Featherleg Baboon Tarantula (Stromatopelma calceatum) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Common Name	Featherleg Baboon Tarantula
Scientific Name	Stromatopelma calceatum
Origin	West Africa (Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria)
Adult Size	12–15 cm leg span
Lifespan	Females: 15–20 years, Males: 3–4 years
Activity	Terrestrial / arboreal opportunist; nocturnal predator

Behavior

• Fast, defensive, and highly nervous; not recommended for handling.

• Can display threat posture with raised front legs and exposed fangs.

• Active hunter, primarily nocturnal, may climb if threatened.

• Feeds aggressively; requires secure enclosure.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 30–40 liters for a single adult

• Substrate: 8–12 cm of coconut fiber, soil, or peat moss; slightly moist but well-drained

• Decor: Cork bark, rocks, logs, and hides; provide climbing opportunities

• Humidity: 65–75%

• Temperature:

  • Day: 24–28°C

  • Night: 20–24°C

• Lighting: Low light; indirect only

• Ventilation: Good airflow essential to prevent mold and maintain health

Compatibility

• Best housed singly due to territorial and aggressive nature.

• Avoid cohabiting with other spiders or small arthropods.

Diet

• Carnivorous: live prey only

  • Crickets

  • Roaches

  • Mealworms / superworms

  • Occasional waxworms

• Feed juveniles 2–3× per week; adults 1× per week

• Provide shallow water dish

• Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours

Care Tips

• Avoid handling; extremely fast and defensive.

• Maintain proper humidity for molting.

• Provide hides and climbing surfaces.

• Spot-clean regularly; remove mold and waste.

• Secure lid required; very strong and fast climber.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥30–40 L, terrestrial substrate with climbing hides

• 🌡️ Temp: Day 24–28°C / Night 20–24°C

• 💧 Humidity: 65–75%

• 🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (live insects)

• 🕒 Activity: Nocturnal, fast-moving hunter

• ⚠️ Stress: Avoid handling; provide secure hides