Vietnamese Funnel Web Spider Care Sheet

Vietnamese Funnel Web Spider
ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Frank Somma.
Photo taken by Michael Fouskaris.

The Vietnamese Funnel Web Spider is definitely not a starter spider! Similar to the infamous Atrax species from Australia, this true spider is big, aggressive, and possibly deadly. This particular mygalomorph spider may not be deadly, but it should still be handled with caution. The Vietnamese Funnel Web Spider is rare in captivity, only kept by a few professionals. It must be kept moist, unlike some other dangerous spiders, such as widow spiders. The Vietnamese Funnel Web Spider spins a funnel web, hence the name. The funnel web radiates from the burrow, allowing for a surprise attack. If some unlucky potential prey item walks on the web, the spider will quickly spring out of the burrow, and kill the prey. Only a mature and experienced person should keep this rare species in captivity. Vietnamese Funnel Web Spiders are fast and efficient killing machines, they are not to be played around with.

Range	Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Type	Burrowing.
Diet	Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies, and pinhead crickets. Adults eat crickets, and other large insects.
Full Grown Size	4.5 to 5.5 inches.
Growth	Fast speed.
Temperature	Around 80° F.
Humidity	75 to 85%. Adults may drink from a shallow, wide, water dish.
Temperament	Aggressive and nervous.
Housing	Spiderlings can live in a small clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 5 to 10-gallon tank. Floor space is more important than height.
Substrate	4 to 5 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor	No decorations are really needed.
Other Names	Southeast Asian Funnel Web Spider, and Vietnamese Funnel Web Tarantula.

*Please note that ALL spiders have a certain amount of venom. This species probably has strong venom. Although this particular species may not be deadly, its' venom hasn't been studied, so you never know. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this spider. This spider may be dangerous, so be very careful!