The common name is Cameroon Crab Spider. They are a long legged, fast moving, African spider. Barylestes occidentalis is a large species of huntsman spider found in parts of West Africa. Known for their lightning speed and laterigrade legs (think crab-walking on caffeine), these spiders are fascinating display animals for advanced keepers or brave beginners. While they may look intimidating, they're more about sprinting and hiding than aggression.
There doesn't seem to be much info out there about them. Thought I'd do a little update on my Barylestis scutatus as there is no info out there about them.
Here’s what you need to know about this fascinating creature:
Cameroon Crab Spider Overview
Also called the Cameroon Tiger Huntsman Spider, the Barylestes occidentalis is fast, leggy, and completely underrated.
Size: 3.5-5” diagonal leg spanLifespan: 1-2 years (females live longer)Activity: Nocturnal, highly activeTemperament: Skittish, defensive if cornered
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Enclosure and Setup
These huntsman spiders need a wide, horizontally oriented enclosure with secure lids and plenty of surface area to explore and climb. Good cross ventilation is also important.
Recommended Enclosures:
- Juveniles: 6” or 8” Tarantula Cube, Medium Treehouse Crib
- Adults: 12” Tarantula Cube, Treehouse Switch - Large (for a semi-arboreal setup)
Substrate: Add 2-3 inches of Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude to retain humidity and support hiding behavior.
Décor: Provide cork bark slabs, bark tubes, or stacked wood for vertical and horizontal hiding places. They love wedging behind bark or under loose layers. A water dish is recommended.
I have a in a basic set up with about 1inch of substrate and a half tube bark sitting length ways which she sits in during the day and thats it I got mine at about 3rd instar but put her in a spacious tank because there a nightmare to catch I thought pokies were quick well these guys are so so fast. Now she's grown into the enclosure. First couple of months she sat at the top corner of the enclosure after a couple of moults she began using the bark.
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Hi yes I do she's doing really well.
Temperature and Humidity
Temperature ive kept her at is just room temp keep it dry with misting 2-3 times a week I've had mine for 2 months now and she's doing very well moulted twice and she loves to eat.
Lighting: No special lighting required-just keep them in a room with a regular day/night cycle.Light misting 1-2x weekly helps maintain humidity, but let things dry out between mistings to avoid mold.
Diet and Feeding
Huntsman spiders are fast ambush predators and have a great feeding response. No problem taking down a large cricket once a week and she hits hard no messing around.
Feeding Options:
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- Crickets
- Roaches
- Occasional mealworms or waxworms
Feed juveniles 1-2 times per week; adults can be fed once a week or every 10 days. Only offer prey slightly smaller than the spider’s body and avoid prey that might fight back.
Temperament and Behavior
Temperament aggressive very aggressive she attacked the water when I sprayed and I was trying to do maintenance to enclosure she attacked my big tweezers and the decided to sprint up them and ended up out side the tank extremely fast. Its your 1st wow your in for a treat only problem I have is when I do maintenance ive worked out a technic but it scares me.
Not a pet for holding. These spiders are absurdly fast and will bolt if given the chance. They don’t usually bite unless cornered, but it’s best to enjoy them visually. Use caution during enclosure maintenance and coax them gently with a soft brush if needed.
I dont know all I was told was don't get bit they are African so the venom will be more potent same goes for the tarantulas from Africa most if not all African spiders are aggressive and have potent venom just treat it with respect and try not to get it angry as I said earlier it ran up my tongs and out the enclosure quicker than I could blink it.
Interesting Facts
- Huntsman spiders don't use webs to catch prey, they rely entirely on speed and precision.
- Their legs are rotated outward like crab legs, allowing that signature sideways scurry.
- Barylestes are one of the largest true huntsman species available in the hobby.
- These are excellent escape artists so tight-fitting lids are a must.
ive got 2 enclosures 1 clean already when she's in the bark day time I put the 2 enclosures together and literary pick the bark up and put it in the other.
Pro Tip: Don’t open the enclosure if you’re in a rush. These spiders are escape ninjas. Have your rehoming setup ready before you lift the lid.
Table: Summary of Cameroon Crab Spider Care
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Adult Size | 3.5-5” diagonal leg span |
| Lifespan | 1-2 years (females live longer) |
| Activity | Nocturnal, highly active |
| Temperament | Skittish, defensive if cornered |
| Enclosure | Wide, horizontally oriented with secure lids |
| Substrate | 2-3 inches of Terra Aranea |
| Décor | Cork bark, bark tubes, stacked wood |
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Humidity | Light misting 1-2x weekly |
| Diet | Crickets, roaches, occasional mealworms/waxworms |
A hidden flower Crab Spider
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