Joro Spider

Trichonephila clavata

True spiderintermediateVenom: Mild

About

A large, vividly colored golden-silk orb-weaver — very topical in the southeastern US, where it is now established. Shy and non-aggressive, with mild venom and fangs that rarely penetrate skin. Captive data is limited, so this is generalized orb-weaver care: a tall, airy mesh enclosure big enough for its very large web, branch anchor points, flying prey, and a daily light mist; it tolerates a wide temperature range. An annual species; solitary.

Taxonomy

FamilyAraneidae

GenusTrichonephila

Native regionEast Asia; introduced to the southeastern USA

TypeOrb-weaver (web)

Temperamentshy, non-aggressive; tiny fangs rarely break skin

Size & growth

Adult sizefemale ~17-25 mm, male ~7 mm

Length7.00–25.00 mm

Growth ratefast

Climate

Temperature60–85 °F

Humidity50–70%

Enclosure

Adult sizetall mesh cage with twig anchor points

Substratemoist substrate to hold ambient humidity; twigs/branches to anchor web

Substrate depth1-2 inches (web spider; rarely on the ground)

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizeflying insects, crickets

Adult cadence2-3 prey per week

Times kept: 0