Ladybird Spider

Eresus sandaliatus

True spiderintermediateVenom: Mild

About

The classic European ladybird spider (the famous red-and-black male). Care mirrors Eresus walckenaeri: arid, ventilated, deep dry substrate for a burrow, ~30-50% humidity, cool-to-moderate temps (66-76°F). Harmless. Slow-growing and long-lived for a true spider; best treated as a burrow-display species rather than a handleable one.

Taxonomy

FamilyEresidae

GenusEresus

Native regionWestern and Central Europe

TypeFossorial

Temperamentshy; reclusive burrower

Size & growth

Adult sizefemale body ~0.4-0.6 in

Length8.00–16.00 mm

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature66–76 °F

Humidity30–50%

Enclosure

Adult sizesmall terrestrial enclosure, 2+ in substrate

Substratedry burrowable mix (soil/sand/clay); good ventilation

Substrate depth2-3 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizeappropriately sized crickets / flies

Adult cadence1-2 prey per week

Times kept: 0