Velvet Spider Care Guide (Family Eresidae)

Complete Care, Enclosure & Husbandry Guide

Velvet spiders (family Eresidae) are unique and captivating spiders known for their velvety appearance, bold coloration, and fascinating web-and-burrow behavior. Species such as Eresus walckenaeri and other velvet spiders have become increasingly popular among invertebrate enthusiasts due to their striking appearance and relatively manageable care requirements.

At House of MyNia, we believe proper husbandry starts with thoughtfully designed habitats that prioritize safety, stability, and natural behavior. This guide covers the foundational care requirements for most commonly kept velvet spider species.

Understanding Velvet Spiders

Unlike jumping spiders or tarantulas, velvet spiders are generally:

• Burrow-dwelling
• Web-oriented ambush predators
• Reclusive by nature

Most species construct:

• Silk-lined burrows
• Tunnel retreats
• Trip-line webbing extending outward from the entrance

They spend much of their time within these retreats waiting for prey.

Enclosure Requirements

Proper Enclosure Size

Velvet spiders do not require large enclosures, but they do benefit from adequate substrate depth and secure web-building areas.

Recommended Guidelines:

• Juveniles: Small deli-style or compact enclosures
• Adults: Approximately 4"x4"x6" or similar

Floor space and substrate depth are more important than excessive height.

Ventilation

Proper airflow is essential for maintaining healthy enclosure conditions.

Poor ventilation may contribute to:

• Mold growth
• Stagnant humidity
• Bacterial buildup

Cross ventilation is strongly recommended for most velvet spider species.

Substrate Requirements

Substrate is one of the most important aspects of velvet spider care.

These spiders naturally create:

• Burrows
• Silk tunnels
• Hidden retreats

Recommended Substrates:

• Cocoa coir
• Organic topsoil (fertilizer-free)
• Sand/soil mixes depending on species
• Bioactive substrate blends

Recommended Depth:

• 2–5 inches depending on species and size

The substrate should allow stable tunnel construction without collapsing.

Enclosure Setup

Velvet spiders prefer practical, low-disturbance environments.

Recommended Features:

• Cork bark pieces
• Small branches or anchor points
• Leaf litter
• Open substrate space for tunnel construction

Avoid overcrowding the enclosure with excessive décor.

Temperature & Humidity

Requirements vary depending on species origin, but most commonly kept velvet spiders thrive within the following ranges:

General Care Parameters:

• Temperature: 70–80°F
• Humidity: Low to moderate depending on species

Many velvet spiders prefer:

• Slightly drier conditions
• Good airflow
• Mild humidity gradients rather than overly damp setups

Avoid stagnant or excessively wet conditions.

Water & Hydration

Velvet spiders generally require minimal direct moisture.

Recommended Hydration Practices:

• Light occasional misting on one side of the enclosure
• Small moisture gradient within the substrate
• Good ventilation between mistings

Avoid soaking the enclosure.

Small water dishes may be used for larger individuals when appropriate.

Feeding

Velvet spiders are ambush predators and should be fed appropriately sized live prey.

Common Feeder Options:

• Small roaches
• Flightless fruit flies (for juveniles)
• Small crickets
• Small flies

Feeding Rule:

Prey should generally not exceed the size of the spider’s abdomen.

Most velvet spiders will detect prey through vibrations transmitted through their silk webbing.

Important Feeder Insect Disclaimer

At House of MyNia, we strongly recommend sourcing feeder insects from trusted breeders or reputable specialty suppliers whenever possible.

Many hobbyists within the exotic pet community have reported concerns regarding feeder insects purchased from certain large chain or “big box” pet stores, including claims of potential parasites, pesticides, or contaminants that may negatively affect sensitive species such as:

• Velvet spiders
• Jumping spiders
• Tarantulas
• Praying mantises
• Other invertebrates

While we cannot independently verify all of these claims, we believe it is always best to prioritize caution and quality when it comes to the health of your animals.

We recommend:

• Purchasing feeders from reputable sources
• Avoiding unhealthy or poorly maintained feeders
• Properly caring for feeder insects prior to use

Molting

Like all spiders, velvet spiders molt as they grow.

Before molting, they may:

• Refuse food
• Become inactive
• Remain hidden within their retreat

During Molting:

Never disturb a velvet spider during this process.

Successful molts require:

• Stable humidity
• Secure retreat structures
• Minimal disturbance
• Proper ventilation

Avoid excessive enclosure maintenance during premolt or molting periods.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Routine maintenance helps maintain healthy enclosure conditions.

Recommended Maintenance:

• Remove uneaten prey promptly
• Spot clean waste regularly
• Monitor humidity and airflow
• Replace substrate as needed

Avoid destroying established tunnels or webbing whenever possible.

Handling

Velvet spiders are best appreciated as display animals.

While many species are not medically significant, handling is generally discouraged to reduce stress and prevent accidental injury.

Best Practices:

• Minimize unnecessary disturbance
• Avoid collapsing burrows or tunnels
• Allow the spider to remain secure within its retreat

At House of MyNia, we recommend prioritizing observation over interaction.

Cohabitation Warning

Velvet spiders should generally be housed individually unless working with species specifically known for communal tolerance.

Housing multiple spiders together may result in:

• Stress
• Competition
• Cannibalism
• Injury or death

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Excessively wet substrate
• Poor ventilation
• Destroying web tunnels frequently
• Overhandling
• Oversized prey
• Overcrowded enclosures

Final Thoughts

Velvet spiders are fascinating and highly rewarding invertebrates that display unique burrowing and web-building behaviors unlike many other commonly kept species. With proper ventilation, stable substrate, secure retreats, and thoughtful husbandry, they can thrive and display incredible natural behavior.

At House of MyNia, we believe thoughtfully designed habitats create safer, healthier, and more enriching environments for both keeper and animal.

If you ever have questions regarding velvet spider care, setup recommendations, or husbandry support, we are always happy to help.