European Garden Spider

Araneus diadematus

True spiderintermediateVenom: Mild

About

The familiar cross-marked garden orb-weaver of Europe and, now, North America. It is an outdoor annual not commonly kept indoors, so captive care is generalized orb-weaver husbandry: a tall, airy mesh enclosure with twig anchor points for the orb it rebuilds most days, cool-to-mild temperatures, a daily light mist, and flying prey such as flies and small crickets. Shy and non-aggressive, dropping from the web when disturbed; mild venom, harmless to humans. Solitary.

Taxonomy

FamilyAraneidae

GenusAraneus

Native regionEurope; introduced to North America

TypeOrb-weaver (web)

Temperamentshy, non-aggressive; drops from web when disturbed; harmless

Size & growth

Adult sizefemale up to ~1 in, male smaller

Length6.00–20.00 mm

Growth ratefast

Climate

Temperature60–80 °F

Humidity55–70%

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