Heteropoda lunula

Heteropoda lunula looks very large at first sight, but this is mainly due to its leg span. As with all giant crab spiders, its legs are thin and perfectly built for fast movements. Like almost all giant crab spiders, it leads a predatory life. No webs are spun and prey is killed in the hunt. Their eyes are not suited to complete darkness. This indicates that Heteropoda lunula not only live deep in caves in the dark, but can also be found especially at cave entrances and even in the open. In addition to visual perception, they track their prey mainly by the vibrations induced by it. Like all spiders, Heteropoda lunula is venomous and it uses its chelicerae (jaw claws) to bite its prey. The immobilised prey is then eaten by the spider. However, they are not venomous enough to seriously harm a human. Therefore, they are considered harmless to humans. There were also no reported bites in the area where they lived, as they would rather flee.

The terrarium for an adult spider is large enough, 30 × 30 × 30 cm. Forest humus and some sphagnum moss are suitable as substrate. This way, the substrate stores water well and slowly releases it into the environment. A humidity of 70 to 80 % is easily achievable. The decoration should be arranged in such a way that there are enough climbing possibilities for a tree-dwelling spider, but also hiding places where it can stay during the day. Of course, a water bowl should not be missing. Food offered should be about half the size of the spider.