can someone help me identify this spider?

[harrypei]

found this guy in my backyard...anyone know its scientific name and other interesting facts? makes a good pet? thanx guys

 

[Blackrose]

Hi

Should be Gasteracantha cancriformis.

Regards
Andi

 

[harrypei]

thanx dude! any facts and tips as far as raising them in captivity?

 

[diadematus]

... any facts and tips as far as raising them in captivity?

http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/beneficial/g_cancriformis.htm

They like bugs! Sounds like they make a pretty large net.

-K