I have covered jumping spider care, but that’s just the tip of the spider-keeping iceberg. ;) Today I’m going to talk about a family of spiders that are, in my opinion, the most perfect pet spider there is: Agelenids.
Why are they perfect? Because they have a vicious feeding response (sounds morbid at first, but once you’ve seen it, you’ll understand) and build funnel webs, which makes feeding easy. If the prey walks on the “skirt” of the web, then the spider feels it in the tunnel and runs out to grab it.
Why are they perfect? Because they have a vicious feeding response (sounds morbid at first, but once you’ve seen it, you’ll understand) and build funnel webs, which makes feeding easy. If the prey walks on the “skirt” of the web, then the spider feels it in the tunnel and runs out to grab it.
Getting Your Pet
Finding a spider from the family Agelenidae is easy. Just walk outside and look for funnel webs like the one pictured above. In towns they are often found on dense bushes, and no one notices they are there until a misty morning, when the dew makes the webs white. Other places they may occur is in vines such as ivy, or tall grass. Once you have found a specimen, gently tap the web with a long piece of grass to trick the spider into coming out. Better yet, have a small insect handy that you can drop in. When the spider comes out to catch the food, you’ll have to be quick. If you used an actual bug, it may be easier to capture them since they’ll be preoccupied with their meal. Use a stick or piece of paper (whatever is handy) to very gently flick the spider into a jar or catch cup. Here is a link that shows a bunch of Agelenids so that you can try to ID yours to species.
Housing
Agelenids are very simple as far as housing requirements go. I like to use square jars to house mine, such as leftover nut or sweet jars from Costco, but really, anything about that size will do for a subadult or adult. If the spider is about a centimeter long including legs, you’ll need a smaller container. I like to use 16 ounce deli cups.
The most basic way to set up their home is to give them a clean, clear jar with no substrate and a tube of paper. I just use a sheet of copy paper rolled up and taped together. Make sure none of the sticky side of the tape is exposed, or else the spider may get caught. Also, make sure the tube is just a little larger than the spider’s width including legs. They will go inside the tube and make their web tunnel inside, then extend it outside with the “skirt” portion as they settle in. If you want to go the more natural route, go for it. Add dirt, and sticks and leaves and the spider may make a more interesting web, but you’ll probably see it less.
Food
Like I mentioned above, Agelenids love their food! I have seen them take on things twice their size. If fed a particularly strong fly, they will grab a leg and hold on for dear life until they can get a better bite on it. I have fed mine flies, store bought crickets (once again, not wild ones), moths, leafhoppers, aphids and fruit flies (the last three ones for the smallest spiders), and termites. They seem to love anything that wanders into their web, but be sure to stop feeding once they get plump. On that note, I must precaution you: no handling. These spiders have potentially painful venom, and if they feel threatened or under the impression that your finger is food, they may bite. However, bites are easily avoided since they can’t climb smooth surfaces and their webs are obvious, so if bitten, it is very likely it is your own fault. ;)
Give their web a light spritz of water every week to two weeks, and they’ll be happy campers. I believe I read somewhere that females can live for up to 7 years in captivity, which is quite a long time for a spider. :)
Finding a spider from the family Agelenidae is easy. Just walk outside and look for funnel webs like the one pictured above. In towns they are often found on dense bushes, and no one notices they are there until a misty morning, when the dew makes the webs white. Other places they may occur is in vines such as ivy, or tall grass. Once you have found a specimen, gently tap the web with a long piece of grass to trick the spider into coming out. Better yet, have a small insect handy that you can drop in. When the spider comes out to catch the food, you’ll have to be quick. If you used an actual bug, it may be easier to capture them since they’ll be preoccupied with their meal. Use a stick or piece of paper (whatever is handy) to very gently flick the spider into a jar or catch cup. Here is a link that shows a bunch of Agelenids so that you can try to ID yours to species.
Housing
Agelenids are very simple as far as housing requirements go. I like to use square jars to house mine, such as leftover nut or sweet jars from Costco, but really, anything about that size will do for a subadult or adult. If the spider is about a centimeter long including legs, you’ll need a smaller container. I like to use 16 ounce deli cups.
The most basic way to set up their home is to give them a clean, clear jar with no substrate and a tube of paper. I just use a sheet of copy paper rolled up and taped together. Make sure none of the sticky side of the tape is exposed, or else the spider may get caught. Also, make sure the tube is just a little larger than the spider’s width including legs. They will go inside the tube and make their web tunnel inside, then extend it outside with the “skirt” portion as they settle in. If you want to go the more natural route, go for it. Add dirt, and sticks and leaves and the spider may make a more interesting web, but you’ll probably see it less.
Food
Like I mentioned above, Agelenids love their food! I have seen them take on things twice their size. If fed a particularly strong fly, they will grab a leg and hold on for dear life until they can get a better bite on it. I have fed mine flies, store bought crickets (once again, not wild ones), moths, leafhoppers, aphids and fruit flies (the last three ones for the smallest spiders), and termites. They seem to love anything that wanders into their web, but be sure to stop feeding once they get plump. On that note, I must precaution you: no handling. These spiders have potentially painful venom, and if they feel threatened or under the impression that your finger is food, they may bite. However, bites are easily avoided since they can’t climb smooth surfaces and their webs are obvious, so if bitten, it is very likely it is your own fault. ;)
Give their web a light spritz of water every week to two weeks, and they’ll be happy campers. I believe I read somewhere that females can live for up to 7 years in captivity, which is quite a long time for a spider. :)