🕷️ Wandering Spider Care Guide
Introduction
The Wandering Spiders (Phoneutria spp. and related genera) are among the most formidable hunters in the spider world — fast, intelligent, and armed with potent venom. Native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, these nocturnal predators are often called Brazilian Wandering Spiders or Banana Spiders, referencing their tendency to roam freely in search of prey rather than relying on webs.
While these spiders command respect due to their defensive nature and strong venom, they are also fascinating, alert, and interactive creatures for advanced keepers. Observing their behavior provides insight into the raw, untamed side of arachnid life.
🌎 Natural Habitat
Wandering Spiders inhabit humid tropical forests, often sheltering in leaf litter, under logs, or banana plants during the day. At night, they emerge to actively hunt insects, small vertebrates, and other arthropods.
They thrive in environments with stable warmth, high humidity, and ample cover. These conditions must be carefully recreated in captivity to keep them healthy and active.
🏡 Enclosure Setup
Since Wandering Spiders are active hunters, their enclosures should emphasize floor space and structure. They are semi-arboreal, so providing both ground cover and climbing features works best.
Recommended enclosure size:
- Juveniles: 15 × 15 × 15 cm (6 × 6 × 6 in)
- Adults: 30 × 30 × 30 cm (12 × 12 × 12 in) minimum
Setup essentials:
- Substrate: 5–7 cm (2–3 in) of moist coco fibre, topsoil, or peat.
- Decor: Bark pieces, cork tubes, and artificial plants for cover and climbing.
- Water: Small dish for hydration.
- Lighting: Natural ambient light (avoid bright direct light).
- Ventilation: Crucial — must be well-aerated but maintain humidity.
Ensure the enclosure is securely locked, as Wandering Spiders are agile and capable of rapid movement.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
- Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Humidity: 70–85 %
- Misting: Lightly mist once daily or every other day.
High humidity is essential, but the substrate should remain damp, not soaked. Maintain good airflow to prevent mold growth.
🍴 Feeding
Wandering Spiders are voracious feeders, hunting prey actively rather than waiting for it to stumble into a web.
Offer live food such as:
- Crickets
- Roaches
- Occasional small locusts or mealworms
Feed once or twice weekly, depending on size and appetite. Juveniles may eat more frequently. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.
Their hunting displays are thrilling to observe — precise, fast, and efficient.
⚖️ Growth & Molting
Growth is relatively fast under optimal warmth and humidity. Prior to molting, Wandering Spiders often:
- Become reclusive
- Refuse food
- Rest in a secluded area of the enclosure
Avoid disturbance during this period and maintain humidity to support a successful molt. After molting, wait several days before resuming feeding.
⚠️ Temperament & Handling
Wandering Spiders are extremely defensive and should never be handled. Their venom is medically significant, and they can move quickly when threatened.
These spiders display impressive threat postures — raising their front legs and showing their fangs — when feeling cornered. Respect their boundaries and always use tools or long tweezers for enclosure maintenance.
With care and proper security, they can be safely and responsibly kept as educational display specimens.
🧬 Lifespan & Size
- Body length: 30–40 mm (1.2–1.6 in)
- Leg span: Up to 13 cm (5 in)
- Lifespan: Females 3–4 years; males around 1–2 years
Females are larger and longer-lived, while males are more slender and active during the breeding season.
🌿 Breeding Notes
Breeding Wandering Spiders should only be attempted by experienced keepers. Males are often consumed after mating.
After successful pairing, females produce large, silken egg sacs that they may guard aggressively. Spiderlings disperse quickly after hatching and must be reared individually.
✅ Key Care Summary
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phoneutria spp. |
| Common Name | Wandering Spider / Brazilian Wandering Spider |
| Origin | Central & South America |
| Category | Semi-Arboreal / Active Hunter |
| Adult Size | 30–40 mm body, 13 cm leg span |
| Temperature | 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) |
| Humidity | 70–85 % |
| Temperament | Highly Defensive / Aggressive |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Handling | Strictly not recommended |
🔗 Related Guides
- True Spider Care Guide
- Huntsman Spider Care Guide
- Funnel-Web Spider Care Guide
- Crab & Sand Spider Care Guide
🎥 For More Arachnid Related Content
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