Velvet Spider Care Tips
Are these spiders easy?
Velvet spiders are hardy little spiders! They are quite laid back and great for a beginner spider keeper! They do not need to be held daily, in fact, it is recommended you don't hold them very much due to their nature to hide. They like a BONE DRY enclosure, so no need to even spray daily or worry about a water dish that will get dirty! With a little proper care, you can keep these wonderful, curious, and cute little creatures with joy and ease!
This information pertains mostly to the Eresus species of Velvet Spiders.
Housing:
Very small Spiderlings (1/16"-1/8") can easily be kept in a 25ml vial with bone-dry Sphagnum moss. *See the photo example below.
As they grow to about 1/4" I recommend keeping them in an enclosure that is about 2"x2"x3" with a little bit of coco fiber substrate, eco-earth is great for this, and bone dry Sphagnum moss. *See the photo example below.
For Juveniles about 1/2"+ , you can use an enclosure that is 4"x4"x4" thereabouts. A little bit of coco fiber substrate, eco-earth is great for this, a little hide made out of cork bark, and bone dry Sphagnum moss seems to be a great way to keep them at this size. *See the photo example below.
Second Juvenile to Adult option
For Juveniles & adults about 1/2"+ you can house them in a 5"-8” enclosure with the same substrate options as in previous juvenile enclosures.
Food:
When your spiders are small you will want to feed them hydei fruitflies. As they grow you can offer them mealworms, wax worms, wax moths, house flies, & blue bottle flies/spikes. Feed slings every 1-3 days and Juvenile to Adult every 5-7 days on average.
Temperatures:
Room temps about 72-78 degrees F. are a great range for these spiders.
Lighting:
Full spectrum - White LED lighting is great for these spiders. A day cycle of about 12 hours is recommended. Never place the enclosure in direct sunlight, it can overheat and kill them!
Lifespan:
On average most velvet species males live between 1-2 years and females live about 5 years.