Black and white spiders in the house: how do they breed and what do they eat? How long do spiders live? Factors affecting the lifespan of spiders and specific examples How long does a house spider live

Two weeks ago, I discovered that a "cute" spider had moved in next door to me in my bathroom. I'm so afraid of them that I'm afraid to even come close to him. And also I know popular belief about not killing spiders. This is how I've been living for a couple of weeks now. The only thing that came to my mind during this time was to look on the Internet, how long do spiders live.

How long do spiders live

After reading some information, I found that The lifespan of spiders is very diverse.. Alone live a couple of months, and others 10-15 years old. This fact did not please me at all. In addition, I read that spiders in at home can live much longer than in the wild.

Also life span of spiders closely related to their size: the larger the spider, the longer it lives.

As it turned out, the fact that a spider wound up in my house is not an accident. Now it's autumn, heavy rains, the temperature is starting to drop, so the spider decided to find a new place to live, more comfortable and more reliable.

The largest spider in the world and how long does it live

Continuing to surf the Internet and reading any information about the life of spiders I came across one horrific fact. It turned out that the life expectancy of the largest spider in the world (tarantula spider) can reach 10-15 years. It was here that I sat and thanked fate for the fact that at home I had the most common haymaker spider.

By the way, at least normal lifespan of a tarantula and reaches 10-15 years old, V normal conditions they live no more than 3-4 years, as they very often become a "snack" for their female after mating.

Are house spiders dangerous?

After reading a lot information about spider species, which are most often found in houses and apartments residents of the CIS countries, I realized that, basically, they do not carry great harm (sometimes even beneficial, kill flies, for example). But this does not mean that it is worth giving the spiders complete freedom in your home, because they are still not pets and they should live on the street. By the way, all spiders are poisonous, it's just that most of them do not have enough poison in order to harm a person.

And here is some interesting facts about spiders:

1. The spider brain occupies one-fourth of the volume of the entire body.
2. Many types of spiders eat their relatives.
3. Spiders are not family mates at all, they mostly live alone.
4. At one time, the female spider lays about 1000 eggs.
5. The only place on the planet where there are no spiders is Antarctica.

Some brave people, wanting to have a pet that does not require special care and daily walking, choose spiders. To determine the most suitable pet for you, consult an arachnologist before buying, because the life expectancy of spider breeds is different, and in some species it is minimal.

Life span of spiders in captivity

Requirements for keeping spiders at home are minimal. It is enough to feed animals 1-3 times a month, to drink, to keep clean. Comfort temperature for most species 23-28 C, humidity 70-80%. In addition, they need to provide adequate ventilation.

The lifespan of most spider species in captivity has not yet been established, as there is not much practical experience in this direction. But the general trends are such that those living in a human dwelling and under his control live longer compared to natural environment a habitat. In addition, at home they show less aggressiveness. It is also a recognized fact that the female lives longer than the male of the same species, which, after the last molt, dies within a maximum of 1 year, for the female there are no such restrictions.

As pet popular species are tarantulas. They are considered long-livers among relatives. So, the female, who was caught in Mexico City in 1935, lived for 28 years.

Lifespan of some spiders in captivity:

Brachypelma albopilosum or white-haired tarantula, native to South America, differ in slowness, lack of aggressiveness. The life span of males is about 3 years, females - about 12 years.

Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are a short-lived species. They live in captivity for no more than a year, but their maintenance does not cause any difficulties, and to observe their behavior (especially in mating season) pure pleasure.

The life expectancy of orb-weaving spiders, with proper care in captivity, can slightly exceed 2 years.

The Mexican red-knee tarantula attracts breeders with its large size, bright coloration, and calm disposition. The life span is about 30 years.

Spiders in the wild

Today, more than 42,000 species of spiders are known. They live in different regions, but greater distribution received in areas with a warm and humid climate.

It is known that big spiders, inhabitants of desert-shrub territories, are prone to slow growth and long duration life. Spiders, on the other hand, are native to tropical rainforests and grow quickly, but do not live long. In most cases, they do not live more than 12 months.

Spiked orb-weaver or horned spider(Gasteracantha cancriformi). The male dies 6-7 days after the fertilization of the female, if before that it does not become her dinner. The female dies by laying eggs. Thus, the life span of this species is not at all long: for males - up to 3 months, for females - up to 1 year.

The life expectancy of one of the most dangerous spiders in the world - a black widow: females - about 5 years, males - less.

The Mexican red-knee tarantula lives for about 30 years.

Curly-haired tarantula - about 20 years old.

Goliath tarantula is one of the most major representatives arachnids. The life span of a male is on average 9 years, 14 years for a female.

Pecilotheria regalis - another species of tarantula, live - 5 years for males, about 9 years for females.

Tarantulas in wildlife live up to thirty years.

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Two weeks ago, I discovered that a "cute" spider had moved in next door to me in my bathroom. I'm so afraid of them that I'm afraid to even come close to him. And I also know the popular belief that spiders should not be killed. This is how I've been living for a couple of weeks now. The only thing that came to my mind during this time was to look on the Internet, how long do spiders live.

How long do spiders live

After reading some information, I found that The lifespan of spiders is very diverse.. Alone live a couple of months, and others 10-15 years old. This fact did not please me at all. In addition, I read that spiders in at home can live much longer than in the wild.

Also life span of spiders closely related to their size: the larger the spider, the longer it lives.

As it turned out, the fact that a spider wound up in my house is not an accident. Now it's autumn, heavy rains, the temperature is starting to drop, so the spider decided to find a new place to live, more comfortable and more reliable.

The largest spider in the world and how long does it live

Continuing to surf the Internet and reading any information about the life of spiders, I stumbled upon one terrifying fact. It turned out that the life expectancy of the largest spider in the world (tarantula spider) can reach 10-15 years. It was here that I sat and thanked fate for the fact that at home I had the most common haymaker spider.

By the way, at least normal lifespan of a tarantula and reaches 10-15 years old, under normal conditions they live no more than 3-4 years, as they very often become a "snack" for their female after mating.

Are house spiders dangerous?

After reading a lot information about spider species, which are most often found in houses and apartments residents of the CIS countries, I realized that, basically, they do not carry much harm(sometimes even beneficial, kill flies, for example). But this does not mean that it is worth giving the spiders complete freedom in your home, because they are still not pets and they should live on the street. By the way, all spiders are poisonous, it's just that most of them do not have enough poison in order to harm a person.

And here is Some interesting facts about spiders:

1. The spider brain occupies one-fourth of the volume of the entire body.
2. Many types of spiders eat their relatives.
3. Spiders are not family mates at all, they mostly live alone.
4. At one time, the female spider lays about 1000 eggs.
5. The only place on the planet where there are no spiders is Antarctica.

Tarantula spider - description, characteristics, structure.

The tarantula has an exotic appearance: long shaggy limbs and catchy juicy color, more intense after each new molt.

The digestive and reproductive organs are located in the abdomen, at the end of which there are arachnoid appendages, represented by 2-6 pairs. The tarantula spider has 6 pairs of limbs, four of which are paws, one pair each for chilicera used for digging holes, protecting, hunting or dragging caught prey, and for pedipalps - they perform a tactile function. Chelicerae, which have small poisonous glands, are directed forward.

The sounds and smells of tarantulas, like most members of the order, are distinguished with the help of the finest sensitive hairs located on the legs.

The sizes of tarantulas depend on the species and usually vary from 2.5-3 cm to 10 cm. But the total size of individuals is usually determined taking into account the span of the legs, which can reach 28 centimeters. Some spiders weigh 65-85 grams, and large representatives of the species living in Brazil and Venezuela often weigh 150 grams or more, for example, the male Goliath tarantula (Theraphosa blondi) weighs 170 grams.

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A poisonous tarantula can be dangerous to humans.

All tarantulas are venomous to some extent. Although for an adult, tarantula venom does not represent mortal danger, it can be fatal to small animals such as cats. Also, a tarantula can be deadly for children and people who are allergic to spider venom.

Spiders do not use venom every time, “dry” bites without venom injection are often observed. At venomous bite a tarantula spider, acute pain occurs, body temperature rises, convulsive and delusional conditions are not excluded.

The body of tarantulas is littered with poisonous hairs, with which spiders braid the web to protect the nest, and also comb from the abdomen in case of stress or for self-defense.

With tactile contact with poisonous hairs, as well as with their accidental inhalation, an allergic reaction can develop, which is expressed in severe burning, suffocation and weakness.

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Tarantulas are ubiquitous throughout the globe except for Antarctica. They live in Africa, South America, Australia, Oceania, and are also found in Europe, but rarely. The European habitat is limited to southern Italy, Spain and Portugal.

In conditions wildlife some tarantulas live in trees and shrubs, others prefer shelters at ground level, and still others are burrowing animals. Moreover, during development, the way of life can change radically: the larvae living in holes, with age, spend most of the time on the ground. Some tarantulas prefer humid tropical and equatorial forests, drought-resistant species settle in semi-deserts.

Burrowing tarantulas live in burrows dug underground, strengthening their shelters with cobwebs. Arboreal tarantulas construct special tubes from the web. Regardless of their lifestyle, all these spiders are rather sedentary and make body movements only in case of urgent need. Well-fed female tarantulas may not crawl out of their shelters for several months.

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How long do tarantulas live?

Female tarantulas have no competitors in terms of life expectancy among arthropods and are able to live for more than 30 years. Males, on reaching reproductive age, stop shedding and most often end their lives in the same year or almost immediately after mating.

Bird-eaters do not build trapping nets, but guard their prey from a hiding place. Despite the name, these spiders are not able to regularly digest meat or poultry, so their diet consists of more from insects: small spiders, cockroaches, flies, crickets, locusts, ringing mosquitoes. An adult tarantula eats chicks, frogs, toads, small rodents (mice), small snakes, and fish.

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Tarantula spiders, types, photos and names.

Currently, the family of tarantulas is divided into 13 subfamilies, including many species. A description of some tarantulas is given below:

• Brazilian black and white tarantula(lat.
  anthoscurria brocklehursti) differs in rather aggressive, unpredictable character, bright coloring and intensive growth. The body size is from 7 to 9 cm. The leg span of the spider is from 18 to 23 cm. The black-and-white tarantula lives in Brazil, hides between tree roots or between stones, and can also dig holes, although it can often be seen out of any shelters. The life expectancy of females is 15 years. The comfortable temperature for keeping this spider is from 25 to 27 degrees Celsius, air humidity is 70-80%.

• Smith's brachypelma, he is Mexican red-knee tarantula(lat. Brachypelma smithi)- a species of spiders that live in Mexico and the southern United States. These are large spiders with a body length of up to 7-8 cm and a leg span of up to 17 cm. The main body color of the tarantula is dark brown or almost black, some areas on the legs are covered with orange and red spots, sometimes with a white or yellow border. The body is densely covered with light pink (sometimes brown) hairs. Representatives of the species are especially calm and non-aggressive, have low poison toxicity. Females live up to 25-30 years, the life expectancy of males is about 4 years. The diet of spiders includes various insects, lizards and rodents. The ideal temperature for keeping a tarantula is 24-28 degrees with an air humidity of 70%.

• - a species of South American tarantulas, widespread in Ecuador. The body length of the tarantula is about 5-6 cm. The span of the legs is no more than 14 cm. At a cursory glance, the spider looks black, but when the sun hits it, it can be seen that the cephalothorax, legs and chelicerae are cast in an intense purple-blue color, the bristles on the paws have brick color, and the hairs near the mouth are orange-red. The favorite habitat of this spider is pastures, tree hollows, as well as gaps under the roof and cracks in the walls of inhabited premises. Representatives of the species are non-aggressive, rather fast and shy, unpretentious in care and food, so they are often kept at home. The ideal temperature for keeping a tarantula varies between 25-28 degrees with an air humidity of at least 80-85%.

• - a species of tarantula, common in Guadeloupe and on the island of Martinique.
  Representatives of the species grow up to 5-6 cm in length and have a limb span of up to 17 cm. Young specimens are distinguished by a bright blue body with white stripes on the abdomen. After 8-9 lines, the entire body of the tarantula is covered with thin bright hairs, and red and green tones with a metallic sheen may appear in the color. Tarantulas of this species are quite peaceful, they bite only when they are squeezed into a corner. Unlike most relatives, they do not comb poisonous hairs off themselves, therefore they are a favorite terrarium species and a source of pride for collectors. At home, they eat crickets and cockroaches, adult one frog or mouse per month is enough. The life expectancy of females is 8 years, males - no more than 3 years.

• Aphonopelma seemanni tarantula- a typical representative of the fauna of Central America, distributed from Costa Rica and Nicaragua, to Panama and Honduras.
  usually lives in burrows. The inhabitants of Costa Rica are distinguished by black color with white stripes on their legs, the spiders of the Nicaraguan population are dark brown with beige stripes on their legs. The body size of a mature spider is 6 cm, the leg span is about 15 cm. These spiders are not aggressive towards people, do not have toxic poison (except for scalding hairs), are characterized by low growth rates and longevity (females live up to 30 years). Therefore, this type of tarantula is very popular among spider lovers. Comfortable temperature for Aphonopelma seemanni is 24-27 degrees with air humidity at the level of 70-80%.

• Tarantula spider Brachypelma boehmei lives in Mexico, preferring to settle in holes. The body length of adult specimens with a leg span reaches 15-18 cm, the length without legs is 7 cm. In addition to the large size of the spiders, they are distinguished by an exceptionally bright black-orange color. These tarantulas are calm and unpretentious, in captivity they feed on locusts, cockroaches and worms. The life expectancy of males is 3-4 years, females live much longer - more than 20 years. Optimum temperature for keeping these tarantulas - 25-27 degrees at a humidity of 70-75%. Due to unauthorized capture and trade, the tarantula Brachypelma boehmei is included in Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Species wildlife and endangered flora) as endangered.

• Tarantula spider Brachypelma klaasi- a Mexican species of tarantula, whose representatives are distinguished by a massive body and short powerful legs with a span of 14-16 cm. This type of spider has a black-orange color, like Brachypelma boehmei, but is distinguished by the presence of thick orange-red hairs covering the stomach and legs. Tarantulas of this species live in Mexican semi-deserts and high mountain forests. They have an even, calm character. Female tarantulas live up to 20-25 years. Comfortable for these spiders, the air humidity should be 60-70%, the air temperature should be from 26 to 28 degrees. The bird-eating spider Brachypelma klaasi is endangered, so it is listed in the CITES convention.

• Tarantula spider Cyclosternum fasciatum- one of the smallest tarantulas, the maximum paw span of which is only 12 cm. But, nevertheless, in terms of body size, it is in no way inferior to its relatives: females grow up to 5 cm in length with a leg span of 10-12 cm, length males is 3.5 cm with a paw span of up to 9.5 cm. The body of spiders is painted in dark colors with a reddish tint: the cephalothorax is red or brown, the belly is black with a red stripe, the legs can be gray, black or brown. Beloved natural place habitats of these tarantulas are rainforests Costa Rica and Guatemala. At home, the tarantula can be quite nervous and aggressive. The comfortable temperature for keeping the tarantula Cyclosternum fasciatum is 26-28 degrees with an air humidity of 75-80%.

• Chilean pink tarantula(lat. Grammostola rosea)- a very beautiful tarantula, one of the record holders in the number of sales among members of its family. Overall size an adult spider, taking into account the legs, is 15-16 cm. The color of the body is a variety of variations Brown: brown, chestnut and sometimes pink. The body and paws are densely strewn with light hairs. The species range covers the southwestern part of the United States and Chile, including the Atacama Desert. Comfortable daytime temperature for this type of tarantula is 25 degrees during the day and 18-20 degrees at night, with an air humidity of 60-70%. The spider is not aggressive and combs the hairs very rarely. The life expectancy of females is 15-20 years.

• Theraphosa Blond, he is goliath tarantula(lat. Theraphosa blondi)- most big spider in the world. A specimen with a leg span of 28 cm was included in the Guinness Book of Records. The body size of a female goliath tarantula reaches 10 cm, for males - 8.5 cm, and the mass of an adult spider can be 170 g. Despite their impressive size, goliath tarantulas have modest disposition, brown coloration, and the paws of spiders are densely strewn with red-brown hairs. Goliath tarantulas inhabit the tropics in the territories of Suriname, Venezuela, Guyana and northern Brazil, where they hunt mice, small snakes, toads, lizards and frogs. Due to the ban on the export of animals from their habitats, goliath tarantulas are a huge rarity not only for terrariumists, but also for collectors. The comfortable temperature for keeping the goliath tarantula is 22-24 degrees with an air humidity of 75-80%. The spider is quite aggressive and can bite its offender.

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Reproduction of tarantulas.

Male tarantulas reach reproductive age much faster than females. In mature males, a cymbium is formed on the pedipalps, a special reservoir for seminal fluid, and tibal hooks grow on the front legs, designed to hold the female at the time of mating. Before breeding begins, the male tarantula spins a web, covers it with seminal fluid, and then fills his cymbium with it. A male and a female perform a special ritual when they meet, demonstrating their affiliation. general view. The mating process can last a few seconds or drag on for hours. With tibal hooks, the male holds back the partner's chelicerae, and with pedipalps transfers the seminal fluid into her body. During or after mating, a hungry female tarantula often eats the male, so after a successful act, the male tends to escape.

A few months later, the female tarantula builds a nest from the web, where it lays from 50 to 2000 eggs. Their number depends on the type of tarantula. From this nest, the female then forms a cocoon, which is often spherical in shape and contains bristles from the spider's abdomen: they serve additional protection eggs. During the incubation period lasting from 20 to 106 days (which also depends on the type of spider), the female guards future offspring, “incubates” and periodically turns the cocoon. At this time, she becomes especially aggressive. With a shortage of food, the female may well eat her own cocoon with eggs.

After a certain period of time, newborn nymph spiders appear from the eggs, which at first do not feed at all, therefore they live together without the threat of cannibalism. After 2 molts, the nymph becomes a larva, which is similar to a fully formed spider, but, unlike it, still has a supply nutrients in the abdomen. After some time, the larva molts and turns into a young tarantula.

Some brave people, wanting to have a pet that does not require special care and daily walking, choose spiders. To determine the most suitable pet for you, consult an arachnologist before buying, because the life expectancy of spider breeds is different, and in some species it is minimal.

Life span of spiders in captivity

Requirements for keeping spiders at home are minimal. It is enough to feed animals 1-3 times a month, to drink, to keep clean. Comfortable temperature for most species is 23-28 C, humidity 70-80%. In addition, they need to provide adequate ventilation.

The lifespan of most spider species in captivity has not yet been established, as there is not much practical experience in this direction. But the general trends are such that those living in a human dwelling and under his control live longer compared to their natural habitat. In addition, at home they show less aggressiveness. It is also a recognized fact that the female lives longer than the male of the same species, which, after the last molt, dies within a maximum of 1 year, for the female there are no such restrictions.

As a pet, tarantulas are a popular species. They are considered long-livers among relatives. So, the female, who was caught in Mexico City in 1935, lived for 28 years.

Lifespan of some spiders in captivity:

Brachypelma albopilosum or white-haired tarantula, originally from South America, are characterized by slowness, lack of aggressiveness. The life span of males is about 3 years, females - about 12 years.

Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are a short-lived species. They live in captivity for no more than a year, but their maintenance does not cause any difficulties, and it is a pleasure to observe their behavior (especially during the mating season).

The life expectancy of orb-weaving spiders, with proper care in captivity, can slightly exceed 2 years.

The Mexican red-knee tarantula attracts breeders with its large size, bright coloration, and calm disposition. The life span is about 30 years.

Spiders in the wild

Today, more than 42,000 species of spiders are known. They live in various regions, but are more common in areas with a warm and humid climate.

It is known that large spiders, inhabitants of desert-bush areas, are prone to slow growth and long life expectancy. Spiders, on the other hand, are native to tropical rainforests and grow quickly, but do not live long. In most cases, they do not live more than 12 months.

Spiny or horned spider (Gasteracantha cancriformi). The male dies 6-7 days after the fertilization of the female, if before that it does not become her dinner. The female dies by laying eggs. Thus, the life span of this species is not at all long: for males - up to 3 months, for females - up to 1 year.

The life expectancy of one of the most dangerous spiders in the world - the black widow: females - about 5 years, males - less.

The Mexican red-knee tarantula lives for about 30 years.

Curly-haired tarantula - about 20 years old.

Goliath tarantula is one of the largest representatives of arachnids. The life span of a male is on average 9 years, 14 years for a female.

Pecilotheria regalis - another species of tarantula, live - 5 years for males, about 9 years for females.

Tarantulas in wildlife live up to thirty years.

Despite the fact that the human being is naturally afraid of spiders, many are increasingly choosing them as exotic pets. Spider owners claim it is perfect option if you don't have time to take care of your little friend. If you do not suffer from arachnophobia and dream of acquiring an unusual pet, we will help you understand the features of care and maintenance, types of spiders, as well as all the pros and cons of such a choice.

What spiders can be kept at home

Not all types of arthropods can be kept at home. Some of them are deadly poisonous, while others have an unremarkable appearance (for example, a gray spider or a haymaker spider, which most often live in secluded corners of houses and apartments). Many opt for tarantulas, and there are several reasons for this:

1. They have a presentable appearance: large size, bright color, hairy body.
2. This species includes more than a hundred subspecies, from which you can choose a pet for every taste.
3. They live somewhat longer than other species.
4. They can reproduce in captivity.
5. Tarantula venom does not pose a mortal threat to a healthy adult.

Popular types of tarantulas are: white-haired, bicolor, giant, striped, horned and others. In addition to tarantulas, tarantulas, cross spiders, wolf spiders or jumping spiders are often the choice. The listed species rarely bite people (only in the event of a sudden attack), but even if this happens, their poison does not cause any serious consequences.

Where to keep

Usually, glass or plastic terrariums with good sealing are used to keep spiders. They can be of horizontal and vertical type: the former are suitable for ground spiders, and for tree species a vertical type of dwelling with effective ventilation is required. Therefore, it is very important to know the type of your pet in order to recreate natural conditions for him as accurately as possible.

Most species do not need much space, as they spend almost all the time passively, hiding in hollows, minks and other shelters. However, the length of the dwelling must be at least twice the distance of the pet's leg span. In a terrarium that is too large, the pet will experience obvious discomfort and a desire to hide away.

The terrarium should also not be too high, so that when falling from the walls, the pet is not damaged. For example, for adult tarantulas, a container of the following parameters is quite enough: 30 * 30 * 20 cm. For young tarantula spiders (up to several molts) is enough plastic container size 10 * 8 * 6 cm. After 7-10 lines, you can buy a home bigger size based on the size of the pet.

Is it possible to keep several individuals in one container

IN natural conditions some species of spiders can live together, and it can even be individuals of different sexes and age groups. However, in captivity, it is not recommended to keep two or more representatives of the same species in one container - this is associated with high risks manifestations of aggression or cannibalism, and as a result, injury or death of pets. It is also necessary to seat the babies after the first molt.

Important!Joint content of spiders different types In the vast majority of cases, it ends with the death of one of the pets.

In order for an exotic pet to please you with its presence for a long time, you need to work on the equipment of its home. When arranging a terrarium, it is necessary to think over the lighting, decor and filler, regulate the temperature and humidity of the air.

What do you need in a terrarium

Be sure to have a layer of substrate in the terrarium. Firstly, it will help to recreate a more natural environment for the pet, and he will not sit on bare plastic or glass. Secondly, the main task of the substrate is to maintain a stable level of humidity inside the container. For this reason, neither sand nor stones are suitable as a filler. The most acceptable options are vermiculite and coconut filler. Both fillers are highly hygroscopic.

The need for decor is determined by the type of your pet. For example, for spiders weaving a web, no special decor is required, since soon it will not be noticeable under a layer of beautiful lace. Main - provide the pet with all the conditions for weaving. But for species that like to hide in shelters, you can buy ceramic houses, castles and shards, cork oak products or artificial plants.

Sealing and ventilation

It doesn't matter what you use as a home - a food bowl or a special glass terrarium, it must be securely closed with a lid, otherwise one morning you may find that the spider's house is empty, and its owner is walking around your apartment. But when sealing the container, do not forget that the arthropod needs Fresh air and high-quality ventilation of the container, so several holes should be made in the lid through which the spider will not get out, but will get access to oxygen. If the pet lives in a plastic container, it is better to make holes on the side wall in two rows: from below and from above. To do this, you can use a hot nail of a small diameter.

Lighting

The need for decor depends on the type of spider. For example, for tarantulas there is no need to install additional light, as they are nocturnal inhabitants who are excellent at navigating in the dark. If you want to install light, give preference to infrared lamps - their radiation is invisible to the pet. It is undesirable to choose incandescent lamps, and yet if you choose this option, install them outside the container to prevent burns to the animal and drying out of the air.

Temperature

Spiders are able to tolerate a very large temperature range. Optimal indicators are 23-26°C. Additional heating may be needed only during the transitional autumn-spring period, when the heating is already turned off or not yet working. To provide heat, you can purchase special cords and plates for heating, as well as a thermostat. Devices must be installed either under the container (for tree spiders) or on the walls of the house (for terrestrial species).

Important!The temperature in the room and terrarium should not exceed 31°C.

Humidity

This indicator is very important for health and wellness pet. Required level Humidity for each species may vary. You can determine the deficiency or excess of moisture by the behavior of the pet:

• the spider constantly sits at the drinking bowl, dragging soil into it - it is too dry in the container;
• the spider constantly sits on the walls of the tank - this behavior indicates excessive humidity (but sometimes this can just be a pet's favorite habit);
• arboreal species descends to the substrate - dry in the container;

It is not worth spraying the substrate with a spray bottle; instead, it is better to use a syringe without a needle or a watering can with a thin hole. It is important to determine by eye when there will be enough moisture (the substrate should get wet by 2/3). Adults in the container must have a drinking bowl, it is worth choosing its size in such a way that the pet cannot fit in it and drown itself. Keep in mind that swamp breeding should not be allowed in the terrarium. In conditions of excessive humidity, midges, mold and fungus easily start up, which can kill the arthropod.

What is required in the care of a spider

So, it is obvious that the following accessories will be required to keep an exotic pet:

• sealed container made of glass or plastic;
• drinker;
• filler;
• air heater;
• thermometer;
• decor (depending on the type of spider);
• a small plastic box for isolating a pet (for example, when cleaning a terrarium);
• long tweezers, 20-25 cm (for feeding and garbage collection);
• long brush (helps with pet transplantation);
• additional lighting (depending on the type).

Did you know? For Agriculture spiders are very useful - their main food is insects that destroy crops. Thus, spiders annually save up to 30% of the world's crop!

How to feed a spider at home

Spiders are representatives of obligate predators, therefore they must eat exclusively products of animal origin. The most common food for spiders are fodder insects: various types of cockroaches (Turkmen, Argentine, marble), larvae, flour worms. You need to buy food in specialized stores. It is not recommended to feed your pet with pet cockroaches, flies, any insects or small animals that you have caught yourself.

The frequency of feeding is determined by the age of the pet. Toddlers and teenage spiders need food 3 times a week, adults need to be fed 1-2 times. The size of one serving should correspond to the dimensions of your pet's belly. However, in many cases, spiders are able to eat much larger portions. You need to give food with tweezers, the remains after the meal must be removed.

Important!Do not panic if your pet has no appetite. The period of rest from food can last weeks and even months in some spiders.

Terrarium cleaning

Careful cleaning of the terrarium with the replacement of the substrate is necessary every 8-12 months, as well as if mold or fungus has started. There is no need to clean your home more often. You should always clean up leftover food with tweezers after a meal. At the time of cleaning, the tenant must be transplanted into a container. To do this, you need to open the terrarium, use a brush to push the spider to the container.

Moulting period

Molting is a physiological, very important period for spiders, during which the growth and renewal of the whole organism occurs. Shedding consists of shedding the old hard cuticle and growing a new one. The process starts under the influence of special hormones. During the period when the new cuticle (exoskeleton) has not yet hardened, the pet is very vulnerable and defenseless.

You can understand that a molt is soon planned by the behavior of the arthropod: the spider stops eating, becomes inactive. Tarantulas create a bed of cobwebs for themselves, lay on their backs and stay in this position until the old skeleton is shed. Speed this process depends on the age of the pet: the younger the spider, the faster the molt passes.

What you need to remember the owner of the spider during the molting period:

• you can’t offer food to the spider during this period - live food insects can damage your pet;
• you need to feed the arthropod no earlier than 2-3 weeks;
• in no case should you touch the spider, especially when it lies on its back;
• do not try in any way to "help" the pet get rid of the old skeleton;
• you can remove the old skeleton only after the pet turns over and stands confidently on its feet.

Did you know? In terms of strength, the web is equated to steel wire. If it were possible to create a web rod only 0.5 cm thick, it could stop a tank or a bulldozer. The only reason The reason why this durable and environmentally friendly material is not used in industry is the impossibility of recreating it in the laboratory.

How many years live

Of course, the life expectancy of a pet will depend on how correctly you can create conditions for it. However, in general, with good care, spiders of various species have the following life expectancy:

• tarantulas - live an average of 15-20 years;
• tarantulas - life expectancy is highly dependent on the species, some in captivity live only 1-2 years, but there are varieties that can live up to 20-30 years (females live longer than males);
• cross - a maximum of six months live, males die after mating, females - after creating a cocoon;
• jumper - in captivity, females live up to 3 years, males live 1-2 years;
• peacock spider - lives a maximum of 9 months;
• goliaths - females live up to 8-9 years, males - up to 6 years.

Is it possible to take

Most often, such questions are asked by the owners large species, for example, tarantulas and tarantulas. It should be clearly understood that spiders cannot be considered full-fledged tame animals, they are guided by physiological instincts, which is why attempts to play with a pet, train it or try to carry it in your arms are completely pointless and doomed to failure.

You also need to be aware that for a spider, a change of scenery will always be severe stress, especially if the temperature, lighting and humidity of the environment will differ from these indicators in the terrarium. Any careless movement can lead to injury or death of the arthropod, especially in the case of small species and babies. Some species can immediately run away from you (for example, jumping spiders), and it will be very difficult to find a fugitive in an apartment. In a state of stress, a pet can bite you, and although the bite will not be fatal, pain is guaranteed. Spider venom can be dangerous if you have allergies (which you may not even know about).

All pets have a different character, so some may calmly respond to your attempts to invite him into the palm of your hand, others will strive to bite as soon as you put your hand into the terrarium. Based on this, it is not recommended to attempt to pick up a pet.

What to do if a spider bites

As mentioned earlier, the bites of spiders, which are often kept at home, do not pose a deadly threat if you do not have allergies. Otherwise, anaphylactic shock may occur with the most negative consequences.

A bite is often accompanied by such symptoms: itching, redness, pain and swelling in the affected area. Occasionally, malaise may occur and body temperature may rise. All symptoms go away after a few days. The algorithm of actions for a bite is as follows:

1. If a limb is affected, it must be pulled over with a bandage or rope above the bite.
2. Wash the puncture site with soapy water and treat with an antiseptic.
3. Apply an ice compress.
4. Use a large number of water for faster detoxification.
5. If necessary, drink an antihistamine.

Content pros and cons

Before deciding to purchase such a pet, weigh the pros and cons of keeping it.

Among the advantages:

• does not require a lot of time and money for care and maintenance;
• silent, calm and almost imperceptible animal;
• it is interesting to observe the behavior of the spider.

• there is always a risk that the spider will bite, run away;
• some species have a very short lifespan;
• cannot be trained, is not a tame pet in the standard sense.

Important!For children, the elderly, people with allergies or other serious illnesses, a spider bite can have bad consequences!

Such an exotic pet will clearly attract the attention of all visitors to your home. If you and other family members do not have arachnophobia or allergies, then it is perfectly acceptable to have a spider. But if you want to get emotional feedback from a pet, spend more time with him, then you should look at more social species animals.

Video: keeping exotic spiders at home