Desert Velvet Spider

A small, social velvet spider from arid Mediterranean scrub that builds dense silk retreats and tunnels. The rule that matters most: keep it BONE DRY. Do not mist and do not give a water dish. It gets its water from prey, and humidity building up in the enclosure is the most common way these spiders die in captivity. Give strong ventilation, dry substrate filling a third to half of the enclosure, and twigs, excelsior or light grapevine to anchor its webbing. 68-76°F suits it; it is more active toward the warmer end. Feed slings twice a week; for juveniles and adults, feed by the abdomen rather than the calendar, and hold off if it looks plump. It can live alone or in a small group (it is naturally communal; size up the enclosure and feed generously if grouped). Females famously feed their young with their own bodies (matriphagy). Docile, mild venom, not a handling spider.