Velvet Spider (Eresus sp.) Care Sheet
Velvet Spiders of the genus Eresus are striking terrestrial spiders known for their dense velvety appearance, secretive lifestyle and, in several species, the spectacular red-and-black colouration of mature males.
Members of the genus belong to the family Eresidae and occur across parts of Europe, North Africa and Asia. They are sometimes referred to as Ladybird Spiders because adult males of certain species possess bright red abdomens decorated with contrasting black spots.
Females generally look dramatically different. They are usually larger, more robust and predominantly dark brown or black, demonstrating pronounced sexual dimorphism.
Unlike active wandering spiders, Eresus normally constructs a permanent silken retreat associated with a burrow or crevice. From this protected retreat, the spider creates silk around the surrounding surface and detects prey moving across it.
Velvet Spiders are generally maintained under comparatively dry conditions, but this must not be confused with deliberately dehydrating the animal. Appropriate hydration, ventilation and a carefully managed moisture gradient remain important.
Successful husbandry requires a secure terrestrial enclosure, deep suitable substrate, excellent ventilation, a dry-to-slightly-moist moisture gradient, a starter retreat, appropriate temperatures and suitably sized captive-bred prey.
Quick Facts
Scientific name: Eresus spp.
Common names: Velvet Spider, Ladybird Spider
Order: Araneae
Family: Eresidae
Distribution: Europe, North Africa and parts of Asia, depending on species
Adult size: Species and sex dependent; females considerably larger in many species
Lifestyle: Terrestrial burrow/retreat-dwelling spider
Activity: Primarily secretive; mature males may wander
Diet: Carnivorous
Temperature: Approximately 20–26°C for many commonly kept species
Humidity: Generally low to moderate with access to moisture
Housing: Individual
Webbing: Extensive silk around a burrow or retreat
Handling: Not recommended
Experience level: Beginner to intermediate for established captive-bred specimens
Major requirements: Correct identification, ventilation, secure retreat, appropriate moisture and individual housing
Identification
Eresus is a genus rather than a single species.
Animals in captivity may be labelled as:
- Eresus sp.
- Eresus moravicus
- Eresus walckenaeri
- Eresus kollari
- Other members of the genus
Exact husbandry can vary according to:
- Species
- Geographical origin
- Developmental stage
Whenever possible, obtain a reliable scientific identification and locality information.
Common Names
The terms:
Velvet Spider and Ladybird Spider
may be used for various members of the genus.
Common names should therefore not replace scientific identification.
Natural Distribution
Members of Eresus occur across areas of:
- Europe
- Mediterranean regions
- North Africa
- Western and Central Asia
Distribution varies considerably between species.
Natural Habitat
Depending upon species, Eresus can inhabit:
- Dry grassland
- Rocky slopes
- Scrub
- Open woodland
- Steppe-like environments
- Warm exposed ground
They frequently construct retreats in suitable soil or amongst rocks.
Lifestyle
Velvet Spiders are primarily:
retreat-dwelling terrestrial spiders.
A settled female may spend the majority of her life associated with a single burrow system.
Appearance
The body is covered in dense fine hairs that produce the characteristic:
velvety appearance.
Females
Females are typically:
- Larger
- Robust
- Dark brown or black
- Less brightly coloured than mature males
Their understated appearance provides excellent camouflage around the retreat.
Males
Mature males of several species are dramatically coloured.
Typical colouration can include:
- Bright red or orange abdomen
- Black spots
- Dark legs
- Contrasting pale markings
This ladybird-like pattern is responsible for the common name:
Ladybird Spider.
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism can be extreme.
A mature male and female of the same species may initially appear to an inexperienced observer to be completely different spiders.
Male Lifestyle
After reaching maturity, males may leave their established retreats and begin:
wandering in search of females.
This is normal reproductive behaviour.
Housing
A secure terrestrial enclosure is appropriate.
Suitable housing includes:
- Acrylic spider enclosures
- Ventilated plastic containers
- Small glass terrariums
- Purpose-built terrestrial spider enclosures
Enclosure Size
The exact enclosure size depends on the species and individual.
For many adult females, an enclosure around:
20 × 20 × 20 cm
or somewhat larger provides ample usable space.
Large species may benefit from additional room.
Oversized Enclosures
An enormous enclosure is unnecessary.
A moderately sized enclosure makes it easier to:
- Monitor feeding
- Locate prey
- Manage moisture
- Observe the retreat
Secure Lid
The enclosure must be:
escape proof.
Although females are usually highly sedentary once established, new specimens and mature males can explore extensively.
Ventilation
Excellent ventilation is extremely important.
Many Eresus species are poorly suited to:
constantly wet, stagnant enclosures.
Cross Ventilation
Cross ventilation is highly desirable.
Provide ventilation openings on:
- Sides
- Lid where appropriate
while maintaining secure containment.
Spiderling Ventilation
Very small juveniles require extremely fine escape-proof ventilation.
A spiderling can exploit gaps that would be irrelevant to an adult.
Substrate
Suitable substrate can include:
- Organic topsoil
- Topsoil/sand mixtures
- Coco fibre blended with soil
- Other stable pesticide-free terrestrial spider substrates
Substrate Structure
The substrate should hold a burrow reasonably well.
Very loose material that continually collapses is less useful.
Substrate Depth
Provide approximately:
8–12 cm
for an adult female where practical.
Deeper substrate may be appropriate for larger species.
Burrowing
Some individuals excavate extensively.
Others readily adopt a prepared starter retreat.
Allow the spider to decide how much excavation it requires.
Starter Burrow
A starter burrow can be created by making a small angled opening beneath:
- Cork bark
- A stable piece of wood
- Another secure object
The spider may enlarge and web this area.
Cork Bark
A piece of cork bark partially embedded in the substrate provides an excellent anchor point.
The spider may construct its retreat:
beneath or alongside it.
Heavy Furnishings
Heavy decorations must be positioned safely.
Do not place unstable rocks directly on loose substrate where excavation could cause collapse.
Webbing
Once established, Eresus may produce substantial silk around the retreat entrance.
This is normal.
Silk Mat
Silk extending away from the retreat functions partly as:
a prey-detection system.
Movement across the silk alerts the spider to potential food.
Do Not Destroy the Web
Routine cleaning should not involve repeatedly removing established silk.
The web is part of the spider’s functional living environment.
Temperature
Temperature requirements vary with species and origin.
For many commonly maintained Eresus, approximately:
20–26°C
provides a useful general range.
Seasonal Variation
Some species experience significant seasonal temperature changes in nature.
Captive breeding programmes may incorporate seasonal cycling.
This should be based on the requirements of the:
identified species and locality, not applied blindly to every Eresus.
Excessive Heat
Avoid prolonged overheating.
Temperatures approaching or exceeding:
30°C
may become dangerous, particularly in poorly ventilated enclosures.
Heating
In many homes, suitable room temperature is sufficient.
If additional heating is required, use gentle:
thermostatically controlled external heating.
Direct Sunlight
Never place the enclosure in direct sunlight.
Small spider enclosures can overheat extraordinarily quickly.
Humidity
Many Eresus are maintained considerably drier than tropical rainforest spiders.
However:
dry husbandry does not mean zero access to moisture.
Moisture Gradient
A useful approach is to maintain:
- Mostly dry surface substrate
- A slightly moister area
- Access to drinking water
This provides the spider with environmental choice.
Overflow Method
When filling the water dish, a small amount of water can occasionally be allowed to overflow into one area of substrate.
This creates:
a localised moisture zone
without soaking the entire enclosure.
Misting
Heavy routine misting is generally unnecessary for established adults of species adapted to drier environments.
If misting is used, keep it:
light and localised.
Avoid Saturation
Do not keep the entire substrate permanently:
- Wet
- Waterlogged
- Swampy
unless reliable species-specific information indicates otherwise.
Water Dish
Provide adults with a:
small shallow water dish.
Water Maintenance
Keep the dish:
- Clean
- Full
- Free from drowned feeder insects
Spiderlings and Water
Very small spiderlings may be too small for conventional water dishes.
Careful hydration can instead be provided using:
- Tiny droplets
- Slightly dampened substrate areas
Avoid creating dangerous large droplets or standing water.
Lighting
Specialised lighting is unnecessary.
Provide a normal:
day/night cycle.
UVB
Dedicated UVB lighting is not required.
Feeding
Velvet Spiders are:
carnivorous predators.
They should receive appropriately sized captive-bred feeder invertebrates.
Suitable Prey
Suitable prey may include:
- Crickets
- Small locusts
- Cockroaches
- Mealworm larvae
- Other appropriate feeder insects
Prey Size
Use prey that the spider can:
overpower safely.
There is no advantage to offering unnecessarily large prey.
Feeding Frequency
Established adults can generally be offered food approximately:
once every 7–10 days.
Adjust according to:
- Species
- Age
- Abdomen condition
- Temperature
- Reproductive status
- Moulting cycle
Juvenile Feeding
Growing juveniles can receive smaller prey more frequently.
Avoid excessive feeding.
Hunting Behaviour
The spider may remain hidden when food is introduced.
Once prey contacts the silk surrounding the retreat, the spider may emerge extremely rapidly.
Feeding Response
A typical feeding sequence may involve:
- Prey contacts silk.
- The spider detects vibration.
- The spider rushes from the retreat.
- Prey is bitten and subdued.
- The spider retreats with its meal.
Remove Uneaten Prey
Do not leave uneaten prey indefinitely.
Remove it if the spider shows no interest.
This is especially important when moulting is suspected.
Pre-Moult
A spider approaching a moult may:
- Refuse food
- Remain hidden
- Seal the retreat
- Produce additional silk
- Become less active
Sealed Retreat
If the spider seals itself inside its retreat:
do not open it.
This is often completely normal.
Moulting
Velvet Spiders grow by shedding their exoskeleton.
This process is called:
moulting or ecdysis.
Privacy During Moulting
A spider may remain hidden for a prolonged period before, during and after a moult.
Do not dig it out simply because it has disappeared.
Remove Live Prey
If prey remains in the enclosure when a moult is suspected:
remove it carefully.
A freshly moulted spider is vulnerable.
Freshly Moulted Spider
After moulting, the new:
- Exoskeleton
- Fangs
- Joints
require time to harden.
Feeding After Moulting
Do not immediately introduce food after a moult.
Wait until the spider has:
fully hardened and resumed normal behaviour.
Exuvia
The discarded exoskeleton is known as the:
exuvia.
It may be pushed outside the retreat after the spider has finished moulting.
Handling
Routine handling is:
not recommended.
Why Avoid Handling?
Handling provides little benefit and introduces unnecessary risk of:
- Falling
- Escape
- Stress
- Defensive biting
- Accidental crushing
Bite Risk
Velvet Spiders possess venom for subduing prey and can potentially bite defensively.
They should therefore be treated with:
respect rather than fear.
Bite Prevention
The most effective bite prevention is simple:
- Do not handle
- Do not restrain
- Use tools for maintenance
- Use a catch cup for transfers
Catch Cup
A transparent catch cup and long soft brush should be available whenever the spider must be moved.
Individual Housing
Velvet Spiders should generally be maintained:
individually.
Cannibalism
Keeping adults together can result in:
- Predation
- Injury
- Cannibalism
except during carefully controlled reproductive introductions.
Communal Claims
Do not assume a species is safe communally because juveniles may temporarily tolerate one another.
Long-term individual housing is the safer standard.
Sexing
Sexual dimorphism becomes particularly obvious when males mature.
Mature Male
A mature male may undergo a dramatic transformation involving:
- Brighter colouration
- More slender proportions
- Enlarged reproductive pedipalps
- Increased wandering
Mature Female
Females typically retain the darker:
velvety appearance
associated with the genus.
Pedipalps
Mature males possess enlarged terminal structures on the pedipalps used during reproduction.
These are a reliable sign of male maturity.
Breeding
Breeding Eresus can be fascinating but requires careful planning.
Exact reproductive timing and environmental cues can vary by species.
Correct Identification Before Breeding
Do not pair spiders simply because both were sold as:
“Velvet Spiders.”
Confirm that they are compatible members of the same species or established breeding line.
Courtship
A mature male may approach the female’s retreat and communicate through:
- Vibrations
- Movement
- Contact with silk
Female Response
A receptive female may permit the male to approach.
Nevertheless, breeding introductions should be observed carefully.
Cannibalism Risk
As with many spiders, there is potential for:
cannibalism during reproductive introductions.
The male should have room to retreat.
After Mating
Following successful mating, the female may later produce:
an egg sac.
Egg Sac
The egg sac is protected within the female’s retreat.
Disturbance should be kept to an absolute minimum.
Maternal Behaviour
Eresid spiders are particularly fascinating because some members of the family display unusually extensive:
maternal care.
Maternal Investment
Female velvet spiders can invest heavily in their offspring.
Their reproductive biology is considerably more complex than simply depositing an egg sac and abandoning it.
Matriphagy
One of the most extraordinary behaviours associated with some eresid spiders is:
matriphagy.
This refers to offspring eventually consuming their mother as part of their early development.
Species Differences
Do not assume that every Eresus species exhibits identical maternal behaviour.
Reproductive husbandry should be based on reliable information for the exact species being bred.
Spiderlings
A successful egg sac may produce numerous small spiderlings.
Prepare suitable rearing containers:
before breeding the adults.
Early Spiderling Behaviour
Young spiderlings may initially remain associated with:
- The maternal retreat
- The egg-sac area
- Siblings
before eventually dispersing.
Separating Spiderlings
Once dispersal begins, individual rearing is generally the safest long-term approach.
This allows:
- Feeding to be monitored
- Cannibalism to be reduced
- Moulting to be tracked
Spiderling Housing
Small ventilated containers work well.
Each should contain:
- Suitable substrate
- A tiny retreat
- Secure ventilation
- Appropriate moisture
Spiderling Food
Suitable prey may include:
- Flightless fruit flies
- Tiny crickets
- Other appropriately sized feeder insects
Spiderling Escape Risk
Very young spiderlings are:
extremely small.
Ventilation openings must be correspondingly fine.
Growth
Juveniles develop through repeated moults.
Growth rate depends upon:
- Species
- Temperature
- Feeding
- Sex
- Seasonal conditions
Male Development
Males generally mature:
earlier and at a smaller size
than females.
Female Longevity
Females generally live considerably longer than mature males.
Their sedentary retreat-based lifestyle can continue for years in some species under appropriate conditions.
Mature Male Longevity
Once mature, males devote much of their remaining life to:
finding females and reproducing.
Their adult lifespan is generally considerably shorter than that of females.
Cleaning
Velvet Spider enclosures require relatively little invasive cleaning.
Routine maintenance consists mainly of:
- Removing prey remains
- Refilling water
- Removing excessive waste
- Monitoring substrate condition
Do Not Constantly Rehouse
Once a spider has established an elaborate retreat:
avoid unnecessary rehousing.
Destroying the retreat forces the animal to rebuild its entire shelter system.
Spot Cleaning
Use long forceps to remove accessible waste without destroying established silk.
Mould
Persistent mould usually indicates:
- Excess moisture
- Poor ventilation
- Too much uneaten food
Correct the underlying cause.
Mites
Large populations of mites may indicate excessive:
- Moisture
- Food waste
- Organic decay
Do not treat the enclosure with pesticides.
Springtails
Springtails are not normally essential in relatively dry Eresus setups.
If used, ensure the enclosure conditions are suitable for both organisms.
Household Insecticides
Spiders are extremely vulnerable to insecticides.
Keep the enclosure away from:
- Fly sprays
- Flea treatments
- Ant killers
- Cockroach treatments
- Garden pesticides
Aerosols
Avoid spraying near the enclosure:
- Perfume
- Air freshener
- Cleaning spray
- Deodorising products
Wild-Caught Feeders
Avoid feeding wild-caught insects.
They may introduce:
- Pesticides
- Parasites
- Pathogens
- Other contaminants
Use reliable captive-bred feeders.
Health
Most health problems are associated with:
- Incorrect moisture
- Poor ventilation
- Overheating
- Failed moults
- Injury
- Chemical contamination
Dehydration
A dry-adapted spider can still become dehydrated.
Always provide appropriate access to:
water or localised moisture.
Overly Wet Conditions
Chronic excessive moisture may encourage:
- Mould
- Mites
- Substrate deterioration
- Poor environmental conditions
Common Husbandry Mistakes
Common mistakes include:
- Treating all Eresus species identically
- Failing to obtain a reliable species identification
- Keeping the enclosure constantly wet
- Providing inadequate ventilation
- Providing no secure retreat
- Using substrate too shallow to support burrowing
- Destroying established webbing during every clean
- Digging up a spider that has sealed its retreat
- Leaving feeder insects with a moulting spider
- Feeding immediately after moulting
- Attempting unnecessary handling
- Housing adults communally
- Using wild-caught prey
- Using household insecticides near the enclosure
Are Velvet Spiders Suitable for Beginners?
Captive-bred Velvet Spiders can be suitable for a prepared beginner.
They are generally:
- Sedentary
- Relatively easy to feed
- Modest in space requirements
- Fascinating to observe
However, the keeper must understand:
- Moisture management
- Moulting behaviour
- Individual housing
- Species identification
They can therefore be considered:
beginner to intermediate.
Display Value
Velvet Spiders are excellent display animals for keepers who appreciate:
natural behaviour rather than constant activity.
A female may spend substantial periods hidden within her retreat.
Male Colouration
Mature males of colourful species are amongst the most visually striking true spiders in captivity.
Their red-and-black patterns can resemble:
ladybirds or ladybugs.
Educational Value
Velvet Spiders provide opportunities to observe:
- Sexual dimorphism
- Retreat construction
- Silk-based prey detection
- Spider moulting
- Courtship
- Egg-sac production
- Maternal care
- Spiderling development
Conservation
Some Eresus populations and species are of conservation concern and may receive legal protection within parts of their natural range.
Never collect wild animals simply because they are locally present.
Wild Collection
Wild collection can:
- Damage local populations
- Destroy burrows
- Remove breeding females
- Violate wildlife legislation
Captive-bred stock is strongly preferable.
Responsible Sourcing
When purchasing a Velvet Spider, ask:
- What is the exact species?
- Is locality information available?
- Is it captive bred?
- What developmental stage is it?
- When did it last moult?
- What conditions is it currently maintained under?
Legal Considerations
Regulations concerning Eresus can vary substantially according to:
- Species
- Country
- Native conservation status
- Import regulations
Some species or populations may be legally protected.
Always verify current legislation before:
- Collecting
- Purchasing
- Selling
- Importing
- Exporting
- Transporting
a specimen.
Never Release Captive Spiders
Never release captive:
- Adults
- Juveniles
- Spiderlings
- Egg sacs
into the environment.
This applies even where another Eresus species occurs naturally.
Responsible Ownership
Before obtaining an Eresus, ensure you can provide:
- Correct species-specific research
- Secure terrestrial housing
- Adequate substrate
- A suitable starter retreat
- Excellent ventilation
- Appropriate temperature
- Controlled moisture
- Drinking water
- Captive-bred prey
- Individual housing
- Long-term care
Summary
Velvet Spiders of the genus Eresus are fascinating terrestrial spiders recognised for their dense velvety appearance, retreat-building behaviour and extraordinary sexual dimorphism.
Mature males of several species develop spectacular red-and-black ladybird-like colouration, while females generally remain larger, darker and considerably more robust.
Most Eresus are sedentary spiders that construct a silk-lined burrow or retreat and surround the entrance with silk used to detect passing prey.
Captive housing should provide a secure terrestrial enclosure with approximately 8–12 cm of suitable substrate, a starter retreat and excellent ventilation.
For many commonly maintained species, temperatures around 20–26°C provide a useful general range, although exact requirements should always be adjusted according to species and geographical origin.
Most Eresus should not be maintained in permanently saturated tropical conditions. A largely dry enclosure with access to a localised moisture zone and clean drinking water is generally more appropriate for dry-adapted species.
Adults can be fed appropriately sized captive-bred feeder insects approximately once every 7–10 days, with frequency adjusted according to body condition and life stage.
A spider that seals itself inside its retreat should not be disturbed. Food refusal and prolonged hiding commonly occur around moulting.
Individual housing is safest.
Breeding reveals some of the most fascinating aspects of eresid biology, including extensive maternal investment and, in some members of the family, matriphagy.
Because Eresus includes numerous species occupying different geographical regions, correct identification is particularly important.
With secure housing, appropriate moisture, excellent ventilation and minimal disturbance, Velvet Spiders can make fascinating and comparatively straightforward display spiders.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This care sheet covers Eresus at genus level. Exact temperature, moisture requirements, seasonal cycling, adult size and reproductive biology vary between species and populations.
Obtain reliable scientific identification and locality information whenever possible.
Many Velvet Spiders are adapted to comparatively dry environments. Do not keep the enclosure permanently saturated, but do not deprive the spider of access to water or localised moisture.
Excellent ventilation is essential.
Provide sufficient substrate and a suitable starter retreat so the spider can establish its characteristic silk-lined shelter.
Never open a sealed retreat simply to check on the spider. It may be moulting.
Remove potentially dangerous live prey when moulting is suspected and do not feed a freshly moulted spider until it has hardened.
Routine handling is not recommended. Use a catch cup and appropriate tools when transfers are necessary.
House specimens individually except during carefully managed breeding introductions.
Some Eresus species and wild populations may receive legal protection. Never collect wild specimens without confirming that collection is lawful and sustainable.
Captive-bred animals should be strongly preferred.
Never release captive spiders, spiderlings or egg sacs into the environment.
Always verify current regulations concerning collection, possession, breeding, sale, transport, import and export in your jurisdiction.
Information correct at the date of publication.
reptilecommunity.com | Revised: August 2026