Togo starburst tarantula (Heteroscodra maculata)

Short answers

Togo starburst tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?

30×30×40 cm tall enclosure (semi-arboreal; juveniles stay near the ground).

Togo starburst tarantula: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, at night 20–22 °C.

Togo starburst tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).

Togo starburst tarantula: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females approx. 10–12 years, males approx. 2–3 years.

Togo starburst tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

70–80 %

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×40 cm tall enclosure (semi-arboreal; juveniles stay near the ground)

Substrate

Coco humus (slightly damp), about 5–8 cm; a vertical cork tube and branches, good ventilation

Feeding

Food

Insects (house crickets, roaches, crickets)

Feeding interval

adults approx. 1×/week, juveniles 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

12–14 cm leg span

Life expectancy

females approx. 10–12 years, males approx. 2–3 years

Origin

West Africa (Togo, Ghana)

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; no special registration duties

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Single housing. Solitary and cannibalistic; no pair/group housing. The reason is not conflict but predation: these animals take anything that fits in their mouths, and a second animal in the enclosure is included.

Notes

An Old World species without urticating hairs, lightning-fast, shy but very defensive with medically significant venom – only for experienced keepers, and no handling. It sometimes leaps out during maintenance. An escape-proof, front-opening rather than top-opening enclosure is advisable.

Do you keep this species?

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• Singapore blue tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes) – Expert
• Blue foot baboon tarantula (Idiothele mira) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Togo starburst tarantula (Heteroscodra maculata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×40 cm tall enclosure (semi-arboreal; juveniles stay near the ground)), substrate (Coco humus (slightly damp), about 5–8 cm; a vertical cork tube and branches, good ventilation), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.