🕷️ Walnut Orb-Weaver Care Guide
Introduction
The Walnut Orb-Weaver (Nuctenea umbratica) is a fascinating true spider commonly found across Europe and parts of the UK. Known for its flat, shield-shaped abdomen and dark, cryptic coloration, this species is perfectly adapted to life on tree bark, fences, and the corners of buildings — making it a frequent yet elusive garden resident.
Unlike some of its more tropical cousins, the Walnut Orb-Weaver is hardy, adaptable, and an excellent introduction to keeping native orb-weaving spiders. Its calm nature, stunning camouflage, and intricate web-building habits make it a wonderful display species for true spider enthusiasts.
🌎 Natural Habitat
In the wild, the Walnut Orb-Weaver is typically found in woodlands, gardens, and walls where it hides in cracks or under bark during the day. At night, it emerges to spin its neat orb web to catch small flying insects.
In captivity, they appreciate environments that mimic this natural structure — vertical spaces with plenty of anchor points, dim lighting, and secure hiding spots for daytime rest.
🏡 Enclosure Setup
This is a semi-arboreal species that requires vertical space for web construction and a safe retreat.
Recommended enclosure size:
- Juveniles: 10 × 10 × 15 cm (4 × 4 × 6 in)
- Adults: 20 × 20 × 25 cm (8 × 8 × 10 in)
Setup tips:
- Substrate: A thin layer of coco fibre or soil (1–2 cm) to maintain light humidity.
- Decor: Cork bark, twigs, or small branches to simulate tree bark; some artificial leaves or plants for anchor points.
- Lighting: Low to moderate — avoid strong direct light. This species is nocturnal and prefers dim conditions.
- Ventilation: Good airflow is important to prevent condensation and mold.
Keep the environment calm and undisturbed, as the Walnut Orb-Weaver prefers a quiet space to maintain her web and hide during the day.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
This spider is a temperate species, meaning it thrives in conditions similar to an average UK home.
- Temperature: 18–24 °C (65–75 °F)
- Humidity: 50–65 %
- Misting: Lightly mist one side of the enclosure every few days to provide drinking droplets, allowing it to dry out between sprays.
Being adaptable, this species can tolerate mild temperature fluctuations, but avoid extremes of cold or heat.
🍴 Feeding
The Walnut Orb-Weaver is a web-building ambush predator that waits patiently in or near her retreat until prey becomes trapped in her web.
Offer small live insects such as:
- Fruit flies or pinhead crickets for juveniles
- Small crickets or roaches for adults
Feed 2–3 times per week, adjusting based on the spider’s size and appetite. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to maintain cleanliness.
⚖️ Growth & Molting
Like all spiders, the Walnut Orb-Weaver molts to grow. Before molting, she may retreat into her hide and avoid food for several days.
Maintain steady humidity during this period and avoid disturbing her. Once she’s molted, wait 2–3 days before feeding again to allow her new exoskeleton to harden.
⚠️ Temperament & Handling
The Walnut Orb-Weaver is a shy and secretive species. It’s not aggressive and would rather hide or play dead than bite. However, due to its speed and fragility, handling is not advised.
Instead, observe her at night when she’s most active — watching her spin her web or rebuild it after feeding is a fascinating and natural behavior.
🧬 Lifespan & Size
- Body length: Females up to 15 mm (0.6 in); males smaller, around 10 mm (0.4 in)
- Leg span: Up to 30 mm (1.2 in)
- Lifespan: Typically 1–2 years, with females living longer
These spiders may enter a brief winter dormancy (diapause) if kept at cooler room temperatures, which is completely normal for temperate species.
🌿 Breeding Notes
Breeding Walnut Orb-Weavers is achievable in captivity with a mature pair. Introduce the male carefully into the female’s enclosure, preferably after she’s well-fed.
After successful mating, females produce egg sacs hidden in bark crevices or behind web retreats. Each sac may contain dozens of spiderlings, which emerge after several weeks. Once dispersed, juveniles can be raised individually in small containers.
✅ Key Care Summary
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nuctenea umbratica |
| Common Name | Walnut Orb-Weaver |
| Origin | Europe / United Kingdom |
| Category | Arboreal / Web-Building |
| Adult Size | Up to 15 mm body length |
| Temperature | 18–24 °C (65–75 °F) |
| Humidity | 50–65 % |
| Temperament | Shy / Calm |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Handling | Not recommended |
🔗 Related Guides
- True Spider Care Guide
- Golden Silk Orb-Weaver Care Guide
- Jumping Spider Care Guide
- Beginner Tarantulas Guide
🕸️ Final Thoughts
The Walnut Orb-Weaver is an underrated beauty among true spiders — subtle, secretive, and perfectly adapted to its environment. While not the most colorful, its behavior and patience in web-building offer a captivating window into the everyday artistry of nature.
For anyone looking to keep a native orb-weaver or explore the world of true spiders, Nuctenea umbratica is an ideal and forgiving species to start with.
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