Augacephalus ezendami

9 active listings · Spiders

About the species

Augacephalus ezendami is an African tarantula occurring naturally in Mozambique. It leads a mainly terrestrial–fossorial lifestyle and readily uses deep burrows, in which it spends a substantial part of its time. Adult females reach about 4.5–5 cm in body length, and the leg span may be about 13–15 cm. The species is distinguished by a golden carapace and legs that contrast with the darker colouration of the remaining body parts.

Origin and distribution

Mozambique

Endemic

The species is endemic to Mozambique.

Occurrence areaLocation / context

Current listings

Care at a glance

  • Size

    Females approx. 4.5–5 cm body length; leg span approx. 13–15 cm

  • Enclosure type

    Terrestrial, with ample space for digging

  • Substrate

    A deep, stable substrate layer that allows burrow construction

  • Furnishings

    A hide or the start of a burrow, and constant access to fresh water

  • Conditions

    Rather dry to moderate; good ventilation and no constantly wet substrate

  • Characteristics

    A fossorial, secretive, and fast species, intended for more experienced keepers

Care and behaviour

Augacephalus ezendami is a species strongly tied to the substrate and readily creates deep burrows. The most important feature of the enclosure is therefore a sufficiently thick and stable substrate layer that allows the spider to dig and build a secure retreat. Preparing an initial hide that the animal can expand further is also a good solution.

The species comes from Mozambique and is adapted to relatively dry conditions. The substrate should not remain constantly wet, and the enclosure should have good ventilation. An adult should be given constant access to fresh water. In practice it is worth observing the spider’s behaviour and the state of the substrate rather than keeping the enclosure to a single rigid humidity value.

Augacephalus ezendami is active mainly after dusk and may spend a large part of its time in the burrow. Near the entrance it often reacts very quickly to potential food. It is a secretive, fast species capable of decisive defensive behaviour, so it is best kept primarily with observation in mind.

Good to know

Augacephalus ezendami belongs to the African tarantulas and does not have the urticating hairs typical of many New World species. When threatened it may rely on speed and defensive behaviour. When working in the enclosure, particular caution is required: avoid direct contact and always allow for the possibility of a sudden reaction from the spider.

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