{"product_id":"eresus-walckenaeri-greek-ladybird-spider-experienced-keepers-recommended-25","title":"Eresus Walckenaeri - Greek Ladybird Spider - Experienced Keepers Recommended - .25\"","description":"\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMediterranean Ladybird Spider \/ Greek Velvet Spider\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eRevision Date: March 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eEresus walckenaeri\u003c\/em\u003e, also known as the Mediterranean Ladybird Spider, is one of the most visually striking spiders in the hobby. Males sport that unmistakable bright red abdomen with bold black spots, while females take on a more cryptic appearance, blending into their environment. Native to dry, rocky regions across the Mediterranean, these spiders have some interesting habits, balancing both burrowing and semi-arboreal tendencies. They create silk-lined retreats under rocks and in crevices but will also extend their web tunnels upwards, giving them a bit more range than your typical fossorial species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003eWhile this care guide is focused on \u003cem\u003eEresus walckenaeri\u003c\/em\u003e, the care recommendations here also apply to many other velvet spiders in the Eresidae family. If you are looking for care information on species like \u003cem\u003eEresus sandaliatus\u003c\/em\u003e (European Ladybird Spider), \u003cem\u003eEresus kollari\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eEresus moravicus\u003c\/em\u003e, or even some lesser-known species like \u003cem\u003eEresus ruficapillus\u003c\/em\u003e, you will find most of the same husbandry principles apply. Even species from the Stegodyphus genus, like \u003cem\u003eStegodyphus lineatus\u003c\/em\u003e, share similar environmental needs, although their behavior and web-building techniques differ slightly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003eThese spiders are an exciting addition to the hobby, but they do have very specific care requirements. They thrive in dry, well-ventilated enclosures, and getting their setup right is key to long-term success. If you are considering keeping \u003cem\u003eEresus walckenaeri\u003c\/em\u003e or any of its velvet spider relatives, this guide will give you everything you need to know to set them up for success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Species Snapshot\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eEresus walckenaeri\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mediterranean Ladybird Spider, Velvet Spider, Greek Velvet Spider\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-Arboreal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCategory:\u003c\/strong\u003e Old World\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mediterranean regions, including Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, and parts of the Middle East\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Body length up to 1 inch (2.5 cm); leg span up to 2 inches (5 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVenom Potency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medically significant (painful bite, though not life-threatening)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow to moderate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife Expectancy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Females up to 8–10 years; males 2–3 years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Experience Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate to Advanced\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEtymology \u0026amp; Taxonomic Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003eThe genus \u003cem\u003eEresus\u003c\/em\u003e belongs to the velvet spider family (\u003cem\u003eEresidae\u003c\/em\u003e), a group of burrowing spiders known for their communal behaviors and unique coloration. The species name \u003cem\u003ewalckenaeri\u003c\/em\u003e honors the French arachnologist Charles Walckenaer, who made significant contributions to spider taxonomy in the 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat \u0026amp; Unique Behaviors\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eEresus walckenaeri\u003c\/em\u003e is native to the dry, rocky regions of the Mediterranean, where it thrives in arid environments with sparse vegetation. These spiders build silk-lined burrows under stones, in soil crevices, or within plant roots. They reinforce these retreats with thick layers of webbing. Unlike fully fossorial species, they also display semi-arboreal tendencies and often use rocky ledges or elevated surfaces to extend their web tunnels and create reinforced retreats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003eOne of the most fascinating aspects of this species is its intricate web-building. Their burrows are not just shelters. They function as both defensive structures and hunting platforms. The entrance is often camouflaged with silk and debris, allowing the spider to ambush unsuspecting prey. A unique feature of their silk is its slight pinkish hue. It is subtle, but if you look closely, you can see a faint blush to their webbing, something rarely seen in other spiders. While the reason behind this coloration is not fully understood, it is an interesting trait that sets them apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003eIn captivity, \u003cem\u003eEresus walckenaeri\u003c\/em\u003e will replicate these burrow-style retreats but often take it a step further. Instead of staying on the ground, they extend their burrows upward, webbing tunnels along enclosure walls, cork bark, or other vertical surfaces. This is where their semi-arboreal tendencies really become obvious. Rather than staying hidden, they actively move around, reinforcing their silk structures and expanding their territory. Providing them with vertical anchor points like small branches or cork bark encourages these natural behaviors and makes for a fascinating display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003eAnother unique behavior seen in this species is matriphagy, where spiderlings consume their mother after hatching. While this may seem unsettling, it plays a crucial role in their survival by giving them vital nutrients needed for their early instars. This adaptation increases their chances of survival in the harsh Mediterranean climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003eUnlike most arachnids, \u003cem\u003eEresus walckenaeri\u003c\/em\u003e is diurnal, meaning it is more active during daylight hours. Males are especially eye-catching with their bright red and black coloration, which serves as a warning signal to predators. Females are more cryptic, blending into their surroundings. Their high silk usage and constant web maintenance make them an incredibly interesting species to observe, both in the wild and in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHousing \u0026amp; Substrate – Semi-Arboreal Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpiderlings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-rte-list=\"default\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnclosure Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use a small acrylic enclosure (e.g., \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tarantulacribs.com\/?ref=TheTarantulaCollective\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSling Crib, Canopy Mini, Terrestrial Sling Crib\u003c\/a\u003e) It is important that their enclosure have plenty of ventilation as a build up of humidity could be fatal. Make sure the ventilation holes are not too wide or the sling might squeeze out and escape. I recommend the OG Sling Crib as it is secure, well ventilated, and crystal clear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fill at least 1\/3rd - 1\/2 of the enclosure with DRY \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thebiodude.com\/?dt_id=1400014\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTerra Aranea by The Bio Dude\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e. I like to sprinkle some Exo Terra Stone Desert on the surface, but that is not necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e The most important thing about keeping Eresus species is that they need to be kept dry. I mean bone dry substrate and no misting, no water dishes, nothing. They get all the moisture they require from their prey and humid conditions can be fatal to this species in captivity. \u003cstrong\u003eDO NOT MIST!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional Features: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thebiodude.com\/products\/excelsior-6-qt-bag?srsltid=AfmBOorIHS2dDjUW2IG3jx5smC7PrJsUa5pwtb_VvWZBRLZ-n4Xwkt30\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eExcelsior\u003c\/a\u003e makes for a great decoration for the velvet spider to use to anchor their web tunnels. They will burrow if you provide ample substrate, but they will also climb around to hunt and extend their burrow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Aquatic Oasis Reefing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52733848715563,"sku":"52733848715563","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0901\/0633\/1435\/files\/1180327.webp?v=1773364599","url":"https:\/\/aoreefing.com\/products\/eresus-walckenaeri-greek-ladybird-spider-experienced-keepers-recommended-25","provider":"Aquatic Oasis Reefing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}