Amazonian whip spider (Heterophrynus elaphus)

Short answers

Amazonian whip spider: How big does the enclosure need to be?

40×40×60 cm as a minimum for one animal; for this large species, 50×40×80 cm is better — what matters is the clear height beneath the moulting spot; plus large vertical cork surfaces and strong ventilation.

Amazonian whip spider: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–27 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 21–24 °C.

Amazonian whip spider: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

Amazonian whip spider: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–10 years.

Amazonian whip spider: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–27 °C

Night temperature

21–24 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

75–90 %, mist daily — but always together with strong ventilation

UVB

Not required

Enclosure

Minimum size

40×40×60 cm as a minimum for one animal; for this large species, 50×40×80 cm is better — what matters is the clear height beneath the moulting spot; plus large vertical cork surfaces and strong ventilation

Substrate

Damp coco humus, large vertical cork surfaces

Feeding

Food

House crickets, roaches

Feeding interval

1–2 feeder insects per week; before shedding the animal naturally stops eating on its own.

Key facts

Adult size

body 4–6 cm, leg span including the antenniform legs 25–30 cm

Life expectancy

5–10 years

Origin

Western Amazon basin — Peru and neighbouring countries; lives at damp cave entrances and at the buttress roots of large rainforest trees

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Single housing; with plenty of space a group is also possible. A group is an option, not a necessity: kept singly these animals lack nothing, and whip spiders of this genus defend their perch against conspecifics. Anyone housing them together needs a large enclosure, a separate hide for every animal and plenty of food — otherwise the group becomes one.

Notes

The largest whip spider in captivity, and entirely non-venomous. It lives flat against vertical surfaces – large cork back walls matter more than floor area. Very shy and nocturnal.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Amazonian whip spider (Heterophrynus elaphus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• African whip spider (Euphrynichus amanica) – Beginner to intermediate
• Tailless whip scorpion (Phrynus marginemaculatus) – Intermediate
• Israeli whip spider (Charinus israelensis) – Expert
• Johnston's whip spider (Damon johnstonii) – Intermediate
• Small whip spider (Phrynus parvulus) – Intermediate
• Mexican whip spider (Acanthophrynus coronatus) – Intermediate
• East African whip spider (Damon variegatus) – Intermediate
• Tanzanian whip spider (Damon diadema) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Amazonian whip spider (Heterophrynus elaphus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×40×60 cm as a minimum for one animal; for this large species, 50×40×80 cm is better — what matters is the clear height beneath the moulting spot; plus large vertical cork surfaces and strong ventilation), substrate (Damp coco humus, large vertical cork surfaces), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.