
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ceratogyrus darlingi
A fossorial tarantula from southern Africa with a backward-curving horn set toward the rear of the carapace. It needs deep dry substrate and, while hardy and fast-growing, is quick and defensive.
Ceratogyrus darlingi was described by Pocock in 1897 and belongs to the Harpactirinae, inhabiting dry savanna in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa. The backward-curving foveal horn gives the species its common name and pairs it with the straight-horned baboon. Colour ranges from ash grey through mud brown to black, with a leg span of 13-15cm. It circulated in the hobby under the obsolete name Ceratogyrus bechuanicus and is the most commonly kept Ceratogyrus species. An obligate burrower, it prefers deep dry substrate such as coconut fibre and cannot tolerate excess moisture. Prey is dragged into the burrow to feed, and moulting also happens underground. It breeds readily and grows quickly, but it is fast and defensive and is not a beginner species. It has no urticating hairs.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Rear-horned Baboon lives Females 13-15 years, males 2-4 years.
The Rear-horned Baboon grows to Leg span 13-15cm.
The ideal temperature for the Rear-horned Baboon is 24〜28℃. Ideal humidity is 60〜70%.
Origin
Southern Africa (Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa)
Lifespan
Females 13-15 years, males 2-4 years
Sources: The Spider Shop: Ceratogyrus darlingi / The Tarantula Collective: Ceratogyrus darlingi / Tarantupedia: Ceratogyrus darlingi / Wikipedia: Ceratogyrus darlingi / GBIF
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Ceratogyrus darlingi Pocock, 1897
Synonyms: Ceratogyrus bechuanicus
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
Leg span 13-15cm
Temperature
24〜28℃
Humidity
60〜70%
Crickets, roaches, superworms
Aim for 24-28C and 60-70% humidity. As an arid-habitat species it must not be kept too wet, and ventilation matters.
As an obligate burrower it needs deep diggable substrate such as coconut fibre, plus cork bark or leaf litter as web anchors.
It takes crickets, roaches and superworms readily but tends to shy away from oversized prey.
It has no urticating hairs and is fast and defensive. Bites are painful, so it is not handled.
It is sometimes sold under the obsolete name Ceratogyrus bechuanicus, so check the scientific name when buying.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Rear-horned Baboon is 24〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 60〜70%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Rear-horned Baboon is Females 13-15 years, males 2-4 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Rear-horned Baboon typically reaches Leg span 13-15cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Rear-horned Baboon feeds on: Crickets, roaches, superworms. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Rear-horned Baboon varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026