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Species: Eresus walckenaeri
Common name: Ladybird spider
Native range: Eastern Mediterranean (Balkans, S. Italy, Turkey, Aegean islands)
Temperature: 24–30°C; room temperature suits it well
Humidity: Low — never water; they take moisture from their prey (moisture is fatal to them)
Adult size: Large female — up to about 2 cm body (one of the largest Eresus)
Lifestyle: Terrestrial (silk-lined burrow)
Speed: Moderate
Venom potency: Mild
Temperament: Secretive
Recommended for: Intermediate keepers
Notes: Ladybird spider (Eresidae); no urticating hairs; not listed under CITES
Eresus walckenaeri
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Description
Eresus walckenaeri
Eresus walckenaeri is one of the largest and most impressive ladybird spiders — an Eastern Mediterranean species from the Balkans, southern Italy, Turkey and the Aegean islands. The male dazzles with a red abdomen and black spots, while the exceptionally large female (up to about 2 cm body) often bears a red band on her abdomen — a rarity among Eresus.
It is a terrestrial, secretive species. It builds a sturdy silk-lined burrow with a camouflaged entrance from which it ambush-hunts. It spends most of its time hidden — which makes the moment it appears at its burrow all the more rewarding.
In captivity, warmth and above all **dryness** matter: dry substrate, no misting, good ventilation. This is a Mediterranean species — moisture is fatal. An enclosure with enough substrate to build a burrow is entirely sufficient.
For the keeper who wants the largest of the European "ladybird" spiders — an imposing female and a spectacular male, with minimal but specific needs (dry and warm).