Tanzanian whip spider (Damon diadema)

Short answers

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

30×30×40 cm (a single animal or small group), vertical with a cork back wall.

Tanzanian whip spider: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, at night 20–24 °C.

Tanzanian whip spider: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).

Tanzanian whip spider: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–10 years (females longer).

Tanzanian whip spider: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C

Night temperature

20–24 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

75–85 %

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×40 cm (a single animal or small group), vertical with a cork back wall

Substrate

Coco humus or forest floor, moisture-retaining; cork bark, roots and vines to climb

Feeding

Food

House crickets or crickets and roaches, matched to the animal's size

Feeding interval

1–2×/week (adults), juveniles somewhat more often

Key facts

Adult size

body up to approx. 2–2.8 cm, leg span approx. 18–20 cm

Life expectancy

5–10 years (females longer)

Origin

East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya) – rainforest, savannah, caves

Protection status

No known CITES or German protection; freely tradable

Brumation

None (tropical)

Cohabitation

Group keeping is well documented – one of the most sociable whip spiders (a real exception among arachnids!); the females carry their young on their backs. The conditions: plenty of vertical surface and hides, and enough food; adult males can compete, so separate them if needed

Notes

The ideal beginner's whip spider: robust, and it takes dryness better than its relatives. Non-venomous, without silk glands, and absolutely harmless. Offer cuttlebone or calcium. A shallow water dish. Moulting needs height.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Johnston's whip spider (Damon johnstonii) – Intermediate
• East African whip spider (Damon variegatus) – Intermediate
• Tanzanian whip spider (Damon medius) – Beginner
• African whip spider (Euphrynichus amanica) – Beginner to intermediate
• Amazonian whip spider (Heterophrynus elaphus) – Intermediate
• Tailless whip scorpion (Phrynus marginemaculatus) – Intermediate
• Israeli whip spider (Charinus israelensis) – Expert
• Small whip spider (Phrynus parvulus) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Tanzanian whip spider (Damon diadema) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×40 cm (a single animal or small group), vertical with a cork back wall), substrate (Coco humus or forest floor, moisture-retaining; cork bark, roots and vines to climb), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.