Heterothele gabonensis — Gabon Blue Dwarf Baboon (Sling)

A Compact Blue Webber with Big Personality

The Gabon Blue Dwarf Baboon Sling is a fascinating African species that combines compact size, subtle blue tones, and heavy webbing behaviour into one highly engaging tarantula.

Heterothele gabonensis is especially popular among keepers who enjoy active enclosures filled with webbing and even the potential for communal setups (for advanced keepers). Despite its small size, it offers a dynamic and rewarding experience.

Why You'll Want This Species

• Subtle blue sheen across legs and body

• Dwarf size — perfect for space-conscious setups

• Heavy webber that creates visually striking enclosures

• Active and often visible compared to burrowers

• One of the few species known for communal potential (advanced setups only)

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Heterothele gabonensis

• Common Name: Gabon Blue Dwarf Baboon

• Origin: West Africa (Gabon and surrounding regions)

• Adult Size: ±5–7 cm leg span

• Temperament: Fast, skittish, generally defensive

• Lifespan:

  • Females: ±8–10 years

  • Males: ±2–3 years

Appearance

• Brown to dark base colour with a soft blue sheen

• Fine, delicate build typical of dwarf species

• Subtle beauty that becomes more noticeable under light

While not as bold as some blue species, its colouring is elegant and understated.

Enclosure & Setup Guide (By Life Stage)

Sling

• Enclosure: Small sling enclosure or vial

• Substrate Depth: 3–5 cm (slightly moist)

• Setup: Add anchor points for webbing (twigs, bark)

• Tip: This species relies more on webbing than burrowing

Juvenile

• Enclosure: Small terrestrial/webbing enclosure

• Substrate Depth: 5–8 cm

• Setup: Cork bark, anchor points, light décor

Sub-Adult

• Enclosure: Small–medium enclosure

• Substrate Depth: 8–10 cm

• Setup: Plenty of structure for webbing, water dish

Adult

• Enclosure: Terrestrial/webbing setup

• Substrate Depth: 8–12 cm

• Set up Essentials:

  • Multiple anchor points

  • Cork bark or hides

  • Water dish

  • Space for webbing expansion

Ideal Conditions:

• Temperature: 24–28°C

• Humidity: 65–75% (lightly moist substrate)

• Lighting: Low to moderate

• Ventilation: Good airflow

Feeding Guide

• Diet: Small crickets, roaches, fruit flies (for slings)

Feeding Schedule:

• Slings: 2–3 times per week

• Juveniles: Once per week

• Sub-adults: Every 7–10 days

• Adults: Every 10–14 days

They are quick feeders and often capture prey within their webbing.

Behaviour & Handling

• Fast and alert, but not overly aggressive

• Builds dense web networks across the enclosure

• Often visible within webbing structures

• Handling is not recommended due to the speed and size

Suitable for keepers who enjoy active, web-building species.

Important Considerations

• Venom: Old World — medically significant

• Visibility: Moderate to high due to webbing behaviour

• Communal Potential: Possible, but only for experienced keepers

• Experience Level: Intermediate

Why Start With a Sling?

Starting with a sling allows you to:

• Watch its webbing behaviour develop from the beginning

• Observe subtle colour changes over time

• Potentially grow a group for a future communal setup

Ready to Add a Unique, Space-Friendly Species to Your Collection?

The Gabon Blue Dwarf Baboon Sling is perfect for keepers who want activity, webbing, and subtle beauty in a compact package.

Secure yours while available — this species offers something truly different.