West African whip spider (Euphrynichus bacillifer)

Short answers

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

30×30×40 cm (height).

West African whip spider: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–23 °C.

West African whip spider: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

West African whip spider: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–10 years.

West African whip spider: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–29 °C

Night temperature

20–23 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

75–85 %

UVB

Not required

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×40 cm (height)

Substrate

Damp coco humus, vertical cork bark

Feeding

Food

House crickets, small roaches

Feeding interval

every 7–10 days

Key facts

Adult size

body 4–5 cm, leg span up to 25 cm

Life expectancy

5–10 years

Origin

West Africa

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keeping singly is the safest and least stressful solution. Groups are possible: keepers consider the species tolerant, but then a large enclosure, a separate hide for each animal and plenty of food are needed; otherwise cannibalism is a risk.

Notes

Entirely non-venomous and harmless despite the spectacular appearance. It lives flat against vertical surfaces – it needs a cork back wall rather than floor area. Very shy.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for West African whip spider (Euphrynichus bacillifer) in the marketplace →

Related species

• 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
• 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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep West African whip spider (Euphrynichus bacillifer) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×40 cm (height)), substrate (Damp coco humus, vertical cork bark), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.