Eresus sp. 'Illustris', also known as the Yellowhead Velvet Spider, is an exceptionally hardy true spider popular for its plush texture and distinct color differences between sexes.

Fast Facts

• Origin: Endemic to the Eastern Mediterranean region, primarily Turkey and parts of Southern Europe.

• Adult Size:

• Females: Reach a robust diagonal leg span of 1.5 to 2 inches.

• Males: Stay much smaller, topping out around 0.75 inches.

• Lifespan: Females can live up to 5 to 8 years, while males only live 2 to 3 years.

• Appearance:

• Females: Velvet-textured with a gold/blonde upper body coloration and a solid black abdomen.

• Males: Drastically change during their final molt to a bright orange-red and black pattern with signature warning dots.

• Spiderlings: Hatch entirely black at about 0.125 to 0.25 inches.

• Enclosure: A compact setup measuring 4 by 4 by 3 inches provides plenty of room for growing juveniles. Fill it with roughly 1.5 inches of dry substrate and plenty of sticks, twigs, or bark so they can anchor their web tunnels.

• Moisture & Feeding: Keep the habitat bone-dry. They get all their hydration safely from their prey. Feed juveniles or adults weekly with small crickets, roaches, or flies.