
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Heteroscodra maculata
An arboreal tarantula from West Africa, chalky white with mottled black and brown markings and notably thick rear legs. It is fast and has medically significant venom, so it is for advanced keepers.
Heteroscodra maculata was described by Pocock in 1899 and belongs to the Stromatopelminae, ranging from West to Central Africa with Togo and Ghana at the centre of its distribution. Its distinctive chalky white ground colour with mottled black and brown markings has also earned it the name ornamental baboon. Its markedly thick rear legs lead many to call it a baboon spider, although it does not belong to the Harpactirinae. It is arboreal, spinning a tube web in crevices such as bark and sheltering inside by day, although juveniles have been observed burrowing during their first few months. Being an Old World species it has no urticating hairs and can only flee or bite. Its venom is regarded as medically significant and handling is not recommended. Females breed readily but sexual cannibalism can occur, and an egg sac yields between 75 and 130 spiderlings.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Togo Starburst Baboon lives Females 10-12 years / males 2-3 years.
The Togo Starburst Baboon grows to Body 5-7cm, leg span 11-13cm.
It measures 5-7cm in body length with a leg span of 11-13cm and reaches adult size in about three years.
The ideal temperature for the Togo Starburst Baboon is 22〜26℃. Ideal humidity is 70〜80%.
Origin
West and Central Africa (mainly Togo and Ghana)
Sources: The Spider Shop: Heteroscodra maculata / Tarantupedia: Heteroscodra maculata / Wikipedia: Heteroscodra maculata / German Wikipedia: Heteroscodra maculata / 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: Heteroscodra maculata Pocock, 1899
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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Lifespan
Females 10-12 years / males 2-3 years
Size
Body 5-7cm, leg span 11-13cm
Temperature
22〜26℃
Humidity
70〜80%
Live insects such as crickets and roaches
Aim for 22-26C and 70-80% humidity, matching West African rainforest while keeping ventilation and avoiding dryness.
Being arboreal it needs a tall vertical enclosure with upright cork bark so it can spin its tube web.
Offer active live prey such as crickets and roaches, and remove uneaten items within a day.
It has no urticating hairs and defends itself by fleeing or biting. Its venom is medically significant and handling is not recommended.
It is extremely fast and can bolt the moment the lid opens, so all work should be done in an enclosed space.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Togo Starburst Baboon is 22〜26℃. Recommended humidity is 70〜80%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Togo Starburst Baboon is Females 10-12 years / males 2-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Togo Starburst Baboon typically reaches Body 5-7cm, leg span 11-13cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Togo Starburst Baboon feeds on: Live insects such as crickets and roaches. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Togo Starburst Baboon varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026