Monocentropus

Monocentropus is a genus of tarantulas that was first described by Reginald Innes Pocock in 1897.^[2] As of December 2025^[update] it officially contains two species, found in Madagascar and in Yemen: M. balfouri and M. lambertoni.^[1] Though recently, the position of M. lambertoni has been put into question, being deemed an incerta sedis.^[3]

Monocentropus
Monocentropus balfouri
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Chelicerata
Class:	Arachnida
Order:	Araneae
Infraorder:	Mygalomorphae
Family:	Theraphosidae
Genus:	Monocentropus Pocock, 1897[1]
Type species
M. balfouri Pocock, 1897
Species
M. balfouri Pocock, 1897 – Yemen (Socotra) M. lambertoni Fage, 1922 – Madagascar

M. balfouri has many unusual characteristics for a tarantula species, most notably their heightened defensiveness towards humans, gregarious nature with others of their own kind, and strong maternal instincts, with mothers even bringing food to their spiderlings. Their striking blue coloration and tendency to live in colonies make them an attractive, rewarding but challenging and obstreperous-natured pet.^[3]

Description

Monocentropus strongly resembles the genus Satyrex, with Satyrex longimanus originally being considered a part of Monocentropus. As well as M. lambertoni possibly being part of the same genus. Apart from their behavior, species of this genus can be distinguished by their not elongated male palp.

See also

• List of Theraphosidae species