Is the Spider Tortoise suitable for beginners?

This species requires careful attention to temperature, humidity, and UV lighting, so it's considered best suited to experienced keepers rather than beginners.

Adults reach a maximum shell length of about 15cm, making them a small species that's manageable in limited space compared to larger tortoises.

How long do they live?

Their estimated maximum lifespan is around 70 years. Prospective keepers should plan for long-term care before bringing one home.

What is their temperament like?

Spider Tortoises tend to be somewhat shy, often closing their hinged plastron shut when they sense danger. Let them adjust to a calm environment rather than handling them right away.

Where does the name come from?

The radiating light-brown and yellow markings on their dark carapace resemble a spiderweb, which is the origin of both the Japanese and English names.

Spider Tortoise

The Spider Tortoise gets its name — in both Japanese and English — from the radiating light-brown and yellow markings across its dark carapace, which resemble a spiderweb. Endemic to southern Madagascar, this small tortoise reaches a maximum shell length of about 15cm, making it manageable in terms of space. Many individuals have a hinge on the front lobe of the plastron, allowing them to close up defensively when startled. They tend to be somewhat shy and sensitive to changes in their environment, so keeping them well calls for an experienced, attentive keeper.

View Spider Tortoise encyclopedia →

Find Spider Tortoise breeders(0)

Limited Time Offer

0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 sales are commission-free!

Breeder Wanted!

List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!

Free registrationNo monthly feesCommission on sales only

6 Transparency Promises from Br-Choku

Every Reptiles & Amphibians from verified Breeder breeders includes complete information: morph, genetics, feeding requirements, and temperament details.

Morph Information
Actual Photos
Feeding Information
Temperament Information
Genetics Information
Age (Months)

All species Leopard Gecko Iranian Fat-Tailed Gecko West Indian Leopard Gecko Cat Gecko Central American Banded Gecko East Indian Leopard Gecko Crested Gecko New Caledonian Giant Gecko Sarasin's Giant Gecko Mossy Prehensile-Tailed Gecko (Chahoua)Ball Python Pied Ball Python

Browse all 280 breeds

Filter

Price

Region

Has show resultsChampion titles

Attributes

WYSIWYG (Actual photo)

0 items

Sort by

Verified breeders wanted for Reptiles & Amphibians

Breeders are signing up now ahead of launch. Subscribe to be notified when new listings go live.

Find breeders Browse the Reptiles & Amphibians encyclopedia

Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.

Browse other categories

Dogs Cats Marine Fish Coral Tropical Fish Goldfish Medaka Small Pets Birds Insects Exotic Invertebrates

Verified breeders (preview)

阿

阿比留健太 Breeder

福岡県

金

金澤孝一 Breeder

宮崎県

湯

湯田雅暉 Breeder

福島県

Are you raising reptiles & amphibians?

Apply as a breeder

About Spider Tortoise

The Spider Tortoise is a small species endemic to southern Madagascar, with spiderweb-like radiating markings on its dark shell. Reaching up to 15cm, it's best suited to experienced keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Spider Tortoise

1Named After Its Web-Like Shell
The dark carapace is marked with radiating light-brown and yellow patterns that resemble a spiderweb — the origin of both its Japanese and English names. No two individuals share exactly the same pattern.
2A Small Species, Max 15cm
Even as adults, Spider Tortoises reach a maximum shell length of about 15cm. This small size makes them manageable in limited space, though their enclosure should still be adjusted as they grow.
3Endemic to Southern Madagascar
This species is found only in southern Madagascar. Recreating a dry, arid environment similar to its native habitat, with careful temperature and humidity control, is essential.
4A Hinged Plastron for Defense
Many individuals have a hinge on the front lobe of the plastron, allowing them to draw into their shell when they sense danger. Handle them gently and let them get used to you gradually rather than forcing contact.
5Best Suited to Experienced Keepers
Careful attention to temperature, humidity, and UV lighting is required, which is why this species is considered suitable for experienced keepers rather than beginners.
6Plan for a Long Lifespan
With an estimated maximum lifespan of around 70 years, Spider Tortoises are a long-term commitment. Before bringing one home, consider whether you can provide care for its entire life.
7Diet and UV Lighting Needs
A diet centered on vegetables and forage, along with UV lighting to support healthy shell and bone development, are essential. Make sure you can maintain consistent feeding and lighting care over the long term.

Frequently asked questions about Spider Tortoise

Q.Is the Spider Tortoise suitable for beginners?: A.This species requires careful attention to temperature, humidity, and UV lighting, so it's considered best suited to experienced keepers rather than beginners.
Q.How big do they get?: A.Adults reach a maximum shell length of about 15cm, making them a small species that's manageable in limited space compared to larger tortoises.
Q.How long do they live?: A.Their estimated maximum lifespan is around 70 years. Prospective keepers should plan for long-term care before bringing one home.
Q.What is their temperament like?: A.Spider Tortoises tend to be somewhat shy, often closing their hinged plastron shut when they sense danger. Let them adjust to a calm environment rather than handling them right away.
Q.Where does the name come from?: A.The radiating light-brown and yellow markings on their dark carapace resemble a spiderweb, which is the origin of both the Japanese and English names.