Ceratogyrus darlingi
{{Short description|Species of spider}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Speciesbox
| name = Burst horned baboon tarantula
| taxon = Ceratogyrus darlingi
| image = Baboon Spider (Ceratogyrus sp.) (5984202033).jpg
| image2 = Caratogyrus darlingi exuvia.jpg
| image2_caption = An immature (above), and the exuviae of an adult female (below)
| authority = Pocock, 1897
| synonyms =
{{Specieslist
|Ceratogyrus bechuanicus|Purcell, 1902
|Ceratogyrus schultzei|Purcell, 1908
|Ceratogyrus dolichocephalus|Smith, 1990 (misidentified)
}}
}}
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 {{convert|5|in}} and are ash-gray, mud-brown to black. The peltidium features a black foveal horn.[http://www.minaxtarantulas.net/artskotsel/bechuan_e.html Minax Tarantulas – Ceratogyrus bechuanicus] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929104738/http://www.minaxtarantulas.net/artskotsel/bechuan_e.html |date=September 29, 2007 }}
As pets
{{unreferenced section|date=May 2016}}
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
External links
- [http://www.spidy.goliathus.com/english/ceratogyrus-bechuanicus-id58.html Picture of C. bechuanicus spiderling]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20101231104818/http://giantspiders.com/C_darlingi.html Picture of adult female]
- [http://www.arachnophilia.de/index.php?action=art&id=17 Pictures]
{{Taxonbar|from=Q266393}}
Category:Spiders described in 1897
{{Theraphosidae-stub}}