Biology:Ceratogyrus darlingi

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Short description: Species of spider

Burst horned baboon tarantula
Adult female
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Mygalomorphae
Family: Theraphosidae
Genus: Ceratogyrus
Species:
C. darlingi
Binomial name
Ceratogyrus darlingi
Pocock, 1897[1]
Synonyms[1]
  • Purcell, 1908 Pocock, 1897
  • Smith, 1990 Ceratogyrus bechuanicus
  • Ceratogyrus darlingii Purcell, 1902
  • Ceratogyrus schultzei Ceratogyrus dolichocephalus

Ceratogyrus darlingi (commonly called burst horned baboon tarantula or African rear-horned baboon tarantula, synonym Ceratogyrus bechuanicus) is a theraphosid spider from southern Africa, mainly Botswana and Lesotho. They reach a body length of about 5 inches (130 mm) and are ash-gray, mud-brown to black. The peltidium features a black foveal horn.[2]

As pets

thumb C. darlingi, often still known under its obsolete name C. bechuanicus, is the most common Ceratogyrus species held in captivity, although it is very defensive and fast. When kept in captivity, it requires dry substrate, such as coconut fiber, on which to live. This allows it to burrow, as they are obligate burrowers. As this species is from a very arid habitat, it cannot cope with too much moisture.

They will readily take crickets, roaches, and superworms but tend to shy away from large prey items. Food is usually pulled in and eaten inside the burrow. Molting also occurs inside the burrow.

Pairs will breed readily and quickly. Females could live an approximate 10 to 15 years in captivity.

References

Wikidata ☰ Q266393 entry