Description
Eresus ruficapillus — Italian Ladybird Spider | Italian Velvet Spider
Meet Eresus ruficapillus, the Italian Ladybird Spider — one of Europe's most visually striking arachnids and a true gem of the Old World spider hobby. Males display a brilliant red-orange abdomen dotted with bold black spots, mimicking the iconic ladybird beetle pattern in a way that stops people dead in their tracks. Endemic to Italy and surrounding Mediterranean regions, this species is exceptionally rare in captivity and represents a genuine collector's opportunity.
Why Collectors Love This Species
- Iconic ladybird pattern — vivid red-orange abdomen with black spots; one of the most recognizable and photogenic spiders in the hobby
- Extreme rarity — seldom available in the US market; a true shelf piece for serious collectors
- Calm disposition — slow-moving and docile, ideal for display enclosures and observation
- Unique silk architecture — constructs elaborate funnel retreats with trip-wire silk radiating outward
Care Overview
- Origin: Old World — Italy and Mediterranean Europe
- Enclosure: Terrestrial setup with dry, sandy substrate and cork bark or rock hide
- Temperature: 72–82°F
- Humidity: Low; arid to semi-arid conditions
- Diet: Appropriately sized crickets, roaches, or mealworms
Live Arrival Guarantee
Every specimen ships with our Live Arrival Guarantee. In the unlikely event of a DOA, photo and video documentation of the unopened or just-opened package is required to process a claim. Contact us immediately upon receipt.
