Eresus spec. “Bouarfa”

Eresus spec. “Bouarfa” – A touch of Sahara in the terrarium

Eresus spec. “Bouarfa” comes from the region around the city of Bouarfa in eastern Morocco, close to the border with Algeria. The area is characterized by dry stone and semi-deserts, in which this colourful Eresus population has developed. Due to the climate and the isolated location, this local form shows a very clear play of colors and appears particularly rich in contrast. This is precisely why it is so popular among Eresus fans.

The males look like little jewels with their bright red and clearly defined black spots. Their colors also intensify during the mating season. Females are larger and appear more massive. They show different shades of brown and gray, which are perfectly adapted to the stony ground. Some lines from Bouarfa also have warmer color accents, which distinguishes them slightly from other local forms.

Typical for the species builds Eresus spec. “Bouarfa” The spiders build stable tube webs, which they often build under stones or in small crevices in the ground. The spiders like to sit at the entrance to their web and observe their surroundings. As a result, they are seen more often than many other tube dwellers. If a prey animal comes too close, they react quickly and energetically.

A terrarium with a diggable substrate is suitable for keeping them. A mixture of forest humus and desert sand forms an ideal base, as it resembles the natural soil structures of Bouarfa. Pieces of cork, stones or roots support the construction of the tubes and provide additional cover. The species prefers a dry climate with a slightly damp zone at the bottom. Temperatures between 22 and 27 °C are well suited to their natural conditions. A small drinking vessel is sufficient for the water supply.

Eresus spec. “Bouarfa” is considered robust and often shows curious behavior. Many animals like to sit visibly at the entrance to their web and are easy to observe. Their bright colors, their origin from Morocco’s eastern steppes and their exciting lifestyle make this local form a wonderful addition to any collection. If you are looking for an intensely colored Eresus species that also has the typical calm and elegance of this genus, you will enjoy “Bouarfa”.