Harpactira pulchripes
Golden Sternum
2 active listings · Spiders
Category
Spiders
Origin
South Africa — Eastern Cape
Lifestyle
Terrestrial
Difficulty
Advanced
Venom potency
Strong
About the species
Golden Sternum (Harpactira pulchripes) is a fossorial Old World tarantula in Harpactirinae. The World Spider Catalog accepts the species (Pocock, 1901) and gives South Africa; we do not treat the whole country as an exact range. The golden sternum is a recognition mark, not a sign of a gentle temperament. Adult females usually reach about 4–5.5 cm in body length and about 11–14 cm in leg span. The species has no urticating hairs: it defends with speed and a bite. It is not an African stand-in for a calm Brachypelma and it is not a beginner species.
Origin and distribution
South Africa — Eastern Cape
The species is endemic; its range is restricted to Eastern Cape within South Africa.
Current listings
Care at a glance
Size
Females usually about 4–5.5 cm body length; leg span about 11–14 cm
Enclosure type
Low and secure, with deep substrate for a burrow
Substrate
A stable, rather compact layer for a tunnel; the surface may dry
Furnishings
Cork or a root as a burrow roof and constant fresh water
Conditions
Moderately dry as in many Harpactira; good ventilation, without constant steam
Characteristics
A fast, fossorial Old World baboon; experienced keepers only
Care and behaviour
Harpactira pulchripes digs and spends most of its time in a burrow. The enclosure should be low, secure, and given deep, shapable substrate with a stable cork roof. Do not excavate the tunnel “to check”. Height raises the risk of a fall and an escape.
South African Harpactirinae do not need a permanent tropical swamp. The surface may dry; lower layers may stay slightly more humid. Constant water in a shallow dish matters more than frequent misting. One humidity figure does not describe all of South Africa.
Individuals react quickly to vibration and may bite when startled. They have no urticating hairs, so there is no “safer” hair-kick instead of a bite. Do not pull the spider from the burrow, and do not treat the golden sternum as a display ornament. This is a watch-only species for keepers who already handle defensive Old World baboons.
Good to know
Harpactira pulchripes has no urticating hairs. Venom of African Harpactirinae can be medically significant; treat a bite seriously. This page is not medical advice and does not list dramatic symptoms. The species is not listed on the CITES Appendices. South African national lists (including ToPS) may still apply. Obligations depend on jurisdiction and transaction; this is not legal advice. Require legally sourced captive-bred animals.