Heteroscodra maculata

Togo Starburst

4 active listings · Spiders

About the species

Togo Starburst (Heteroscodra maculata) is an arboreal Old World tarantula and the type species of Heteroscodra (Pocock, 1900). The World Spider Catalog gives the distribution as West and Central Africa; captive stock is often associated with Ghana, Togo, and Benin, which does not shrink the whole range. It belongs to Stromatopelminae, not the Harpactirinae baboon spiders. Adult females usually reach about 5–6 cm in body length and about 12–15 cm in leg span. Pale mottling and stout hind legs do not mean a gentle temperament: the species is very fast, defends by biting, and has no urticating hairs. This is not a beginner species.

Origin and distribution

West and Central Africa

Sources support a regional range: West and Central Africa. Countries are not highlighted because the country list is not reliable enough.

Current listings

Care at a glance

  • Size

    Females approx. 5–6 cm body length; leg span approx. 12–15 cm

  • Enclosure type

    Tall, tightly closed, for a fast arboreal species

  • Substrate

    A moderate layer; it does not replace a web retreat

  • Furnishings

    Vertical cork or a tube, stable branches, and constant fresh water

  • Conditions

    Moderate humidity and very good ventilation, without stuffy vapour

  • Characteristics

    A very fast, defensive Old World arboreal; experienced keepers only

Care and behaviour

Heteroscodra maculata builds dense web retreats in bark gaps and the upper enclosure. The tank must be tall, secure, and opened with an escape plan. Vertical cork or a tube gives a start. Juveniles may stay nearer the floor, but adults do not switch from arboreal habits to terrestrial burrows. Lid gaps are a common escape route.

Conditions should be moderately humid with clear air movement. Persistent stuffy vapour and wet walls are worse than a short drier spell. A shallow water dish and localized cork misting are safer than flooding the floor. Do not treat one humidity figure as a standard for all of West Africa.

Plan maintenance with the space around the enclosure contained. Individuals leave the retreat very quickly and may bite when they feel vibration. Do not try to “calm” the spider in the hand or treat the mottled pattern as a display ornament. It is an observation species for people who already manage fast Old World arboreals.

Good to know

Heteroscodra maculata has no urticating hairs. Venom of arboreal Stromatopelminae can be medically significant; treat a bite seriously. This page is not medical advice and does not describe sensational symptoms. The species is not listed on the CITES Appendices. Obligations may depend on the country and transaction; this is not legal advice. Require legally sourced captive-bred animals.

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