How to Care for & Feed Brown Spiders

Brown widow spiders are venomous and need to be respected as a bite could result in death, although these spiders tend to curl up in a ball and fall to the ground as a defense rather than attack. It is possible to keep the brown widow in captivity, although it is highly recommended that only experienced spider enthusiasts should keep them. This spider can be either light or dark brown in coloration with added yellow, orange, black or white patterns on the abdomen. This spider is native to tropical climates and has been introduced to Florida and Texas.

Things You'll Need

  • Tank
  • Cotton wool
  • Heater
  • Branches
  • Vines
  • Sand
  • Soil
  • Fruit flies
  • Crickets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a 2 1/2 gallon tank made of clear plastic. This should be taller than it is wide. If there is an air hole in the roof of the tank this should be stuffed with cotton wool to ensure that the brown widow cannot escape.

    • 2

      Set the heat level of the tank to a temperature of between 75 and 90 F using a specialized heater for exotic species habitats. These can be found online and in pet stores.

    • 3

      Place branches and vines inside the habitat, and create hiding places for the spider. Cover the floor of the tank in 1 inch of sand or potting soil.

    • 4

      Feed the brown widow a diet of flightless fruit flies when it is a spiderling, and crickets once the spider is fully grown.