Hawaiian Garden Spider

Argiope appensa

True spiderintermediateVenom: Mild

About

A big, boldly black-and-yellow Pacific orb-weaver that hangs head-down in the middle of its zig-zag-decorated web. Captive husbandry is limited, so this is generalized orb-weaver care: a tall, airy mesh enclosure large enough for its sizable web, twig and branch anchor points, warm sunny conditions, flying prey and crickets, and a daily light mist for ambient humidity. Non-aggressive with only mild, bee-sting-like venom. An annual, solitary species.

Taxonomy

FamilyAraneidae

GenusArgiope

Native regionPacific islands, Taiwan, Indonesia, New Guinea; Hawaii

TypeOrb-weaver (web)

Temperamentnon-aggressive; sits head-down in web; harmless

Size & growth

Adult sizefemale 2-2.5 in, male ~0.75 in

Length19.00–65.00 mm

Growth ratefast

Climate

Temperature72–86 °F

Humidity55–75%

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