Eresus walckenaeri - Giant Orange Ring Velvet Spider - “Giant Mountanica” locale

Giant Orange Ring Velvet Spider - Eresus walckenaeri

“Giant Mountanica” Locale

Introducing one of the most lovable and striking true spiders in the entire hobby—Eresus walckenaeri, more affectionately known as the Giant Orange Ring Velvet Spider! This particular mountanica locale is the largest form of the species, with adult females reaching an impressive 3+ inches—making them the absolute giants of the velvet spider world.

Velvety Looks, Adorable Personality

With their cartoonishly andor face, voluptuous abdomen, stubby legs, and velveyt-textured body, these spiders are just as cute as they are visually unique. Their body is jet black, with an unmistakable orange-to-reddish abdominal ring that gives them a glowing ember-like appearance. Their goofy proportions and calm temperament give them a teddy bear-like aura that makes them a standout pet even for those unfamiliar with true spiders.

Slow Growing, Long Living

These are among the slowest growing true spiders in the entire hobby. Spiderlings start out impossibly tiny—literally 1/8 of an inch—and can take years to mature. This means patience is required, but the reward is a striking, long-lived spider that makes for an excellent display species. Luckily, all slings I offer are well-started, robust juveniles that are already over half an inch in size and have molted 10+ times, placing them far past the vulnerable sling stage.

Incredible Web Dwellers

Eresus are natural fossorial web weavers, and they don’t just build a home—they engineer a silk fortress. Using just sphagnum moss and soft bedding, these spiders will burrow and weave an elaborate silk tunnel that doubles as a feeding platform. They rarely stray far from their lair, instead waiting for prey to cross the threshold of their trap before bursting out to strike. It’s like having a tiny nature documentary in your own home.

Low Maintenance Royalty

Despite their exotic appearance, these spiders are remarkably easy to care for. They thrive on minimal moisture (just an occasional mist), and only require a layer of soft, dry moss to dig into. They prefer calm, stable enclosures with no need for elaborate ventilation or excessive space. Feed them once a week and watch them thrive!

Experience level - Beginner 

Personality - Docile, relaxed, tolerant of handling and slow moving! 

Lifespan - 7 to 10+ years 

Adult size - 3+ inches

Growth Rate - Slow!

Velvet Spider Care - This is a semi-arboreal spider that does best anchor points and dry moss as substrate! Only mist this spider once a week with an ever so slight amount of water. (Just enough to moisten the top layer of moss) Make sure to feed this species prey that is at most three quarters the size of the spider. If you do all that your orange ring velvet spider will thrive in captivity!