Arachnid · Other spider
Golden silk orb-weaver care guide
Trichonephila clavipes
The golden silk orb-weaver is a intermediate-level other spider from SE USA to South America. Adults reach Body 2.5–4 cm (female) and live 1 year in captivity. Needs a wide, tall space to build its orb; a mesh enclosure or open frame works best.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp 22–28°C
- Humidity 60–75%
How much does a golden silk orb-weaver cost in Canada?
Golden silk orb-weaver quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- Body 2.5–4 cm (female)
- Lifespan
- 1 year
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- SE USA to South America
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 22–28°C
- Humidity
- 60–75%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – flies, moths, crickets
- Bioactive style
- Arboreal tarantula
Golden silk orb-weaver enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (18 × 18 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a arboreal tarantula bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Tarantula Mix3 cm
Cross-ventilation is essential – stuffy, stagnant air is the main killer of arboreal tarantulas.
Temperature: 22–28°C. Humidity: 60–75%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a golden silk orb-weaver eat?
Insectivore – flies, moths, crickets. Adults: 2–3 flying insects or crickets dropped into the web weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy and not aggressive; avoid handling as it rarely leaves its web.
Health watch: Webs fail without space and anchor points; give a wide frame and mist the web daily.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Visual check only.
Weekly
- Offer food; remove leftovers.
- Lightly mist one side of the enclosure or the web, and keep the water dish full.
Monthly
- Check ventilation holes are clear.
Yearly
- Rehouse as the spider grows.
Recommended for a golden silk orb-weaver bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 60 cm).
Golden silk orb-weaver FAQ
Is the golden silk orb-weaver good for beginners?
The golden silk orb-weaver is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Shy and not aggressive; avoid handling as it rarely leaves its web.
What size enclosure does a golden silk orb-weaver need?
At least 45 × 45 × 60 cm (about 18 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a golden silk orb-weaver cost in Canada?
Typically $20–60 CAD to buy, about $190–360 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $20–40 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a golden silk orb-weaver need?
Temperature: 22–28°C. Humidity: 60–75%.
What does a golden silk orb-weaver eat?
Insectivore – flies, moths, crickets. Adults: 2–3 flying insects or crickets dropped into the web weekly.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.