Togo Starburst Baboon

Heteroscodra maculata Care Guide

Togo Starburst Baboon Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Heteroscodra maculata, commonly known as the Togo Starburst Baboon Tarantula, is an Old World arboreal species native to West Africa, specifically Togo and Ghana. This species is famous for its striking white, gray, and black camouflage pattern, lightning-fast movements, and medically significant venom. With an adult diagonal leg span of around 5–6 inches, it is a relatively small but highly agile tarantula that requires careful handling during enclosure maintenance. Due to its speed, defensiveness, and potent venom, this tarantula is strictly recommended for advanced keepers only.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Heteroscodra maculata

• Common Names: Togo Starburst Baboon, Ornamental Baboon Tarantula, Feather-Leg Baboon

• Type: Arboreal

• Category: Old World

• Endemic Location: Togo, Ghana, and surrounding West African regions

• Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): Approximately 5–6” (13–15 cm)

• Urticating Hairs: No

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Life Expectancy:

  • Females: Up to 12–15 years

  • Males: Around 3–4 years

• Recommended Experience Level: Advanced

What Makes Heteroscodra maculata Special?

The Togo Starburst Baboon is one of the most striking Old World arboreal tarantulas, with a highly cryptic white, gray, and black pattern that allows it to blend seamlessly into tree bark. This camouflage adaptation makes it a fascinating species to observe but also very difficult to spot inside a heavily decorated enclosure.

Unlike Poecilotheria and Stromatopelma, H. maculata does not have distinct bright coloration but makes up for it with its elegant feather-like leg markings and jagged cryptic patterning. It is extremely fast, highly defensive, and possesses some of the most potent venom of any Old World tarantula. Bites from this species can cause intense pain, muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness, and prolonged swelling.

Natural Habitat & What That Means for Enclosure Setup

In the wild, Heteroscodra maculata is found in tree crevices, under bark, and in hollow logs in the humid forests of Togo and Ghana. While an arboreal species, juveniles often exhibit semi-fossorial tendencies, burrowing when given deep substrate. This means that providing a versatile enclosure with both vertical climbing spaces and ground cover is ideal for keeping this species comfortable.

Housing & Substrate – Arboreal Setup

Spiderlings

• Enclosure Size: Tarantula Cribs Treehouse Mini, Coffin Crib Mini, Treehouse Extra Small, Sling Crib

• Substrate: Fill the bottom 1/3 of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Decor: Provide a vertical piece of cork bark (half-round preferred) secured with substrate, along with fake or live plants for additional cover.

• Water: A shallow water dish should be provided.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size: Tarantula Cribs Treehouse Switch Small, Small Treehouse, Coffin Crib Medium, Crib 360 - 8 inch Arboreal

• Substrate: Same as spiderlings—1/3 filled with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Decor: Vertical cork bark, fake/live plants, and a secure hiding spot.

• Water: A small water dish should always be available.

Adults

• Enclosure Size: Tarantula Cribs Treehouse Switch-XL2.0, Large Treehouse - Clear Back, Treehouse Switch - Large, Large Coffin Crib

• Substrate: 1/3 of the enclosure filled with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Decor: Provide multiple vertical cork hides, branches, and artificial foliage to encourage webbing.

• Water: A larger water dish at the bottom and an additional smaller dish higher in the enclosure can help ensure hydration.

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Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: Maintain between 70–78°F (21–25°C).

• Humidity: Maintain around 65–75%.

• Ventilation: Good airflow is crucial. Avoid excessive misting, as stagnant humidity can lead to mold and health issues.

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings

• Frequency:
  Feed twice a week.

• Prey:
  Offer small prey such as flightless fruit flies, confused flour beetles, or pre-killed tiny crickets/roach nymphs. Remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours. increase the size of the prey as the spider grows. Prekill any prey that is over 2/3 the size of the sling. For more detailed information on feeding spiderlings, watch this video: How To Feed Spiderlings & Scorplings (Baby Tarantulas & Scorpions)

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 24–48 hours after a molt before feeding. Ensure that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is not soft or shiny.

Juveniles

• Frequency:
  Feed every 7–10 days.

• Prey:
  Provide 2–3 small to medium crickets or a medium Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the widest part of the carapace, feed more prey more often.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, feed less prey, less often.
    This strategy helps prevent obesity, which can lead to molting complications or increase the risk of an abdomen rupture from even a small fall.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 3–7 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Adults

• Frequency:
  Feed every 2–3 weeks (or as needed).

• Prey:
  Offer 4–5 large crickets or one large Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the carapace’s widest part, increase feeding frequency.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, reduce feeding frequency.
    This is crucial to avoid obesity, which can interfere with proper molting or cause dangerous issues such as an abdomen rupture.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 5–10 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Behavior & Temperament

Heteroscodra maculata is one of the fastest tarantulas in the hobby and one of the most defensive. While it prefers to flee, it will bite if cornered, delivering a venomous bite that can cause:

• Intense localized pain

• Muscle cramping

• Fever-like symptoms

• Dizziness and nausea

This species should never be handled and should only be kept by advanced keepers who are prepared for its extreme speed and defensive behavior.

Breeding Heteroscodra maculata in Captivity

Heteroscodra maculata, commonly known as the Togo Starburst Baboon Tarantula, is a striking species native to West and Central Africa, particularly Togo, Cameroon, and Ghana. Renowned for its distinctive black, grey, and white coloration, this species is both admired and approached with caution due to its defensive nature and potent venom.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Male Maturity: Males typically reach maturity within 1–2 years, characterized by longer legs and the development of bulbous pedipalps for sperm transfer.

• Female Maturity: Females generally mature around 2–3 years, achieving a robust size indicative of reproductive readiness.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: We should ensure the female is well-fed before introducing the male to minimize the risk of cannibalism. Providing an enclosure with ample hiding spots and vertical spaces can facilitate a more natural interaction during pairing.

Mating Process

• Introduce the male into the female’s enclosure during the evening or nighttime when tarantulas are more active.

• The male will typically perform courtship behaviors, such as tapping or drumming, to signal his presence.

• If receptive, the female may respond similarly or remain still, allowing the male to approach and attempt copulation.

• After successful mating, promptly remove the male to prevent potential aggression from the female.

Egg Sac Production

• If fertilized, the female may produce an egg sac approximately 8 weeks after mating.

• Maintain temperatures around 75–85°F (24–29°C) with humidity levels between 60–70%, ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth.

• An egg sac can contain a substantial number of eggs, with reports indicating clutches ranging from 120 to 150 eggs, though numbers can vary.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

• Some breeders choose to remove the egg sac from the female after 30–40 days for artificial incubation.

• If left with the mother, spiderlings (slings) will typically emerge within 6–8 weeks and undergo their first molt to the second instar stage within 3–4 weeks thereafter.

Raising Spiderlings

• H. maculata spiderlings exhibit a fast growth rate and require stable humidity with proper ventilation.

• Provide enclosures with sufficient depth to accommodate their burrowing nature during early stages, transitioning to more arboreal setups as they mature.

• Feed them appropriately sized prey, such as pinhead crickets or flightless fruit flies, every 2–3 days to support healthy development.

Challenges & Considerations

• Temperament: H. maculata is known for its defensive nature and rapid movements. Caution is advised during maintenance to prevent escapes or accidental injury.

• Venom Potency: This species possesses potent venom, which can cause significant pain and muscle cramping. Handling should be avoided to minimize the risk of envenomation.

• Humidity and Ventilation: Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial, as spiderlings are particularly susceptible to desiccation. Ensure enclosures are well-ventilated to prevent mold growth.

With their striking appearance and manageable care requirements, Heteroscodra maculata has become a popular species among tarantula enthusiasts. Their fast growth rate and relatively high reproductive output make captive breeding essential to maintain healthy populations in the hobby. By focusing on these efforts, we can reduce the need for wild-caught specimens, ensuring the sustainability of this remarkable species for future generations.

Final Thoughts

Heteroscodra maculata (Togo Starburst Baboon Tarantula) is an incredible display species that is best suited for experienced keepers due to its aggressive nature, potent venom, and speed. It thrives in arboreal enclosures with vertical cork bark hides and dense foliage, mimicking its tree-dwelling natural habitat.

With proper care, including:

• A secure enclosure with deep substrate

• Controlled temperature & humidity

• A cautious approach to feeding and maintenance

This species can be a fascinating and visually stunning addition to an experienced keeper’s collection.

Additional Recommendations

• For enclosures, use: Tarantula Cribs (TTC10 for 10% off)

• For substrate, use: Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude

• For tarantulas, check out: Spider Shoppe (TTC10 for 10% off)