Amazonian Giant Whip Spider

Heterophrynus batesii

Whip spiderintermediateHarmless

No venom, no sting

Whip spiders (amblypygids) are completely harmless to humans. They're fast and can deliver a harmless pinch with their pedipalps, but have no venom and no sting.

About

One of the largest whip spiders in the hobby and a stunning display animal. Needs high humidity and a tall, well-ventilated enclosure. Best kept singly — large Heterophrynus are less reliably communal than Damon. Whip spiders have no venom and no sting and are harmless to humans; they are fast and may startle, but cannot hurt you.

Taxonomy

FamilyPhrynidae

GenusHeterophrynus

Native regionAmazon Basin (South America)

TypeArboreal

Temperamentskittish, very fast

Size & growth

Adult size9-11 inch legspan

Leg span200.00–280.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature74–84 °F

Humidity75–90%

Enclosure

Sling size8x8x10 inches

Juvenile size10x10x14 inches

Adult size14x14x20 inches (vertical)

Substratecoco fiber / sphagnum, kept moist

Substrate depth2-3 inches

Water dishRequired

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizelarge crickets, roaches

Sling cadence2 prey per week

Juvenile cadence2 prey per week

Adult cadence1-2 prey per week

Times kept: 0 · Unverified community entry