Togo Starburst Baboon (Heteroscodra maculata)

Togo Starburst Baboon

Heteroscodra maculata

These are fast moving arboreal spiders with a black markings.
Overall they're grayish-tan with mottled black and spots, and lengthened leg hairs give them a fluffy appearance that belies their nature as very efficient predators.
Legs IV are thick. They are sometimes called "Ornamental Baboons" in the pet trade.

Range: The Togo Starburst Baboon comes from the west coast of Africa, near Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, etc.

Habitat: Shrubs and low palms in humid forests

Size: Fully grown, they're about 4 1/2-5 inches in legspan. They are also quite stocky for an arboreal.

Attitude: Quick and accurate, but generally very shy. I am amazed at how fast mine can detect and then grab a cricket from the opposite corner of its terrarium. Their bite is quite painful- I know from first hand experience (pun intended) that it will make you sing soprano. There were no long-term affects, or anything of more serious consequence than a wasp's sting, however. They are unquestionably not a spider to handle, though they would much rather flee than bite.
Dwelling: As these tarantulas are arboreal, they prefer climbing space to floor room. However, younger ones may spend a fair amount of time on and IN the ground. They like to hide in nooks and crannies that afford them a vantage point to avoid predators and from which to surprise prey.

Ideal Setup: A container of approximately 3-5 gallons for arboreals that can be accessed from its side (with this species, preferably a door on the side instead of the whole thing coming off). There should be climbing materials (cork bark, etc.) and a thin layer of substrate at the bottom to retain humidity. Supply a water dish and lightly moisten the substrate once or twice a week to keep a good amount of humidity (60% or so should be enough). Keep the temperature around 75-80 degrees F if possible. You may also gently mist the spider's silk from time to time.

Food: Any climbing bugs that haven't been exposed to pesticides (3-5 crickets a week), small anole lizards, etc.


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