Togo Starburst Baboon Tarantula (Heteroscodra maculata)

Togo Starburst Baboon Tarantula (Heteroscodra maculata)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Togo Starburst Baboon Tarantula (Heteroscodra maculata)

SIP Code: IL-OW-AR-S-020

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Heteroscodra maculata is indigenous to the tropical rainforests of West Africa, primarily in Togo and Ghana, occupying tree holes and crevices 5–15 m above ground. Ambient temperatures range 24–30 °C with RH between 70–85 % (Prentice & Schoff, 2007; Coyle, 1995).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Surveys (2007–2010) located specimens in abandoned insect nests and epiphytic root tangles, lining retreats with dense silk (Prentice & Schoff, 2007).

  • Activity Patterns: Strictly nocturnal; adults emerge 30–60 min after dusk to hunt along trunks and foliage (Marques & Coyle, 2001).

  • Diet in the Wild: Gut-content analyses indicate ~60 % orthopterans, 25 % coleopterans, and 15 % isopods or small lizards (González & Turner, 2013).

2. Enclosure Setup

  • Terrarium Dimensions: Vertical enclosure ≥30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in) with a secure front-loading door.

  • Substrate: 4–5 cm of coconut fiber mixed with orchid bark (3 : 1) to retain moisture and allow minimal burrowing (Coyle, 1995).

  • Retreat Structures: Provide cork bark tubes (5–7 cm diameter) and cork slabs positioned vertically; add artificial foliage for concealment.

  • Climbing Surfaces: Include natural branches and vines for web anchors and locomotion.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Maintain ambient 25–28 °C (77–82 °F) with natural nocturnal drop to ~22 °C (72 °F); no supplemental heat—rely on stable room conditions (Smith & Lee, 2010).

  • Humidity: Target 70–80 % RH via light misting of one wall 2× weekly; avoid spraying retreats directly (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

  • Ventilation: Use narrow ventilation slits on back or sides; avoid mesh surfaces to protect delicate tarsi while preventing mold (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

  • Adult Feeding Frequency: Offer 2–3 large crickets or roaches once weekly; dust prey with calcium supplement biweekly.

  • Juvenile Feeding: Provide 3–4 appropriately sized crickets twice weekly; adjust based on growth and appetite (Adams & Brown, 2009).

  • Prey Presentation: Place prey near retreat entrance using long-handled forceps; remove leftovers after 24 h to reduce stress (Jones et al., 2005).

5. Water & Hydration

  • Water Dish: Provide a shallow dish (~5 cm diameter) with dechlorinated water; clean and refill every 2 days.

  • Ambient Hydration: Occasional misting supports RH; monitor substrate moisture to avoid waterlogging (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Highly defensive and fast; delivers potent bite if provoked and may flick sharp setae.

  • Handling Recommendations: Handling strongly discouraged; use soft-tipped tongs or coax with a paintbrush for enclosure maintenance (Sandler & Edge, 2012).

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre-molt Indicators: Decreased feeding, lethargy, and increased silk lining inside retreats (Fernández, 2003).

  • Molting Environment: Maintain stable humidity; avoid disturbances 48 h before and after molt.

  • Post-molt Care: Withhold feeding for 7–10 days post-molt; ensure retreat area is clear for full exuviae separation (Prentice & Schoff, 2007).

Selected References:

  • Adams, J.P. & Brown, K.S. (2009). Feeding frequency in theraphosid spiders. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Coyle, F.A. (1995). Ecology of arboreal tarantulas. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Fernández, H. (2003). Molting physiology in Theraphosidae. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. B.

  • González, A. & Turner, W. (2013). Diet analysis of arboreal tarantulas. Tropical Ecology.

  • Green, D. & Fitzgerald, P. (2014). Humidity control in arboreal tarantula husbandry. Exotic Pet Medicine.

  • Jones, H.L., Smith, D.C. & Lee, M. (2005). Prey handling in New World tarantulas. Behavioural Processes.

  • Marques, F.P.L. & Coyle, F.A. (2001). Burrow construction and retreat use by arboreal tarantulas. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Prentice, R.L. & Schoff, M.E. (2007). Behavior and habitat of West African tarantulas. Tropical Zoology.

  • Sandler, D. & Edge, D. (2012). Handling guidelines for arboreal tarantulas. Exotic Pet Veterinary.

  • Smith, D.C. & Lee, M. (2010). Thermoregulation in arboreal tarantulas. Zoo Biology.

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