Description
In contrast to south and east Africa, only a handful of hobby African species come from central and west Africa. Heterothele gabonensis is the only hobby species from Gabon. Climate here is tropical equatorial, with long rainy seasons interrupted by fewer months of drier winter weather. From late November to March, dry winter northeast trade winds, known as the Harmattan, bring dust and sand from the Sahara.
Possibly more useful to the hobbyist is the 2008 research report of Cedrik Grenier, who made observations of H. gabonenesis in Gabon’s Lopé National Park. Grenier describes H. gabonensis favoring abundant exposed roots and cavities of the Uapaca tree (Uapaca sp.). As to the natural behavior of H. gabonensis he writes:
“Many groups, small or more important, were observed, living on the same tree. However no retreat revealed more than one mature spider, thus classifying them more tolerant than favourable for the community. These groups of two to twenty individuals count male mature, female mature with or without egg sac, juvenile and spiderling.”
Grenier also makes some fascinating observations of different ant species in relation to H. gabonensis. For the enthusiast it is a brief, must read [LINK].
Neither colorful nor imposing, H. gabonensis remains dear to hobbyists. May the above information enrich your experience with them.
Photos: 1-adult female (ArachnoEden); 2-juvenile (ArachnoEden)
Care highlights:
- slightly dampened substrate for spiderings
- elevated humidity +/- water dish support
- room temperature (68-72F) up to 80F
- juveniles & older specimens can be kept on a drier substrate
- semi-arboreal, consider forest litter and vertical structure
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