Velvet Spider
Eresus walckenaeri
The Eresus walckenaeri, the wonderful European 'Velvet Spider'. It is one of the most extraordinary and docile true spiders available in the hobby. Females are unmistakable: the body (1.2-1.6 inches) is massive, compact and covered with a very thick and very soft Pitch Black or dark Gray velvet. The tiny males instead present a bright red abdomen with four black spots, identical to a ladybird (aposematism). They live exclusively on the ground, building a thick and silky silk tunnel under rocks or between roots, extending a flat net on the ground to hunt. Totally harmless and, they are highly requested 'pet' spiders, famous for their placidity and the characteristic round 'snout'.
Umgebung
Terrestrisch
Luftfeuchtigkeit
40 - 50 %
Tagestemperatur
22 - 28 °C
Nachttemperatur
18 - 21 °C
Artbeschreibung
Geographic Origin and Habitat: The cited taxonomic species list does not characterize geographic range or habitat for Eresus walckenaeri.
Taxonomy and Genetics: World Spider Catalog lists Eresus walckenaeri Brullé, 1832 in the genus Eresus, family Eresidae. The cited list does not provide genetic results.
Behaviour and Habits: The cited taxonomic list does not provide behavioural observations for this species.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: The cited taxonomic list does not provide a morphological description or sexual-dimorphism measurements; none are inferred here.
Pflege, Zucht und Mitbewohner
Terrarium Setup: The peer-reviewed atlas states that Eresus walckenaeri does not dig burrows. This natural-history observation is not a terrarium specification.
Lighting and Heating: This recovery does not prescribe lighting or heating.
Humidity and Hydration: This recovery does not prescribe humidity or hydration.
Feeding and Supplementation: This recovery does not prescribe feeding or supplementation.
Compatibility and Coexistence: This recovery does not prescribe compatibility or coexistence.
Health and Common Diseases: This recovery does not provide health or veterinary guidance.
Geografische Herkunft und Verbreitung
Diese Art stammt aus: Mediterraneo/Eurasia (Aree calcaree, colline aride e gariga dell'Europa meridionale).
Ursprung
Europa, Mittelmeerraum und Westasien
Profil der terrestrischen Wirbellosen
- Diät
- Insectivore
- Eresus walckenaeri requires a diet rich in live invertebrate prey, relying on its keen senses and agility to hunt. Common feeder choices include small crickets, fruit flies for spiderlings, and appropriately sized roaches. Their fast metabolism sometimes necessitates more frequent feeding schedules depending on their specific size and age. Hydration is also crucial, often obtained from the moisture in their prey or a fine mist. Uneaten prey should be promptly removed to prevent enclosure contamination.
- Erwachsenengröße
- 4 cm
- Lebensstil/Mikrohabitat
- Terrestrial
- The lifestyle of Eresus walckenaeri demands a carefully structured environment that caters to its specific terrestrial or arboreal nature. Owners must ensure a proper temperature gradient, allowing the animal to thermoregulate as needed. Their enclosures should offer multiple hides and climbing opportunities if appropriate for the species. Solitary housing is absolutely necessary to prevent territorial disputes and injury. Maintaining high standards of hygiene is critical for their long-term health.
- Aktivitätszyklus
- Diurnal
- The activity pattern of Eresus walckenaeri typically aligns with crepuscular or nocturnal cycles. During the day, they remain securely tucked away in their hides to avoid desiccation and predators. As light levels drop, they emerge to actively forage, hunt, or explore their immediate surroundings. Artificial lighting in their enclosure should mimic natural day-night cycles without being overly intense. Disruptions to this cycle can cause feeding strikes or lethargy over time.
- Sozialität
- Solitary
- While adults are strictly solitary, spiderlings are remarkably tolerant of each other and exhibit brief communal living after hatching, before eventually dispersing to establish their own independent burrows.
- Reproduktion
- Oviparous
- Reproduction in Eresus walckenaeri requires careful conditioning and precise environmental parameters to ensure success. The male must be properly introduced to the female's enclosure to avoid immediate predation or aggressive behaviors. Following successful mating, the female will typically begin to construct an egg sac after a gestation period that varies by species. It is crucial to monitor the temperature and humidity to ensure the viability of the eggs. Once the young emerge, they should be separated promptly to prevent cannibalism.
- Giftig
- Yes
- Handhabungstoleranz
- Display only
- Handling Eresus walckenaeri is generally strongly discouraged due to the risk of stress to the animal and potential injury. A fall from even a short height can result in a fatal abdominal rupture or severe trauma. If moving the specimen is absolutely necessary, use a soft catch cup or a sterile brush to gently guide them. Owners should respect the creature's need for personal space and observe them strictly as display animals. Avoiding direct handling minimizes the chance of unpredictable defensive bites or stings.
- Brumation
- Nicht erforderlich
- In its natural habitat, Eresus walckenaeri may experience seasonal cooling that slows down its metabolic rate. In captivity, true brumation is rarely required unless breeding is explicitly planned. If temperatures naturally drop during winter, feeding frequency should be adjusted accordingly to match their reduced metabolism. It is important never to let the enclosure become freezing or excessively damp during these cooler periods. Careful monitoring ensures the specimen remains healthy until warmer conditions resume.
- Häutung
- Regular
- Molting is a critical and highly sensitive phase in the life cycle of Eresus walckenaeri. Leading up to a molt, they will often refuse food, become sluggish, and sometimes seal themselves entirely inside their hide. It is absolutely crucial to maintain proper humidity and never disturb the animal while it is molting. After shedding its exoskeleton, the animal will be extremely soft and vulnerable for several days. Feeding must be strictly withheld until the fangs or pincers have fully hardened to prevent fatal injuries.
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