is there a reason so many t's are referred to as "Baboon" tarantulas

[xBurntBytheSunx]

did somebody think they look like monkies or is there an actual reason?

 

[8 leg wonder]

Its just a common name some idiot started to give spiders that came from Africa.

 

[FryLock]

It come's from the names used in Africa ppl liken the leg with scopulate on the underside to a baboon's finger (looks like hairy finger with grey skin on the underside).

 

[Kaos]

It come's from the names used in Africa ppl liken the leg with scopulate on the underside to a baboon's finger (looks like hairy finger with grey skin on the underside).

Correct, when the tarantula sits in the opening of it's burrow it might resemble a baboon hand.

Its just a common name some idiot started to give spiders that came from Africa.

What is point of answering a thread if don't have anything to contribute with? :?

 

[Mattyb]

It come's from the names used in Africa ppl liken the leg with scopulate on the underside to a baboon's finger (looks like hairy finger with grey skin on the underside).

Hmmm...very interesting....

 

[Rico]

I think I read somewhere that another reason was because baboons seemed to think they were a pretty tasty snack.

 

[protheus]

My guess has been that it's the thickness of the tarantula's legs (compared to other tarantulas); ever seen a "baboon?" Definitely big and stocky, so baboon like in that sense.

Chris

 

[Randomosity]

and probably the attitude of one to boot

 

[Lopez]

Its just a common name some idiot started to give spiders that came from Africa.

No, it's a name given to them by the local people. Whilst I'm no fan of common names, it's certainly a more "authentic" one than most!

 

[Lochala]

Many of them have the same coloration as a baboon (Ex. pterinochilus lugardi and the Ceratogyrus genus.

 

[Buspirone]

I found two references on websites:

http://www.museums.org.za/bio/spiderweb/therapho.htm

http://arachnophiliac.co.uk/burrow/Why_bird_eating_spider.htm

I don't know if either is correct.

 

[FryLock]

The first link comes close to what iv read in the past and been told about the baboon finger but i love this quote from that site.

"Due to the slow maturity rate and high mortality of immatures, the collecting of baboon spiders is strongly discouraged, as this has led to the decimation of populations. They do not make ideal pets as they are inactive during the day and move around very little even at night. Once the novelty of scaring ones friends has worn off, most spiders in captivity eventually die of dehydration, stress from handling and sheer neglect."

LOL which African species have been decimated by over collecton (info from who) and who would kill a baboon by handling it too much .

 

[Bothrops]

Buspirone, I love your avatar, hahaha!!

 

[Pheonixx]

is it cause the entomoligist that found them has the intelegence of a baboon?
LOL

 

[Jesse607]

I don't remember where I heard this from, but I heard they are called baboon spiders by the locals because they are as "mean" as a baboon.