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Terrestrial invert.TerrestrialIntermediate

Velvet Spider (Eresus walckenaeri)

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'.

Taxonomy

Class:Arachnida

Order:Araneae

Family:Eresidae

Genus:Eresus

Species:Eresus walckenaeri

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Environment

Terrestrial

Humidity

40 - 50 %

Day temperature

22 - 28 °C

Night temperature

18 - 21 °C

UVB

None

Species description

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.

Care, breeding and tankmates

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.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

This species originates from: Mediterraneo/Eurasia (Aree calcaree, colline aride e gariga dell'Europa meridionale).

Origin

Europe, Mediterranean, and West Asia

Terrestrial invertebrate profile

Diet: No verified data available
Life expectancy: No verified data available
Adult size: 4 cm
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.

Recommended companions

Compatible cards from coherent ecosystems with matching parameters.

Similar care

Cards with similar requirements, difficulty, habitat, and husbandry profile.

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Origin

Terrestrial invertebrate profile

Image gallery

Related species

Variants and close relatives

Ladybird Spider (Eresus sandaliatus)

Recommended companions

Corn Snake (Ghost)

Corn Snake (Tessera)

Corn snake Bloodred / Diffused

Eastern Blue-tongued Skink

Similar care

Clown Isopod (Armadillidium klugii)

Armadillo Isopod (Armadillo officinalis)

Clown Isopod (Armadillidium klugii 'Montenegro')

Decollate Snail (Rumina decollata)