Togo Starburst Baboon (Heteroscodra maculata)
Last updated: October 3, 2026
This is not a care guide. If you are interested in keeping this species, please research its husbandry thoroughly before purchasing. Tom's Big Spiders has species-specific husbandry notes that are a solid place to start.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- About 5 inches
- From
- West Africa (Togo, Benin, Nigeria)
- Lifestyle
- Arboreal
- Type
- Old World
Africa doesn’t have many arboreal tarantulas, but those it does have are stunners. H. maculata is a great example. A chalky white with dark patterns across its entire body. Speckled patterns sit alongside the typical striped and spotted baboon patterning on the abdomen, as well as a starburst pattern on the carapace. Every time this spider is visible, it's a treat. Though, this beauty comes at an equal and opposite downside. Heteroscodra are not spiders to be putting one’s fingers near. A truly “hands away” pet. Besides, beauty is usually seen with the eyes, not the hands.
Native to West African countries such as Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, Heteroscodra maculata lives in more humid forests. This species will construct a burrow next to anything it can climb. Reaching around 5 inches as adults, H. maculata isn’t a giant tarantula species, but it does make a big name for itself by its presence. H. maculata is often called the “Togo Starburst baboon” or the “Ornamental Baboon Tarantula”, not to be confused with the ornamental tarantulas from Asia (Poecilotheria). This species is not for the faint of heart, and is for those that can admire beauty from afar.
Current Prices
Heteroscodra maculata (Togo Starburst Baboon) currently sells for between $15.00 and $200.00 in the United States, with a median asking price of $32.50 across 18 in-stock listings from 15 vendors. Price depends mostly on size and sex: slings sit at the low end, mature females at the high end.
| Cheapest listing right now | $15.00 |
|---|---|
| Typical price (median) | $32.50 |
| Most expensive listing | $200.00 |
| Listings in stock | 18 |
| Vendors carrying it | 15 |
In stock at: Big Z's, Cory's Creatures, Fear Not Tarantulas, Great Basin Serpentarium, Grimoire Exotics, Hardcore Arachnids, Juice's Arthropods, Micro Wilderness, Old Pueblo Exotics, Pacific Northwest Arachnids, Spider Shoppe, The Spider Room, Ty Dye Exotics, Vexotic Me, Wonderland Exotics. Compare every Heteroscodra maculata listing by price.
Prices as of October 14, 2026. Live figures in the table below.
Related Guides
- What to Expect When Ordering a Tarantula Online
- Why Buying From One Vendor Can Save You Money on Shipping
This profile was written by Jonathan Strub, a fellow keeper. Thank you, Jonathan! I did some light copy editing.