Keeper guide

How Big Does Togo Starburst Get? — Heteroscodra maculata Size Guide

Adult Heteroscodra maculata, commonly known as the Togo Starburst, reach about around 12–15 cm (5–6 in). That is an adult size guide, not the size every individual will reach.

At a glance

Quick facts

World
Old World
Origin
West and Central Africa
Lifestyle
Arboreal
UK hobby rarity
Common
Maximum size
Around 12–15 cm (5–6 in)
Growth rate
Fast
Male lifespan
Around 2–3 years
Female lifespan
Often 10–15 years
Temperament
Extremely fast, reactive and defensive when exposed
Venom
Medically significant; bites can cause severe pain and systemic symptoms
Temperature
22–27°C
Moisture / humidity
Moderate moisture with strong ventilation; keep lower substrate slightly moist and surfaces able to dry
CITES
Not CITES-listed

Adult size

Togo Starbursts are generally expected to reach about around 12–15 cm (5–6 in) as adults. Individual Heteroscodra maculata may finish smaller or larger depending on sex and normal variation.

Do not use one advertised maximum as a promise for a Togo Starburst. Size figures in the hobby are best treated as useful ranges.

How size is measured

Tarantula size is commonly discussed as diagonal leg span. For Heteroscodra maculata, that gives a rough comparison with other species, but it is not necessary to stretch or position the spider for a measurement.

Estimate size from a normal resting position or during rehousing if needed. Avoid disturbing a Togo Starburst purely to obtain an exact number.

Slings and juveniles

Young Togo Starbursts start far below adult size and grow through repeated moults. With a fast growth rate, Heteroscodra maculata may spend very different amounts of time at each juvenile stage.

Use the current size of Heteroscodra maculata when choosing feeders and housing. An adult-size figure does not mean a sling needs adult-size prey or an adult enclosure.

Male and female size

Males and females of Heteroscodra maculata can differ in build after maturity. Mature males often look leggier and slimmer, while adult females usually remain more robust.

Body shape alone is not a reliable way to sex a juvenile Togo Starburst. Use a suitable moult when possible.

Enclosure size follows the spider

Increase enclosure size for Heteroscodra maculata when the current setup no longer gives enough retreat space, substrate or practical access for water and feeding.

Moving a Togo Starburst too early into a very large setup can make basic care harder. Rehouse in sensible stages as the spider grows.

Tracking size over time

Keep moult dates and an occasional approximate size for Heteroscodra maculata if you want to track growth. That is more useful than trying to measure the spider repeatedly between moults.

A simple record will show how quickly a Togo Starburst is growing and when another enclosure upgrade is likely to be needed.