Madagascar Silk Spider Care Sheet

Madagascar Silk Spider
ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Frank Somma.
Photo taken by Michael Fouskaris.

The Madagascar Silk Spider is an eye-catching true spider for a true hobbyist. These gentle giants are not good for people low on space, because this arachnid takes up more room that some medium-sized reptiles! Madagascar Silk Spiders weave large and beautiful orb webs of golden silk that reach lengths of up to 6' across! Since it needs room to build the web, this species is not capable of being kept in a tank. Most people who keep these room-taking true spiders let them create a web in a corner of a room where it is rarely disturbed. The Madagascar Silk Spider will remain on its' web, and will happily accept flying insects, or non-flying insects that you make fly. Madagascar Silk Spiders are not aggressive, and they are relatively calm. They are actually easy to care for, given the proper living area and conditions. The web that a Madagascar Silk Spider can construct is incredible, and will make for a great conversation piece, or can be a good solution for people with a moth or fly problem. Not to mention that the actual spider isn't so bad-looking itself.

Range	Throughout Madagascar and Southern Africa.
Type	Arboreal.
Diet	Spiderlings eat fruit flies, and small flying insects. Adults eat moths, flies, and other large flying insects.
Full Grown Size	4 to 5 inches.
Growth	Fast speed.
Temperature	75 to 80° F.
Humidity	75 to 80%.
Temperament	Docile and calm.
Housing	Babies can live in a tall clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in places like the living room, the garage, the greenhouse, the attic, the kitchen (not highly recommended), etc. Height is more important than floor space.
Substrate	No substrate is really needed.
Decor	Branches, vines, plants, etc. provide a base for the web.
Other Names	Golden Orb Spider, Giant Orb Spider, Golden Orb-Weaving Spider, Giant Orb-Weaving Spider, Giant Silk Spider, and Madagascar Giant Silk Spider.

*Please note that ALL true spiders have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this true spider. Affects of this true spiders' natural defenses may vary between people. All true spiders should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!