Harpactirinae (commonly called baboon spiders) are a subfamily of tarantulas which are native to the continent of Africa. Like many tarantulas, they have a strong venom, and can inflict a painful bite; however most baboon spiders are not considered dangerous to man.
The spider on the left crawled out from under my pillow and jumped onto the step next to my bed - and was subsequently bottled, photographed and released outside. The other was running for it's life while dragging its egg-sack, ahead of the slasher trimming the lawn.
They are referred to as the spider world's giants and are known as Baboon spiders in South Africa. Elsewhere they are commonly kept as pets and known as tarantulas but in South Africa they may not be collected, transported or kept without a permit. The reason they are known as baboon spiders, is due to the last two leg segments looking like the finger of a baboon.
Baboon spiders can live up to 25 years and reach maturity at about 10 years. For food, they catch insects such as crickets, and grasshoppers but also eat other spiders and even frogs, lizards, who, in turn, eat them.
Baboon spiders defend themselves against their enemies with venomous bites with some that can make a hissing sound, like snakes, by rubbing their back legs over their bodies.
Sources:
* Wikipedia
* Dr Ansie Dippenaar-Schoeman is a Specialist Scientist at the ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute, Spider Research Centre, Pretoria
http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2002/november/baboon.htm
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