Ornamental Baboon Tarantula Fact Sheet Common Name: Ornamental Baboon Tarantula / Togo Starburst Tarantula Scientific Name: Heteroscodra maculata Wild Status: Unknown Habitat: Humid Forests Country: Various countries across Africa Shelter: Small bushes Life Span: 8-14 years, males live less Size: About 8-10 inches in length, leg span can be up to 5 inches Details The Ornamental Baboon Tarantula, also known as the Togo Starburst, is an Old World Tarantula found across various countries in Africa. These tarantulas do not have any urticating hairs, so their main and only defense mechanism is their bite and potent venom. The venom from these tarantulas will most likely not kill an adult human, however it is very strong and would be very painful. They are very fast and aggressive, and while beautiful to look at their ghostly light color and unique designs, they should not be handled by beginners. Like many tarantulas, the males will live significantly shorter lives than the females, and males will die a few months after mating. They are an arboreal species of Tarantula, so they enjoy living in the trees, however they will sometimes burrow when they are young. Cool Facts • Old World Tarantula. • Very potent venom. • Predators include bats, birds, and lizards. • Prey include insects and small lizards. • They pump digestive fluids into their prey, and suck up the liquid. • No urticating hairs, so they are prompted to bite as their only defense. • Can reach their full size after about 3 years. • Enjoys tropical and warm/humid areas. Taxonomic Breakdown Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Subphylum: Chelicerata Class: Arachnida Order: Araneae Infraorder: Mygalomorphae Family: Theraphosidae Genus: Heteroscodra Species: H. maculata Conservation & Helping The Ornamental Baboon Tarantula has not been listed on the endangered species list, and is assumed to have a strong population and of least concern. Download all our fact sheets, take our quizzes, and more, all in the Critter Squad Kids’ Zone! https://www.crittersquad.com/kids-zone/.