Heteroscodra maculata | Facts & Information

Togo starburst tarantula (Heteroscodra maculata) is part of the

Food Heteroscodra maculata

These tarantulas are not picky when it comes to food, they accept both worms and cockroaches of all species used as food in captivity.Features Heteroscodra maculata

The species was described in 1899 by Pocock. Heteroscodra maculata is a medium-sized tarantula known for its speed and attitude. It is a tarantula that easily assumes a defensive position and will bite rather than run away. This behavior plus the potency of the Venom makes the species one recommended only to those with some experience or those who do not plan to deran jeze it very often. The coloring of adult females includes various shades of black, gray and white. The abdomen is shows small black spots and a black line on the dorsal side. The legs are short, with the same coloration and the four pair are somewhat more thickened. The dimensions reached by adult specimens are 12-15 centimeters with an average growth rate. The species is an arboreal one, in captivity but the specimens spend most of their time in nests that they build from canvas and substrate, as a result of this behavior are tarantulas that are rarely seen through the terrarium. This is another reason not to recommend them to beginners.

Terrarium

As with all tarantula species, the size of the terrarium must be proportional to the size of the animal. Being an arboreal tarantula the vertical dimensions of the terrarium must be the largest of the terrarium. The recommended substrate is coconut, and as decoration is recommended a cork wood on which the tarantula will build its shelter. Humidity is recommended to be 60-70%, and temperature between 23-25 degrees Celsius and 2-3 degrees lower at night.

Venom

All species of tarantulas possess venom. Although it is not very potent, bites are never placute.De like any species of tarantula and Heteroscodra maculata can be unpredictable and a bite can occur at any time. For these reasons we recommend maximum attention when the tarantula is fed, moved or when its terrarium is cleaned.

It is not recommended to handle tarantula, especially by beginners.

Reproduction Heteroscodra maculata

Reproduction of this species is quite easy. During the mating ritual, the "drumming" ritual of the male is similar to that of the males of the genus Pterinochilus. Both the introduction of the male into the female's terrarium and copulation do not present special difficulties or requirements.

What should be mentioned is that the female will fix the egg sac either to the decoration or to the walls of the terrarium and will defend it with ferocity. About 8 weeks after mating the female will lay the Sac, and another 8 after that the chicks will hatch. On average the egg sac contains between 100 and 200 eggs. It should also be noted that chickens are veroce and will attack even larger prey than them.