Ceratogyrus darlingi Care Sheet
Welcome to the world of Eight Legged Beauties, where we turn fuzzy fear into fascination!
Today we’re spotlighting a wild African fossorial powerhouse — Ceratogyrus darlingi, better known as the Rear-Horned Baboon Tarantula. With its iconic backward-curving “horn,” burrowing lifestyle, and bold personality, this species is a striking and challenging addition for experienced keepers.
Meet the Species
Scientific name: Ceratogyrus darlingi
Common name: Rear-Horned Baboon Tarantula
Type: Fossorial (obligate burrower)
Native to: Southern Africa — Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa
Adult size: Around 5″ (13 cm) diagonal leg span
Temperament: Fast, defensive, highly reactive; uses threat postures and can bite
Lifespan: Females ~13–15 years, Males ~2–4 years
Experience level: Intermediate to Advanced — not for beginners due to speed, defensiveness, and venom potency
Fun Fact:
That horn on its carapace? It’s not just for show — the “rear horn” is unique among tarantulas and gives this species its dramatic name.
Setting Up Their Home
In the wild, C. darlingi digs deep burrows in dry, semi-arid savannas or scrublands, using sandy or firm soil.
Enclosure Tips
• For spiderlings: Use a small acrylic box, ~3× leg span wide.
• For juveniles: Medium terrestrial enclosure, width ~3–4× leg span.
• For adults: Larger terrestrial setup, width ~3–4× (or more) leg span; height kept modest to avoid fall risk.
• Orientation: Wider than tall — emphasizes horizontal space over height.
• Security: Ensure a tight-fitting lid, well-drilled ventilation holes; these spiders can be escape artists.
Substrate
Use about ½ to ¾ of the enclosure depth of:
Organic topsoil / Terra Aranea (or similar mix)
Keep it firm but diggable
For slings: maintain one slightly damp corner; for adults: mostly dry with a moist retreat zone
Add a hide like cork bark, a fake plant, or half a flowerpot. A shallow water dish is essential, even if rarely used.
Temperature & Humidity
Setting Ideal Range Tips
Temperature 70-78°F Room temp is usually fine. Avoid heat lamps or direct sunlight.
Humidity 50-60% Keep mainly dry substrate; lightly mist or overflow water dish occasionally.
Ventilation High Proper airflow prevents mold.
Pro Tip:
Keep substrate’s lower layers a bit damp but let the top layer dry — it gives your tarantula options to pick its comfort zone and mimics natural ground layering.
Feeding Time
Spiderlings
Feed 2× per week
Pinhead crickets, fruit flies, or tiny roaches
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours
Juveniles
Feed every 7–10 days
2–3 small crickets or one medium roach
Adults
Feed every 2–3 weeks
4–5 large crickets or one adult Dubia roach
Tip:
A healthy tarantula’s abdomen should be roughly the same width as its carapace.
Too plump = overfed. Too thin = time for a snack.
After a molt, always wait until the fangs are black again before offering food.
(Usually 24–48 hrs for slings, up to a week or more for adults.)
Behavior & Temperament
• Spiderlings: Aggressive burrowers, very quick; may flick threat poses if disturbed
• Adults: Generally defensive — will display threat posture, charge, or bite rather than flee
• Handling: Not recommended — dangerous due to speed, defensive behavior, and potent venom.
Observation tip:
Watch for curled-up hairs, webbing in the hide, or substrate rearrangement — these can be signs of impending molt or comfort behavior.
Common Challenges
Too damp: Mold and mites increase ventilation
Too dry: Dehydration or failed molts
Overfeeding: Lethargy or injury from bloated abdomen
Frequent handling: Stress and hair kicking
Also watch for escape attempts; this species is fast and can dart out if the lid isn't secure.
Final Thoughts
Ceratogyrus darlingi (Rear-Horned Baboon) is a truly iconic and dramatic species — its backward carapace horn, fast burrowing behavior, and bold personality make it a standout. But this tarantula demands respect: it’s not for beginners. With a deep, well-draining burrow setup, stable conditions, and careful management, C. darlingi can be a fascinating and rewarding long-term addition to an experienced keeper’s collection.