10 Best Spider Species to Keep as Pets, Ranked

Spiders are fascinating creatures known for their unique web-making abilities, varying colors, and fascinating behaviors. For some people, these qualities make spiders desirable pets. They are fun to watch while spinning webs and catching insects. Spiders are also easy to take care of as they need little space and simple food like small insects and mealworms. If you’re thinking of keeping a spider as a pet, here are some of the best types to consider.

10. Wolf Spiders

Wolf spiders have excellent vision and quick movements. They are hunters rather than web weavers, sporting a hairy, robust body with long legs. Wolf spiders are easy to keep due to their adaptability and low-maintenance care requirements. They don’t need complex terrarium setups or specific humidity levels. While wolf spiders are not aggressive, they can bite if threatened. So, it’s important to handle them gently and minimally.

Overview 

• Diet: Insects like crickets or locusts
• Size: 1-2 inches
• Lifespan: 1-2 years
• Required tank size: 5–10 gallons

9. Orb-Weaver

Orb-weaver spiders are easily recognizable by their evenly-shaped web patterns. They have bright colors and striking patterns on their abdomens, making them visually appealing. Famous for spinning large, intricate webs, orb-weavers are quite the skilled architects of the spider world. One of these spiders’ unique qualities is their peaceful nature. Great for beginners, orb-weavers are generally small to medium-sized, growing up to 1 inch. They don’t require much space, so a small tank is enough. While this spider species has the potential to bite, it is rare. They’re usually non-venomous to humans. Handling should be minimal to avoid stress.

Overview 

• Diet: Live prey such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms.
• Size: Up to 1 inch
• Lifespan: 1-3 years
• Required tank size: 5–10 gallons

8. Huntsman Spider

With legs that grow to about 5 inches, Huntsman spiders are fascinating to watch. They often have brown or gray bodies with banded legs. Huntsman spiders are known for their speed and agility and can catch live prey skillfully. This makes them great for those who would love to see their pets in action. While these spiders are usually calm, they may bite when feeling scared. So it’s best to handle them gently and not too often.

Overview 

• Diet: Live insects
• Size: Up to 5 inches 
• Lifespan: 2-3 years
• Required tank size: Minimum 10 gallons

7. Fishing Spider

Fishing spiders are fascinating creatures known for their ability to walk on water. They can also dive to catch prey! These spiders have long legs with distinct markings. Due to their unique hunting techniques and aquatic lifestyle, they provide a captivating experience for spider enthusiasts. Fishing spiders are quite active, so they require spacious enclosures. These little guys can bite, but for the most part, they’re pretty chill. Just remember to handle them with care and only when necessary.

Overview 

• Diet: Live insects, small fish, and tadpoles
• Size: Up to 3 inches
• Lifespan: 2-3 years
• Required tank size: 10 gallons

6. Green Lynx Spider

Green lynx spiders have bright green bodies and red marks around their eyes. Popular for their excellent hunting skills, these spiders often camouflage themselves among plants, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey. Females are generally larger and have a more robust abdomen, while males are typically more slender. This spider species needs an environment that mimics their natural habitat, with plenty of foliage for hiding and hunting.

Overview 

• Diet: Live insects and small bugs
• Size: Up to 1 inch
• Lifespan: 1-2 years
• Required tank size: 10 to 20 gallons, with plenty of plants to mimic their natural habitat.

5. Crab Spider

Crab spiders get their name because they look like tiny crabs. The males are usually smaller and slimmer than the females, who look bulkier. They can change their color to blend in with their surroundings, and that’s why they don’t build webs. Instead, they lie in wait on flowers or plants, trapping prey with their powerful front legs. Crab spiders are low-maintenance, and their ability to camouflage adds a fun surprise for any spider lover.

Overview 

• Diet: Live insects
• Size: Up to 0.5 inches
• Lifespan: 1-2 years
• Required tank size: 5–10 gallons, with moderate foliage to mimic their natural environment.

4. Southern House Spider

The Southern House Spider is often mistaken for the more intimidating brown recluse, but it is much more docile. These spiders have long legs and a sleek, dark-colored body. They are known for their exceptional web-building skills and are relatively easy to care for. Southern horse spiders are good at finding cozy and safe spots, often hiding in corners, attics, and basements. Outside, they live in tree bark, rock crevices, and under debris. They are more active at night, providing entertainment for night owl pet owners.

Overview

• Diet: Live insects
• Size: Up to 1 inch
• Lifespan: 1-2 years
• Required tank size: 5–10 gallons

3. Tarantula

Tarantulas may look intimidating, but most species are quite docile. Generally known for their hairy bodies and colorful legs, these spiders are interesting to watch. Popular types include the Brazilian black, Chilean rose, Mexican red-knee, and curly-hair tarantulas. They are easy to handle, but don’t pick them up too much. Doing this can stress them out since most tarantulas don’t like being handled often. They are mostly ground-dwellers and require a spacious tank with plenty of hiding spots to feel secure.

Overview 

• Diet: Live insects
• Size: Up to 10 inches 
• Lifespan: 10–25 years 
• Required tank size: 10–20 gallons

2. Velvet Spider

The Velvet Spider is noticeable with its velvety-red appearance and compact body. These spiders are loved for their unique appearance and shy behavior. The velvet spiders are great for beginners as they are gentle and rarely bite. While they are easy and safe to handle because of their calm nature, it’s best to handle them less to reduce stress. Velvet spiders don’t need much water, but they do need a humid environment. Mist their enclosure occasionally to keep the humidity levels up.

Overview 

• Diet: Live insects
• Size: Up to 1.5 inches
• Lifespan: 5-8 years
• Required tank size: 1–5 gallons, with dry, arid conditions with minimal humidity

1. Jumping Spider

Jumping spiders are small, colorful arachnids known for their excellent vision and energetic jumps. These spiders love bright lights and warmth, and they can leap several times their body length to catch prey. They’re also entertaining to watch while hunting and building hammocks at night. Many of them like hopping onto a hand to explore.

Overview 

• Diet: Small insects
• Size: Up to 0.5 inches
• Lifespan: 1-2 years
• Required tank size: 1-2 gallons

12 Scary Creatures of the Planet

12 Scary Creatures of the Planet