Desert velvet spider

Desert velvet spider key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Little data

Size

Body length up to 12 mm (males), up to 15 mm (females)

Diet

Carnivorous (flying insects and other prey caught in the web)

Enclosure

It builds a web and cone-shaped retreat among shrub twigs, so use a well-ventilated enclosure with several branches. Mated females become aggressive towards males and may kill them, so keep animals singly.

Temperature & Humidity

Little data on keeping temperatures exist. It comes from deserts and dry Mediterranean climates, so avoid stuffiness, keep it on the dry side and mist occasionally for drinking water.

Diet & Feeding

It catches prey in its web, so offer flying insects such as flies or small crickets placed on the web.

Temperament & Venom

Little has been published on its venom. It stays in its web and retreat, so enjoy it by observation rather than handling.

Notes

Because the young consume their mother and disperse, a successful brood produces many spiderlings. Keep them in escape-proof containers, and as a non-native spider never release captive animals.

About Desert velvet spider

Desert velvet spider: an Eresidae spider with two black abdominal stripes that builds a conical retreat among twigs. Males up to 12 mm, females 15 mm; intermediate-level care.

7 things to know before welcoming a Desert velvet spider

1. 1An intermediate species

   Care difficulty is rated intermediate. It is easier to enjoy once you are comfortable with escape-proofing and feeding small spiders. If this would be your first spider, it helps to learn the basics with another species first.

2. 2Small, so watch for escapes

   Adults are small, with males up to 12 mm and females up to 15 mm. They are small enough to slip through narrow gaps and vents, so check the mesh size and how snugly the lid closes. Open the lid slowly during routine care.

3. 3Give it anchor points

   In the wild this spider builds a web and a conical retreat between the branches of low shrubs. Standing twigs or thin sticks upright in the enclosure gives it anchor points and a choice of where to build. Once a nest is in place, avoid tearing it down.

4. 4Ventilation and humidity

   The name Desert velvet spider points to a species from dry surroundings. Keep the enclosure well ventilated and avoid stuffy, damp air. Fine details can depend on how an individual was raised, so ask the seller about their setup when you bring one home.

5. 5Feed small live prey

   It catches small insects that land in its web. Offer prey smaller than the spider itself near the nest, and remove leftovers before they spoil. Adjust how often you feed by watching the spider's abdomen and general condition.

6. 6The matriphagy habit

   This species is known for a habit in which the hatched spiderlings eventually eat their mother. If you are thinking about breeding, it helps to understand beforehand that this is natural behavior. Detailed accounts are limited, so keeping notes as you observe is a good idea.

7. 7Lifespan data is limited

   Sources on lifespan are scarce, and no reliable figure is available. Before you buy, ask the seller about the individual's age, sex, and care history. Keeping your own notes after bringing it home will also be useful.

Frequently asked questions about Desert velvet spider

Q.Can a beginner keep this spider?

A.Care difficulty is rated intermediate. If you are new to keeping spiders, it is safer to learn the basics of spider care first and then consider this species.

Q.How big do adults get?

A.Body length is up to 12 mm for males and up to 15 mm for females. Because they are so small, watch for escapes through gaps in the enclosure.

Q.How long does it live?

A.There is little reliable information on lifespan, so no firm figure can be given. When you get one, ask the seller about the individual's condition and care history.

Q.Do the spiderlings really eat their mother?

A.Yes, this species is known for that habit: the hatched spiderlings eventually eat their mother. It is natural behavior, so it is worth understanding in advance if you plan to breed them.

Q.What kind of setup suits it?

A.Use a well-ventilated container with twigs or thin sticks standing upright as anchor points for the nest. Offer live prey smaller than the spider near the nest, and remove any leftovers.

Learn more about Desert velvet spider in the encyclopedia

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