Eresus ruficapillus (Italian Ladybird spider)

Eresus ruficapillus – Italian Velvet Spider

Origin: Sicily, Italy. 

Size: Females up to ~21 mm body length (leg-span roughly ~1.5″). 

Males are smaller and less documented. 

Lifespan: Specific data for this species is scarce in hobby literature; assume a moderate lifespan for a small velvet spider (several years for a female under good care).

Lifestyle: Fossorial to semi-burrowing; builds silk tunnels or retreats in soil/rock crevices.

Utilizes webbing to line retreat and capture prey. 

Appearance: Females: dark abdomen, prosoma light brownish with orange hairs, legs dark reddish-brown. 

Males: when mature, likely exhibit brighter coloration (as in other Eresus species) though specific male colour-morph details are limited for this species. 

Temperament: Generally shy and web-dwelling; not known for aggressive behavior, but like many spiders it may respond defensively if disturbed.

Handling not recommended due to the fragility and specialized habitat of the species.

Care & Habitat:

Originates from dry, rocky Mediterranean habitats (Sicily) — therefore prefers drier, well-ventilated conditions. 

Provide a setup that mimics a burrow or crevice, with anchor points for webbing.

Enclosure:

Small terrestrial enclosure: for slings a small vial or container works; adults can be housed in a small glass or acrylic terrarium.

Provide a hide (rock, cork bark) or substrate bank with an entrance for retreat.

Good ventilation is important; moisture buildup should be avoided.

Substrate:

A dry soil or sand-soil mix (e.g., sandy loam) with a depth sufficient for modest retreats (~2–3 cm or more) is suitable.

Keep the substrate dry to very lightly moist — these spiders do not like humidity.