Ceratogyrus darlingi

🔤 Taxonomy

Ceratogyrus darlingi is the currently accepted scientific name and is generally sold under that name in the hobby.

English common names used in the hobby:

• Darling’s horned baboon tarantula
• Rear-horned baboon tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

• Darings Hornvogelspinne

📌 Description

Ceratogyrus darlingi is an Old World African tarantula known for the horn-like projection on the carapace in larger specimens. It is a defensive display species with fast movement and medically significant venom, not a handling spider.

Adult size is usually about 5-6 cm body length and about 12-14 cm legspan, with females typically heavier than mature males.

This species is appealing to advanced keepers because of its unusual appearance and heavy webbing around the retreat entrance.

☠️ Venom

Ceratogyrus darlingi should be treated as a medically significant tarantula. A bite can cause intense local pain, swelling and, in some cases, wider symptoms such as muscle pain, cramping, nausea, dizziness or prolonged discomfort.

There is no species-specific antivenom used in routine pet-keeping practice. Do not handle this spider, do not force interactions, and plan enclosure work so that defensive contact is unlikely. Seek medical advice after any serious bite, allergic reaction, breathing difficulty, spreading symptoms, or bite involving a child or vulnerable person.

🌍 Distribution

Ceratogyrus darlingi is native to southern Africa, especially Zimbabwe, Mozambique and nearby countries. In the wild it is associated with dry to seasonally dry savanna and woodland soils where it uses burrows.

For captive care, the useful lesson from this distribution is:

• a low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
• enough substrate for digging or reshaping a retreat
• dry to moderately dry surface conditions with a water dish available
• strong ventilation and stable warm room temperatures
• fall prevention, because heavy terrestrial tarantulas are easily injured

⚖️ Legal status

As checked against current official sources in April 2026, no current CITES listing or specific EU wildlife trade Annex listing was found for Ceratogyrus darlingi. The species is not relevant to the Bern Convention because it is not native to Europe.

Local rules on import, sale, transport, and proof of legal origin may still apply. Captive-bred animals remain preferable.

🤌 Husbandry

This species should be kept alone. A practical adult setup usually emphasizes safe floor space and substrate depth rather than decorative height.

Slings and juveniles should start in small, secure containers, often around 250 ml for small slings, then move through intermediate enclosures as they grow. Upgrade gradually so the spider can find prey easily and maintain stable conditions.

Useful basics include:

• Deep packed substrate
• A secure hide or started burrow
• Strong enclosure security
• Minimal disturbance
• A water dish

💡 Lighting

No special lighting is required beyond a normal day-night cycle.

Bright direct lighting is unnecessary.

🌡 Heating and temperature

Suitable approximate temperatures are:

• Daytime: around 24-28°C
• Night: slight drops are acceptable

It is safer to avoid overheating than to chase extreme heat.

💧 Humidity and water

Ceratogyrus darlingi is generally kept fairly dry with access to fresh water.

Useful principles:

• Dry upper substrate
• Clean water dish
• Good airflow
• No swampy or constantly sprayed setup

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

The enclosure should support digging and webbed retreat building.

Useful elements include:

• Compact substrate with depth
• Cork bark or a starter hide
• Minimal stable decor
• No dangerous climbing height

🪳 Feeding

This species is insectivorous and feeds readily on common feeder insects.

Suitable foods include:

• Crickets
• Roaches
• Locusts where available
• Mealworms in moderation

Slings are fed every 3-5 days; juveniles once or twice weekly. Adults usually do well every 7-14 days depending on prey size and body condition.

🩺 Common problems

Common problems include falls, overheating, dehydration, poor enclosure security, and failed molts under bad conditions.

Warning signs include:

• Lethargic posture
• Wrinkled abdomen
• Persistent stress climbing
• Visible injury
• Failed molt

Old World tarantulas should not be managed casually. If serious problems arise, interventions should be deliberate and minimal.

📌 Conclusion

Ceratogyrus darlingi is a distinctive African display tarantula that rewards keepers who keep the setup simple, dry, deep, and secure. It is best left to experienced keepers comfortable with fast defensive species.

📚 Sources and further reading

• CITES Appendices and Species+ trade database, checked April 2026
• EU wildlife trade regulations and annex references, checked April 2026
• GBIF species backbone and occurrence data for taxonomy and distribution context
• IUCN Red List and specialist husbandry references where applicable