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Ladybird Spider (Eresus sandaliatus)

Eresus sandaliatus

The Eresus sandaliatus, known as 'Ladybird Spider'. It is one of the rarest, most protected and fascinating spider species in Europe. Entirely similar to the E. walckenaeri in build and behavior (velvety and spiders), it is distinguished by its northern habitat (sandy heaths) and for its slightly smaller size (0.8-1.2 inches the female). The male, a masterpiece of aposematism, has a fiery red abdomen with 4 black spots and the front legs ringed with white. Extremely static, the black and velvety females spend their lives underground in a thick and compact silk nest. Breeding is similar to other Eresus: dry ground, poor feeding and zero handling so as not to destroy the delicate silk den.

Taxonomy
Class:Arachnida
Order:Araneae
Family:Eresidae
Genus:Eresus
Species:Eresus sandaliatus

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Environment

Terrestrial

Humidity

40 - 50 %

Day temperature

22 - 26 °C

Night temperature

18 - 21 °C

UVB

None

Species description

Geographic Origin and Habitat: World Spider Catalog lists Europe as the distribution of Eresus sandaliatus; the cited taxonomic record does not characterize habitat.
Taxonomy and Genetics: World Spider Catalog lists Eresus sandaliatus (Martini & Goeze, 1778) as an accepted species in Eresidae. The record provides no genetic result.
Behaviour and Habits: The cited taxonomic record provides no behavioural observation.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: The cited taxonomic record provides no morphology or sexual-dimorphism data.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Terrarium Setup: World Spider Catalog lists Eresus sandaliatus (Martini & Goeze, 1778) as an accepted Eresidae species with distribution Europe. The cited taxonomic record does not establish enclosure design, substrate, or a captive husbandry protocol.
Lighting and Heating: The cited record does not report captive lighting or temperature parameters; none are inferred here.
Humidity and Hydration: The cited record does not establish captive humidity or hydration parameters; none are inferred here.
Feeding and Supplementation: The cited record does not provide a captive feeding or supplementation protocol; none is inferred here.
Compatibility and Coexistence: The cited record does not evaluate social interactions or cohabitation; no recommendation is inferred.
Health and Common Diseases: The cited record does not provide veterinary or disease-management guidance; none is inferred here.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

This species originates from: Europa Settentrionale (Brughiere e pendii sabbiosi del nord Europa, Regno Unito).

Origin

Europe, Mediterranean, and West AsiaEast Asia

Terrestrial invertebrate profile

Diet
No verified data available
Life expectancy
No verified data available
Adult size
2 cm
The catalog's scalar value is 2 cm. The Miller et al. — Atlas of the Eresidae source reports a maximum adult measurement of 2 cm for this species, recorded as body length. The taxonomic record consulted is Eresus sandaliatus. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Lifestyle/Microhabitat
No verified data available
Activity cycle
No verified data available
Sociality
No verified data available
Reproduction
No verified data available
Venom level
No verified data available
Handling tolerance
No verified data available
Brumation
No verified data available
Molting
No verified data available

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.

Related species

Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.

Variants and close relatives

Same atlas type, nearby scientific identity, genus, or family.

Velvet Spider (Eresus walckenaeri)

Velvet Spider (Eresus walckenaeri)

Eresus walckenaeri

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Last updated: 08/10/2026
Ladybird Spider (Eresus sandaliatus) Care Guide & Terrarium Setup | Atlarium