Keeper guide

Togo Starburst Temperature Guide — Heteroscodra maculata

A practical temperature range for Heteroscodra maculata, commonly known as the Togo Starburst, is 22–27°C. Stable room conditions matter more than chasing tiny changes on the thermometer.

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

Working temperature range

Keep Heteroscodra maculata around 22–27°C. Use that as a practical captive range and avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures well outside it.

Togo Starbursts do not need the enclosure to hit one exact number all day. Normal small room fluctuations are easier to manage than repeated heating and cooling adjustments.

Measure the shelf, not just the room

Check the temperature where the Heteroscodra maculata enclosure actually sits. Shelves near windows, radiators, computers or external walls can differ from the centre of the room.

A thermometer placed near the enclosure gives more useful information for a Togo Starburst than a reading taken across the room.

Avoid direct heat on the enclosure

Do not attach a heat mat directly to a Heteroscodra maculata enclosure. Small containers can develop concentrated hot areas that are much warmer than the surrounding room.

If the room is genuinely too cold for Togo Starbursts, warm the room instead and check the temperature at enclosure level. That gives a more even and controllable result.

Summer heat

During hot weather, keep Heteroscodra maculata out of direct sunlight and watch rooms that heat up during the afternoon. A closed window area can become much warmer than expected.

Do not respond to a warm day by soaking the Togo Starburst enclosure. Temperature and substrate moisture are separate husbandry issues.

Winter conditions

In winter, check the coldest part of the day where Heteroscodra maculata is kept. Rooms can cool overnight even when daytime readings look comfortable.

If room heating is used, remember that it may also dry Togo Starbursts enclosures faster. Adjust watering to the actual drying rate rather than assuming winter always means wetter substrate.

Use behaviour as context

Temperature readings for Heteroscodra maculata should be considered alongside normal feeding, retreat use and moulting. One slightly different reading is less useful than a consistent pattern over time.

If a Togo Starburst suddenly changes behaviour, check temperature along with water, moisture and recent disturbance instead of assuming temperature is the only cause.