering cobalt blue that seems almost unreal. Native to isolated Socotra, one of earth's most biodiverse islands, this species lives peacefully in communal groups.
Origin
Socotra Island, Yemen
Temperament
Bold & Communal
Size
KL 5-7 cm
Lifespan
Up to 12 years (♀)
Did you know
M. balfouri mothers actively care for their spiderlings — extraordinary behaviour for a tarantula.
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Keeping Guide
Housing
Terrestrial to semi-arboreal setup, minimum 20×20×30 cm. Provide deep substrate, cork bark tubes and plenty of anchor points for webbing — M. balfouri will transform the entire enclosure into an elaborate silk fortress over time. Can be kept communally in larger groups with a proportionally larger enclosure.
Temperature & Humidity
Room temperature is sufficient in most European homes (20–26°C). No additional heating required in most cases. Humidity 65–75% — keep substrate slightly moist on one side. Good ventilation essential.
Feeding
Crickets or roaches appropriate to body size. Feeds every 10–14 days. M. balfouri can go extended periods without food — don't be alarmed by occasional fasting, especially in winter.
Handling
Not recommended — fast, unpredictable and best enjoyed as a display animal. The real spectacle is watching a communal group interact and maintain their shared web structure.
Experience Level
Intermediate. The communal aspect requires a slightly larger enclosure and more planning, but the reward of watching a colony thrive together is unlike anything else in the hobby.
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