Pet Spider Care Guide: Basic Management for Native Japanese Species and Beginner-Friendly Exotic Species | ブリちょく
Insects| ✍️ BreederDirect Editorial
Pet Spider Care Guide: Basic Management for Native Japanese Species and Beginner-Friendly Exotic Species
A beginner's guide to keeping pet spiders other than tarantulas (jumping spiders, orb-weaver spiders, etc.). Clearly explains tips on collecting native species, care methods, feeding, and molting management.
Key Takeaways
A beginner's guide to keeping pet spiders other than tarantulas (jumping spiders, orb-weaver spiders, etc.). Clearly explains tips on collecting native species, care methods, feeding, and molting management.
The Appeal of Pet Spiders and Beginner-Friendly Species
While spiders often carry associations with venom and fear, most species kept as pets are harmless or only weakly venomous, require minimal care, and are becoming quietly popular as a hobby that cultivates observational skills. In Japan, the number of enthusiasts keeping jumping spiders and larger species is increasing, and their popularity on social media is also growing.
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The BreederDirect editorial team specializes in care information for animals, covering veterinary care and breeding to deliver beginner-friendly guides.
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This article focuses on native Japanese spider species excluding tarantulas and some beginner-friendly exotic species, explaining basic husbandry methods. For tarantula care, please refer to a separate article (Beginner's Guide to Tarantula Care).
Spider Species Recommended for Beginners
Species
Difficulty
Characteristics
Jumping Spiders (various)
★☆☆
Small, docile, excellent vision
Golden Orb-Weaver (Argiope aurantia)
★★☆
Beautiful abdominal patterns, fun to observe web-building
Orb-Weaver Spiders (various)
★★☆
Nocturnal, build large webs
Japanese Gold Orb-Weaver
★★☆
Beautiful golden webs, relatively large
Maratus (Peacock Jumping Spider)
★★★
Famous courtship dance, exotic species
Jumping Spider Care (Most Beginner-Friendly)
Jumping spiders (family Salticidae) are small spiders about 1–2 cm in body length that hunt by jumping on their prey. Their large forward-facing eyes are adorable, making them especially popular as "friendly spiders."
Necessary Equipment
Housing: Small plastic containers (300–500 ml) or insect rearing containers with ventilation holes in the lid
Substrate: Thin cork mat, vermiculite, or thin soil
Hiding spots: Cork bark, crevices between small stones, etc.
Hydration: Mist water droplets on the container walls or lid once every 1–2 days using a spray bottle
Feeding
Jumping spiders prefer live insects.
Crickets (SS size): Crickets about the same size or slightly smaller than the spider's body are ideal
Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster): Best for small individuals; self-culturable using commercial culture kits
Wax Worms: An occasional high-protein treat they enjoy
Feed adults every 3–4 days and juveniles every 2–3 days. Remove any uneaten prey the next day.
Temperature and Humidity
Temperature: 20–28°C (can be kept year-round indoors in Japan)
Humidity: 50–70% (too dry can interfere with molting)
Avoid making the entire enclosure highly humid, as this promotes mold. Instead, mist one side of the container to create a humidity gradient with one damp and one dry side.
Care for Web-Building Spiders (Orb-Weavers and Similar)
Web-building spiders should be kept in tall containers. Species like golden orb-weavers and Japanese gold orb-weavers can reach 3–5 cm in body length and offer spectacular hunting displays to observe.
Container Preparation
Tall enclosure: Use a container at least 40 cm tall in vertical orientation (or a tall insect observation container)
Branches or sticks: Provide thin branches as web-anchoring points
Adequate ventilation: Poor air circulation increases mortality risk
Feeding
Feed golden orb-weavers and Japanese gold orb-weavers insects about half their size to the same size as their body, once or twice weekly.
Live crickets (M–L size)
Live grasshoppers
Mealworms (may be rejected due to limited movement)
When feeding, place the insect on or against the web to stimulate the spider's interest.
Important: Loss of Appetite and Molting
Spiders stop eating before molting. If the abdomen appears slightly shriveled and the spider hides without emerging, molting is imminent. Never handle the spider during molting and do not feed it. Failed molts carry high mortality risk.
Resume feeding about a week after molting is complete, once the new exoskeleton has hardened.
Important Husbandry Notes
Escape Prevention
Spiders can squeeze through tiny gaps. Use containers with secure lids and ensure ventilation mesh is 1 mm or smaller.
Multiple-Spider Housing is Generally Not Recommended
Spiders cannibalize each other, so solitary housing is the rule. While some social spider species exist, beginners should strictly maintain single-spider enclosures.
Verify Toxicity
Most spiders native to Japan are harmless to humans, but invasive species like the Redback Spider and Gray House Spider carry potent venom. When collecting wild spiders, confirm the species before handling. If identification is difficult, avoid collecting.
Web Management
Web-building spiders often spin new webs each night. Old webs can remain without issue, but clean the enclosure as it becomes soiled. During cleaning, temporarily transfer the spider to a small cup before proceeding.
Collection and Legal Considerations
Most native Japanese spiders can be legally collected, except on private land. Collection is prohibited in national parks. Importing exotic spiders requires quarantine and phytosanitary clearance; some species are designated invasive aliens. When purchasing, obtain specimens through reputable shops or experienced collector communities.
Conclusion
Pet spiders require minimal care, are quiet, and offer unique observational pleasures. Jumping spiders are particularly beginner-friendly, with their large eyes and active movements captivating many enthusiasts. Successful long-term care hinges on preventing escapes, maintaining solitary housing, and avoiding unnecessary stress during molting periods. If interested in the spider world, start with nearby jumping spiders.
