golden silk spider info & discussion

[cobwebweaver]

My wife was the first to spot a golden silk spider's web run from our apple tree in our backyard to our pecan tree encompassing a long 20+ foot span, the web literally glistened in the sunlight almost producing a golden iridescence. I wish that I could have got a picture, unfortunately it was starting to rain so the spider retreated and quickly disabled the overhanging strand. I was wondering if anybody has every cared for these magnificent spiders? What are their lifespans, are they long lived and do the females live longer than the males? I read that you typically need a lot of space, could you create a large picture frame terrarium with some twigs, like some widow terrariums are constructed? Lastly, do you know anybody that sells these?

 

[Kruggar]

search the forums, there are dozens of threads devoted to this topic.

 

[Moltar]

I believe you are referring to a member of the Nephilia genus. Try searching that for some pics and further info. I don't really know about keeping them in captivity beyond that some people have done so and it is apparently relatively easy. I'd imagine you'll need to give it a bit of open space to make a web.

 

[Sooner]

Someone decided to pay about a half million to make a tapestry completely out of Nephila silk.

http://media.npr.org/assets/news/2009/09/27/detail_wide.jpg?t=1253912088&s=4

Very beautiful indeed: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113223398

 

[Moltar]

Wow, I'd read about that tapestry before but... wow. For what they've accomplished, I'd say $1/2 Million is pretty cheap. This is an item I would qualify as truly priceless.

 

[cobwebweaver]

I have searched the forum and found some info on nephila species, mostly about behavior, reproduction, and the interesting properties about the golden silk, but nothing about personal experiences rearing these spiders. I was curious as to if anyone here has ever cared for these spiders and the type of terrarium setup that they have used or was the spider simply allowed to build their web in the corner of the living room? I have heard that you could use the corner of your room, but I haven't heard any personal experiences. I think this is an interesting concept, however I have a curious 3 year old daughter and two Labrador retrievers; as such that may not work for me. It would like to see a photo of someone's silk spider and web in the corner of their living room Would a large frame enclosure work, and what is the lifespan of these spiders? Does any dealer carry these? Also, very nice info about the giant tapestry made from the silk, I didn't know about the cost though, what an expensive and rare cloth!

 

[The Snark]

Foremost, I don't keep any pets. However, I am a keen observer and have been around the N. Clavipes for many years. First, I assume you are asking about the Clavipes, the giant orb weaver and not the Edulis of which I know diddly.

I am referring to Clavipes of S.E. Asia in the following.
In traits, habitat and environment they don't differ significantly from most other Nephila that I have noticed. The easiest solution for learning about keeping them would be to read up on the Clevata which have identical traits and are much better documented.

The Clavipes needs a LOT of room and the supporting boundaries of the web need to be as stable as possible. If the web suffers significant damage the spider will rebuild, often relocating to a different location. This can be highly undesireable as they are choosing 'second best' in many cases. After two to four relocations, the spider usually gives up.

The Clavipes does best in banana groves and fruit orchards near to forested or jungle environments. Rotting fruit attracts the prey and Clavipes will feed on both prey and many predators. The favorite food appears to be the giant moths which easily become entangled and can provide several feedings or one long ongoing one.

The female will usually attract males in the late winter or early spring, normally around 1/100th her size which take up residence in the outer perimeter of her web. It is common to see as many as a dozen males in her web. The males do not appear to make any webs of their own.

The only natural enemy of Clavipes are birds. While she remains inert the bird usually can't see her but if she is in an environment where she is often having to rebuild her web she often ends up a snack.

Hope this helps a little.

PS Some tidbits. The largest Clavipes web I have seen measured 34 feet at the widest corner to corner including guy lines. You do not want to ride a motorcycle through certain banana groves at certain times of year. Yes, they can eat birds and I saw a web with feathers in it but we are talking about a pretty small and stupid bird. If a person manages to get as stupid as the above bird it is pretty easy to harass the spider into the defense mode, body cocked back, both pairs of front legs extended very wide. However, in that stance she is immobile and one would have to stick their hand 'in her face' to get nipped. Getting her to go into that stance makes her very easy to catch from behind.

 

[jsloan]

I am referring to Clavipes of S.E. Asia in the following.

According to the World Spider Catalog Nephila clavipes is not found anywhere in Asia. It occurs from the southern USA down to Argentina, and also in São Tomé:

http://research.amnh.org/iz/spiders/catalog/NEPHILIDAE.html

 

[The Snark]

jsloan, good call. I mixed up Pilipes with Clavipes. Hey, they are both on the same planet, right? That's close!

 

[snakecollector]

Nephila

Nephila clavipes here in Florida are seasonal. They grow, breed, reproduce and die all within a year. Usually they die off in the winter when temps get around freezing. They do need lots of space. I have kept them on a large porch area or in my barn for a season. The males are tiny compared to the females and will basically hang around her web until he can mate.

They are very cool, large spiders. The web strength is amazing.

John