Heterosodra maculata Care Sheet
Welcome to the world of Eight Legged Beauties, where we turn fuzzy fear into fascination!
Today we’re highlighting one of the most dramatic Old World arboreal species — Heteroscodra maculata, commonly known as the Togo Starburst Baboon Tarantula. With its striking spotted pattern, lightning-fast reflexes, and potent venom, this spider is definitely a display-only specimen for experienced keepers.
Meet the Species
Scientific name: Heteroscodra maculata
Common name: Togo Starburst Baboon, Ornamental Baboon
Type: Arboreal Old-World
Native to: West Africa — Togo, Ghana, and nearby regions
Adult size: Approximately 5–6″ (13–15 cm) diagonal leg span
Temperament: Extremely fast, very defensive, and willing to bite. No urticating hairs.
Lifespan: Females ~12-15 years, males ~3–4 years.
Experience level: Advanced → Expert (definitely not for beginners)
Fun Fact:
Its striking pattern of black, gray, and white “starburst” spots helps it blend into tree bark and shaded crevices in its natural forest habitat
Setting Up Their Home
In the wild, H. maculata dwells in tropical West African forest, climbing into trees and using bark crevices or branches to ambush prey
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 inches (humidity retention) 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 65-75% 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: Very fast, web-heavy, and prone to sudden defensive moves
• Adults: Highly defensive, will adopt a threat posture quickly.
• Handling: Absolutely not recommended — their venom is medically significant, and they’re too quick to safely handle.
Observation tip:
Watch for fresh webbing, especially around vertical surfaces. These are ambush hunters and will sit and wait in their web retreats.
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
Heteroscodra maculata (Togo Starburst Baboon) is a striking and formidable arboreal spider. It’s not for beginners — its speed, patterning, and venom demand respect and experience. But in the right setup — tall, secure, and well-ventilated — it becomes a spectacular display of Old World behavior. For those who love watching natural tarantula behavior rather than handling, this species is a powerful and fascinating addition to an experienced collection.