The crab spider is a type of arachnid that mimics the appearance of its crustacean counterpart for its own protection from predators. While most crab spiders are small and relatively harmless, with no lethal bites, they can appear quite frightening if they happen to creep up on you unexpectedly. If you’re interested in keeping this unique pet in your home, read on to discover more about the care and personality of these fascinating arachnids.
Kinds of Crab Spiders
There are many different species of crab spiders, and some can look very different from one another. However, most crab spiders are easily recognized by their crab-like appearance, their eight legs, and the two pairs of “balancing” front legs. Most crab spiders are small enough to keep as a household pet and are often found in gardens or out on walks near ponds.
- The Asian crab spider is one of the most commonly found species. They have yellow legs with black tips and can range from 0.2 to 0.5 inches in size.
- The cherry blossom crab spider is a bright pink color with leg tips that are lighter pink. They are 0.6 inches in size.
- The flower crab spider is one of the more colorful species, with bright yellow legs and a red-orange body. They are 0.3 inches in size.
- The green crab spider is a bright emerald green color, with legs that are darker green. They are 0.3 inches in size.
- The common outdoor crab spider is a dark brown color with lighter brown legs. They are 0.3 inches in size.
- The flower garden crab spider is a bright pink color with lighter pink legs. They are 0-0.2 inches in size. - The golden garden crab spider is a bright yellow color with lighter yellow legs. They are 0-0.2 inches in size.
- The long-legged crab spider is a dark brown color with lighter brown legs. They are 0-0.2 inches in size.
- The strawberry crab spider is a bright red color with lighter red legs. They are 0.5 inches in size.
Species of Crab | PART 3 #Crabs #CrabFamilies
Why Keep a Crab Spider as a Pet?
While many people keep crab spiders as pets because they are unique and interesting creatures to observe, others keep them as pets because they have an emotional attachment to them. Crab spiders are also beneficial to have around the house because they eat other pests like flies and mosquitoes, keeping your home free of pests. While crab spiders are beneficial to have around, they are not the best pet for people who are just beginning to explore the world of arachnids. Crab spiders are not known to be especially cuddly or affectionate, and they can be a bit on the aggressive side.
Housing a Crab Spider
There are a few things to keep in mind when housing a crab spider. First, crab spiders are nocturnal, so they need a dark environment when they’re not out exploring. You can provide this dark environment by covering the sides of their terrarium with cardboard or paper when they’re not out exploring. Next, crab spiders are very jumpy creatures, so you’ll want to make sure to keep their habitat at least a foot off the ground to prevent them from jumping out. Finally, you’ll want to make sure to provide your crab spider with enough space to roam around in. A 10-gallon aquarium tank is a good size for one crab spider.
What to Expect from Your New Pet
If you’re expecting a cuddly, affectionate pet, you’ll probably be disappointed with your crab spider. Crab spiders are fairly aggressive and will likely keep to themselves in their terrarium. If you have other pets in the house, you’ll also want to keep your crab spider away from them, as they have been known to bite humans and other pets. If you do choose to house multiple crab spiders together, you’ll need to make sure they are a similar size. You don’t want to house a large crab spider with a smaller one, or vice versa, because one of them will likely end up getting killed.
Care for your new pet crab spider
While crab spiders are fairly low-maintenance pets, they still need a few things to stay happy and healthy. First, you’ll want to make sure to keep your crab spider’s terrarium clean by changing out the substrate every once in a while. You should also make sure to feed your crab spider a variety of nutritious foods. Some good options include crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. Finally, you’ll want to provide your crab spider with enough humidity in its terrarium. You can do this by lightly misting their terrarium once a day or by placing a shallow water bowl in their terrarium.
Frequently asked questions
If you’re planning on keeping a crab spider as a pet, there are a few questions you might have about their care. Here are a few of the most common questions about crab spider care:
- Are crab spiders poisonous? While crab spiders do have venom, it’s not lethal to humans. It can cause some mild discomfort and itching, but it’s not dangerous.
- How long do crab spiders live? The lifespan of any arachnid is difficult to determine because they rely on outside factors like the weather and diet. However, crab spiders have been known to live up to two years in captivity. - Are crab spiders easy to keep as pets? Crab spiders are fairly easy to keep as pets, though you should keep them in a separate terrarium from any other pets in your home.
- What do crab spiders eat? As arachnids, crab spiders feed on a wide variety of insects and other arthropods. They are commonly offered crickets, mealworms, and waxworms as food.
Conclusion
The crab spider is a fascinating creature that is sure to catch the attention of anyone who spots it. If you’re looking for a unique pet to keep in your home, a crab spider might be a perfect choice. While crab spiders are interesting and unique creatures, they can be a bit on the aggressive side. You’ll want to make sure to keep your crab spider away from other pets and children, and you may also want to keep your crab spider’s terrarium out of reach of little hands. Despite these considerations, a crab spider can make a unique and interesting addition to your home.