True Spiders - Caresheets

False Widow Spider
(Steotoda paykullii)
by Jon Fouskaris
*Information provided by Frank Somma

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ADULT FEMALE with EGGSACS
Specimen provided by Frank Somma.
Photo taken by Michael Fouskaris.

The False Widow Spider is a great pet spider. It is gentle, calm, and works as a good substitute for a Black Widow Spider (Lactrodectus mactans). People who do not want to keep a Black Widow Spider because it has strong venom will be glad to hear that nature has made another species just for them. Resembling Black Widow Spiders in coloration, the smaller False Widow Spiders have fooled people in the past, but the truth is that they belong to a whole different genus! They are not venomous towards people, and they aren't aggressive at all. False Widow Spiders, as you can see from the picture to the left, are usually a little under an inch in length. Don't let their smaller size discourage you though, adults will feed on crickets and other large insects just like any of the true widow spiders, and False Widow Spiders are just as rewarding. The False Widow Spider builds a tangle web. They require a very small and simple living area, and overall, these alternative Black Widow Spiders are interesting little pets for a hobbyist of any age or experience level.

Range Israel, north Africa, and southern Europe.
Type Arboreal.
Diet Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies. Adults eat crickets, and other large insects.
Full Grown Size 0.75 to 1 inch.
Growth Fast.
Temperature 75 to 80° F.
Humidity 70 to 75%.
Temperament Docile and calm.
Housing Spiderlings can live in a small clear plastic container with a hole in the center of the lid that is stuffed with a piece of cotton. Adults can live in a large clear plastic container with air holes or a 2.5-gallon tank. Height is more important than floor space.
Substrate 1 inch of peat moss, potting soil, sand, or vermiculite.
Decor Branches, vines, air plants, etc. make good hiding places and provide a base for the web.
Other Names N/A.

*Please note that ALL true spiders have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this true spider. Affects of this true spiders' natural defenses may vary between people. All true spiders should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!

Credits | Source : Petbugs.com
Thanks to: PEP9 | Sir Tattoo

Brazilian Wandering Spider
(Phoneutria fera)
by Jon Fouskaris
*Information provided by Frank Somma

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ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Frank Somma.
Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

The Brazilian Wandering Spider is not for the "pet keeper". Brazilian Wandering Spiders are extremely fast, extremely venomous, and extremely aggressive. These large and dangerous true spiders are ranked among the most venomous spiders known to man. In fact, the Brazilian Wandering Spider is the most venomous spider in the New World! In South America, these true spiders are commonly encountered in peoples' homes, supposedly hiding in peoples' shoes, hats, and other clothes. The Brazilian Wandering Spider does not remain on a web, rather, it wanders the forest floor, hence the name. The Brazilian Wandering Spider has another distinguished common name - the Banana Spider. The Brazilian Wandering Spider was given the name "Banana Spider" because there have been cases where these spiders unintentionally appeared on banana boats heading for the United States. The Brazilian Wandering Spider should be held with the highest respect. For those who manage to obtain one of these deadly spiders, always remain vigilant and don't get bitten!

Range Throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of South America.
Type Both terrestrial and arboreal.
Diet Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies, and pinhead crickets. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, small lizards, and pinkie mice.
Full Grown Size 4 to 5 inches.
Growth Fast speed.
Temperature 75 to 80° F.
Humidity Around 80%.
Temperament Aggressive and nervous.
Housing Spiderlings can live in a clear plastic deli-container with air holes. Adults can live in a 5 to 10-gallon tank. Floor space is as important as height.
Substrate 2 to 3 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor Live plants, cork bark, driftwood, etc. make good hiding places.
Other Names Wandering Spider, South American Wandering Spider, and Banana Spider.

*Please note that ALL true spiders have a certain amount of venom. This species happens to have very strong venom. If you get bit by it, you may very well die. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this spider. This spider is dangerous, so be very careful!

Credits | Source : Petbugs.com
Thanks to: PEP9 | Sir Tattoo

African Huntsman Spider
(Palystes sp.)
by Jon Fouskaris
*Information provided by Frank Somma

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ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Frank Somma.
Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

The African Huntsman Spider is a big, beautiful, and remarkably fast true spider. Hailing from the land of southern Africa, these agile arachnids have been designated another common name - the Rain Spider. They are called Rain Spiders because in their native habitat, they are known to enter peoples' houses before it rains! African Huntsman Spiders are rare sights in collections and although they do not possess extremely toxic venom, they do not make good "pets". They are very fast-moving, and they can deliver a painful bite. African Huntsman Spiders can make good display animals though, provided they have a climbing area in their tank. The African Huntsman Spider is generally a good eater and one will usually eat ravenously. Overall, African Huntsman Spiders can be rewarding captives for those who keep them, and perhaps they can even act as accurate rain indicators for people who find them in their home.

Range Southern Africa.
Type Arboreal.
Diet Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies, and pinhead crickets. Adults eat crickets, and other large insects.
Full Grown Size 3 to 5 inches.
Growth Fast speed.
Temperature 75 to 80° F.
Humidity Around 75%.
Temperament Semi-aggressive and nervous.
Housing Babies can live in a tall clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 2.5 to 5-gallon tank. Height is more important than floor space.
Substrate 1 to 2 inches of peat moss.
Decor Branches, cork bark, vines, etc. make good hiding places and climbing accessories.
Other Names Rain Spider, and African Rain Spider.

*Please note that ALL true spiders have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this true spider. Affects of this true spiders' natural defenses may vary between people. All true spiders should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!

Credits | Source : Petbugs.com
Thanks to: PEP9 | Sir Tattoo

Madagascar Silk Spider
(Nephila madagascarensis)
by Jon Fouskaris
*Information provided by Frank Somma

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ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Frank Somma.
Photo taken by Michael Fouskaris.

The Madagascar Silk Spider is an eye-catching true spider for a true hobbyist. These gentle giants are not good for people low on space, because this arachnid takes up more room that some medium-sized reptiles! Madagascar Silk Spiders weave large and beautiful orb webs of golden silk that reach lengths of up to 6' across! Since it needs room to build the web, this species is not capable of being kept in a tank. Most people who keep these room-taking true spiders let them create a web in a corner of a room where it is rarely disturbed. The Madagascar Silk Spider will remain on its' web, and will happily accept flying insects, or non-flying insects that you make fly. Madagascar Silk Spiders are not aggressive, and they are relatively calm. They are actually easy to care for, given the proper living area and conditions. The web that a Madagascar Silk Spider can construct is incredible, and will make for a great conversation piece, or can be a good solution for people with a moth or fly problem. Not to mention that the actual spider isn't so bad-looking itself.

Range Throughout Madagascar and Southern Africa.
Type Arboreal.
Diet Spiderlings eat fruit flies, and small flying insects. Adults eat moths, flies, and other large flying insects.
Full Grown Size 4 to 5 inches.
Growth Fast speed.
Temperature 75 to 80° F.
Humidity 75 to 80%.
Temperament Docile and calm.
Housing Babies can live in a tall clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in places like the living room, the garage, the greenhouse, the attic, the kitchen (not highly recommended), etc. Height is more important than floor space.
Substrate No substrate is really needed.
Decor Branches, vines, plants, etc. provide a base for the web.
Other Names Golden Orb Spider, Giant Orb Spider, Golden Orb-Weaving Spider, Giant Orb-Weaving Spider, Giant Silk Spider, and Madagascar Giant Silk Spider.

*Please note that ALL true spiders have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this true spider. Affects of this true spiders' natural defenses may vary between people. All true spiders should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!


Credits | Source : Petbugs.com
Thanks to: PEP9 | Sir Tattoo

Vietnamese Funnel Web Spider
(Macrothele sp.)
by Jon Fouskaris
*Information provided by Frank Somma

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ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Frank Somma.
Photo taken by Michael Fouskaris.

The Vietnamese Funnel Web Spider is definitely not a starter spider! Similar to the infamous Atrax species from Australia, this true spider is big, aggressive, and possibly deadly. This particular mygalomorph spider may not be deadly, but it should still be handled with caution. The Vietnamese Funnel Web Spider is rare in captivity, only kept by a few professionals. It must be kept moist, unlike some other dangerous spiders, such as widow spiders. The Vietnamese Funnel Web Spider spins a funnel web, hence the name. The funnel web radiates from the burrow, allowing for a surprise attack. If some unlucky potential prey item walks on the web, the spider will quickly spring out of the burrow, and kill the prey. Only a mature and experienced person should keep this rare species in captivity. Vietnamese Funnel Web Spiders are fast and efficient killing machines, they are not to be played around with.

Range Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Type Burrowing.
Diet Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies, and pinhead crickets. Adults eat crickets, and other large insects.
Full Grown Size 4.5 to 5.5 inches.
Growth Fast speed.
Temperature Around 80° F.
Humidity 75 to 85%. Adults may drink from a shallow, wide, water dish.
Temperament Aggressive and nervous.
Housing Spiderlings can live in a small clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 5 to 10-gallon tank. Floor space is more important than height.
Substrate 4 to 5 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor No decorations are really needed.
Other Names Southeast Asian Funnel Web Spider, and Vietnamese Funnel Web Tarantula.

*Please note that ALL spiders have a certain amount of venom. This species probably has strong venom. Although this particular species may not be deadly, its' venom hasn't been studied, so you never know. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this spider. This spider may be dangerous, so be very careful!


Credits | Source : Petbugs.com
Thanks to: PEP9 | Sir Tattoo

Malaysian Trapdoor Spider
(Liphistius sp. - possibly desultor)
by Jon Fouskaris
*Information provided by Frank Somma

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SUB-ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Frank Somma.
Photo taken by Michael Fouskaris.

The Malaysian Trapdoor Spider is an extremely rare and unique spider. Among the most primitive spiders on earth, Malaysian Trapdoor Spiders still retain segmented abdomens! These colorful little beasts may be slow with evolving, but they are fast with everything else! With regards to speed, Frank Somma says the Malaysian Trapdoor Spider is "like lightning". This species, like other trapdoor spiders, creates a cover for its' burrow entrance, known as the "trapdoor". To help catch prey, the spider will spin triplines that radiate from the trapdoor. Then, when an insect or other food item falls to the trapdoor, the Malaysian Trapdoor Spider shoots out of the ground "like lightning", and returns into its' underground lair with a freshly-killed meal. In their natural habitat, they are found in hills, or on a slope, which may help direct prey to the trapdoor. The Malaysian Trapdoor Spider is not actually a true spider, but a liphistid. Rare in the wild and almost non-existent in captivity, the Malaysian Trapdoor is a real collectors' item. Hopefully, a few of this species might become real breeders' items in the future. The Malaysian Trapdoor Spider is a truly outstanding species!

Range Rainforest habitat of Malaysia.
Type Burrowing.
Diet Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies, and pinhead crickets. Adults eat crickets, and other large insects.
Full Grown Size 4 to 4.5 inches.
Growth Unknown.
Temperature 75 to 80° F.
Humidity Around 80%.
Temperament Aggressive and nervous.
Housing Spiderlings can live in a small clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 5 to 10-gallon tank. Floor space is as important as height.
Substrate 6 to 10 inches of peat moss, or potting soil. Make sure the substrate is on a slope.
Decor No decorations are really needed.
Other Names Malaysian Giant Trapdoor Spider.

*Please note that ALL spiders have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this spider. Affects of this spiders' natural defenses may vary between people. All spiders should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!


Credits | Source : Petbugs.com
Thanks to: PEP9 | Sir Tattoo

Southern Black Widow Spider
(Lactrodectus mactans)
by Jon Fouskaris

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ADULT FEMALE with EGGSAC
Specimen provided by Frank Somma.
Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

The Southern Black Widow Spider is probably the most feared of all spiders. It has a reputation to try and bite anyone who comes near it, in an attempt to poison and kill them. This is false. Although the venom of the Southern Black Widow Spider is venomous to people, they attempt to escape, instead of biting a person. Normally, the Southern Black Widow Spider will curl up into a ball, and drop to the ground, if it has nowhere to run. The only time that a Black Widow Spider will definitely try to bite someone, is if she is guarding her eggsac. The Southern Black Widow Spider is one of the species with the infamous "red hourglass" marking on the underside of it's abdomen. Only the females are dangerous when it comes to any species of widow spider because the much smaller males do not bite. When keeping any species of widow spider in captivity, make sure that the tank it is in is escape-proof, and can not be shaken or dropped easily because widow spiders are very fragile, and their large abdomens can burst easily, which will cause death. Females live up to 3 years, while the males only live from 6 months to 1 year. The Southern Black Widow Spider makes for an interesting captive arachnid, although should be respected for it's powerful venom and only be kept by mature, responsible, experienced people who are aware of this.

Range Parts of the central east coast and southeastern United States, as well as the West Indies.
Type Arboreal.
Diet Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies, and pinhead crickets. Adults eat crickets, and other large insects.
Full Grown Size 1 to 2 inches.
Growth Fast speed.
Temperature 70 to 90° F.
Humidity 55 to 70%.
Temperament Semi-docile and nervous.
Housing Spiderlings can live in a small clear plastic container with a hole in the center of the lid that is stuffed with a piece of cotton. Adults can live in a 2.5-gallon tank. Height is more important than floor space.
Substrate 1 inch of peat moss, potting soil, sand, or vermiculite.
Decor Branches, vines, air plants, etc. make good hiding places and provide a base for the web.
Other Names Hourglass Spider, and Shoe-Button Spider.

*Please note that ALL true spiders have a certain amount of venom. This species happens to have very strong venom. If you get bitten by it, there is a chance that you will die. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this true spider. Affects of this true spiders' natural defenses may vary between people. This true spider is dangerous, so be very careful!


Credits | Source : Petbugs.com
Thanks to: PEP9 | Sir Tattoo

Brown Widow Spider
(Lactrodectus geometricus)
by Jon Fouskaris

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ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Mike O'Malley.
Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

The Brown Widow Spider is a great tropical spider to be kept in captivity. It's not as dangerous as some other widow spiders because the Brown Widow Spider is less likely to bite someone, and has less toxic venom. It is a venomous creature, and must be handled with respect. Brown Widow Spiders usually curl up into a ball, and drop to the ground as a primary defense. The only time that a Brown Widow Spider will definitely try to bite someone, is if she is guarding her eggsac. The Brown Widow Spider is one of the species with the infamous "red hourglass" marking on the underside of it's abdomen. Only the females are dangerous when it comes to any species of widow spider because the much smaller males do not bite. When keeping any species of widow spider in captivity, make sure that the tank it is in is escape-proof, and can not be shaken or dropped easily because widow spiders are very fragile, and their large abdomens can burst easily, which will cause death. Females live up to 3 years, while the males only live from 6 months to 1 year. Brown Widow Spiders do adapt to captivity well. They make incredible pet arachnids for people who have them. Brown Widow Spiders should only be kept by mature, responsible, experienced people.

Range: Throughout the world's tropical and semi-tropical regions, has been introduced into southern Texas and central and southern Florida.
Type: Arboreal.
Diet: Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies, and pinhead crickets. Adults eat crickets, and other large insects.
[bF]ull Grown Size:[/b] 1 to 1.5 inches.
Growth: Fast speed.
Temperature: 75 to 90° F.
Humidity: 60 to 75%.
Temperament: Semi-docile and nervous.
Housing: Spiderlings can live in a small clear plastic container with a hole in the center of the lid that is stuffed with a piece of cotton. Adults can live in a 2.5-gallon tank. Height is more important than floor space.
Substrate: 1 inch of peat moss, potting soil, sand, or vermiculite.
Decor: Branches, vines, air plants, etc. make good hiding places and provide a base for the web.
Other Names N/A.

*Please note that ALL true spiders have a certain amount of venom. This species happens to have very strong venom. If you get bitten by it, there is a slim chance that you will die. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this true spider. Affects of this true spiders' natural defenses may vary between people. This true spider is dangerous, so be very careful!

Credits | Source : Petbugs.com
Thanks to: PEP9 | Sir Tattoo

Sydney Huntsman Spider
(Holconia immanis)
by Jon Fouskaris
*Information provided by Francesco Tomasinelli

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ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Francesco Tomasinelli.
Photo taken by Francesco Tomasinelli.

The Sydney Huntsman Spider is a large, active, unusual species of spider. They are easily recognizable with their flattened bodies, long legs, and ambush hunting strategy. These spiders are not very aggressive, but they are relatively skittish and exceptionally fast! Much different from tarantulas, Sydney Huntsman Spiders do not seem to make use of retreats and other tarantula-associated hiding places. Vertical habitat decorations are much better, like cork bark. They will hide in the holes of the cork bark, rocks, etc. Sydney Huntsman Spiders are voracious feeders, and nocturnal in nature. They are found in dry savannahs, gardens, and even in sunny places in cities. This species is great for intermediate keepers who can handle speedy spiders. The Sydney Huntsman Spider is an extraordinary species, very distinct from other true spiders. They may be hard to obtain, but it is well worth the effort!

Range: Australia and New Zealand.
Type: Arboreal.
Diet: Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies, and pinhead crickets. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, and lizards.
Full Grown Size: 3.5 to 6 inches.
Growth: Fast speed.
Temperature: 75 to 85° F.
Humidity: Around 50%.
Temperament: Docile and active.
Housing: Babies can live in a tall clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 2.5 to 5-gallon tank. Height is more important than floor space.
Substrate: 1 to 2 inches of sand.
Decor: Branches, cork bark, rocks, etc. make good hiding places and climbing accessories.
Other Names: Sydney Giant Crab Spider, and Sydney Giant Huntsman Spider.


*Please note that ALL true spiders have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this true spider. Affects of this true spiders' natural defenses may vary between people. All true spiders should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!


Credits | Source : Petbugs.com
Thanks to: PEP9 | Sir Tattoo

Carolina Wolf Spider
(Hogna carolinensis)
by Jon Fouskaris

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ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Jon Fouskaris.
Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

The Carolina Wolf Spider is the largest species of wolf spider in North America. They are found in burrows located in open fields. All wolf spiders are very skittish and very fast, but not necessarily too aggressive. Due to their speed and their nervousness, they should not be handled. The photo to the left was taken strictly to compare the size of the Carolina Wolf Spider to a person's hand, and you should not try it because you will probably end up losing your spider! Female Carolina Wolf Spiders may produce many large eggsacs, and then carry around the babies on her back once they spiderlings emerge and disperse. The females can live for over 3 years, with the males lifespan being much shorter. The Carolina Wolf Spider is a good display species for any invertebrate collection!

Range: Throughout the United States and southern Canada.
Type: Terrestrial, but will burrow to some extent.
Diet: Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies, and pinhead crickets. Adults eat crickets, and other large insects.
Full Grown Size 3 to 4 inches.
Growth: Fast speed.
Temperature: 75 to 85° F.
Humidity: 75 to 80%.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive and nervous.
Housing: Spiderlings can live in a clear plastic deli-container with air holes. Adults can live in a 2 1/2 to 5-gallon tank. Floor space is more important than height.
Substrate: 3 to 6 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor: No decorations are really needed.
Other Names: Giant Carolina Wolf Spider, and Carolina Giant Wolf Spider.


*Please note that ALL true spiders have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. The venom of this true spider has caused necrosis lesions. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this true spider. Affects of this true spiders' natural defenses may vary between people. All true spiders should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!


Credits | Source : Petbugs.com
Thanks to: PEP9 | Sir Tattoo

Malaysian Orange Huntsman Spider
(Family Heteropodidae)
by Jon Fouskaris
*Information provided by Frank Somma

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ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Frank Somma.
Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

The Malaysian Orange Huntsman Spider really lives up to its' (common) name. This fuzzy true spider, which has not been described yet, is unique in that it is completely orange, and a bright orange at that! You can tell from the photo to the left that it sports a reddish-orange exoskeleton with bright orange hairs covering the body. These beautiful true spiders are fast, wild, and arboreal. Malaysian Orange Huntsman Spiders are new additions to the hobby. They aren't available to the public in large numbers, but hopefully spiderlings will be produced soon. Malaysian Orange Huntsman Spiders do not make great "pets", simply because they can be so quick to run! They can get away from even experienced keepers if complete attention is not given. Even though their speed may make them hard to handle, they can be rewarding to observe. Imagine how fast this spider can catch food if it is fast to start off with! The Malaysian Orange Huntsman Spider is a magnificent new species to look for in the future.

Range: Forests of Malaysia.
Type: Arboreal.
Diet: Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies, and pinhead crickets. Adults eat crickets, and other large insects.
Full Grown Size: 3.5 to 4 inches.
Growth: Fast speed.
Temperature: 75 to 80° F.
Humidity: Around 80%.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive and nervous.
Housing: Babies can live in a tall clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 2.5 to 5-gallon tank. Height is more important than floor space.
Substrate: 1 to 2 inches of peat moss.
Decor: Branches, cork bark, vines, etc. make good hiding places and climbing accessories.
Other Names: Orange Huntsman Spider.


*Please note that ALL true spiders have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this true spider. Affects of this true spiders' natural defenses may vary between people. All true spiders should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!


Credits | Source : Petbugs.com
Thanks to: PEP9 | Sir Tattoo