Central American wandering spider

Cupiennius salei

True spiderbeginnerVenom: Mild

Venom note

Wikipedia states the bite is not medically significant to humans; the venom is a well-studied neurotoxic mix aimed at insect prey. A forum reply on Arachnoboards says bites from this and a huntsman cause only swelling and stiffness, without necrosis. Individual reactions can vary.

About

Cupiennius salei is a big, fast, largely arboreal wandering spider from southern Mexico and Central America. It does not build a capture web; it sits on leaves at night and ambushes prey. Keepers describe it as tolerant and a good first true spider. One experienced keeper uses about 25 C (77 F) with 70 to 80 percent humidity, a tall enclosure with cork bark and plants to climb, and slightly moist substrate. Many keepers skip the water dish and drip water onto the cork instead, which the spiders drink. Feed fruit flies to hatchlings, then crickets; one keeper feeds adults every other day, another twice a week. Never leave live crickets in with a spider that may molt. The bite is not considered medically significant, but expect a quick runner when it is disturbed, so open the enclosure carefully.

Taxonomy

FamilyTrechaleidae

GenusCupiennius

Native regionSoutheastern Mexico and Central America (Guatemala to Nicaragua, possibly NW Costa Rica)

TypeArboreal

TemperamentSits still, but a fast runner when disturbed

Size & growth

Adult sizeFemale body to 3.5 cm, ~10 cm leg span

Growth rateFast

Climate

Temperature77–77 °F

Humidity70–80%

Enclosure

SubstrateSlightly moist substrate with cork bark and fake plants to climb

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizeFruit flies for hatchlings, then crickets; adults take large prey

Adult cadenceTwice weekly to every other day (keeper reports)

Times kept: 0