Ogre-Faced (Net-Casting) Spider Care Guide

Enclosure

• A tall, well-ventilated enclosure is essential, as these spiders spend most of their time hanging upside down.

• A minimum size of 15 × 15 × 20 cm is suitable for a single adult.

• Include plenty of vertical branches, twigs, and foliage to provide resting and hunting positions.

• Use a natural substrate such as coco fibre or moss to help maintain humidity.

Temperature

• Ideal temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F).

• Night-time drops to 20–22°C (68–72°F) are well tolerated.

• Avoid temperatures below 18°C (64°F).

Humidity

• Maintain humidity between 70–85%.

• Lightly mist the enclosure once daily, allowing water droplets for drinking.

• Ensure excellent ventilation to prevent stagnant air and mould.

Lighting

• Net-casting spiders are nocturnal and prefer dim conditions.

• Keep the enclosure out of direct sunlight.

• A normal day/night light cycle is sufficient.

Feeding

• Feed live insects appropriate to the spider's size, including:

  • Small crickets

  • Flies

  • Moths

  • Small roaches

• Feed juveniles every 3–4 days.

• Feed adults every 5–7 days.

• Remove uneaten prey by the following day if it is ignored.

Water

• These spiders drink water droplets from misting.

• A water dish is generally unnecessary in smaller enclosures.

Molting

• Before molting, your spider may stop eating and remain inactive.

• Do not disturb or handle it during this period.

• Wait 5–7 days after a successful molt before offering food.

Handling

• Ogre-faced spiders are delicate and not recommended for handling.

• They are best appreciated through observation.

• If movement is necessary, gently encourage the spider into a container rather than handling it directly.

Cleaning

• Remove uneaten prey and waste regularly.

• Spot-clean as needed while disturbing the spider as little as possible.

• Replace substrate when required to maintain a clean, healthy environment.

Lifespan

• Lifespan varies by species and sex.

• Females generally live longer than males, with many captive individuals living around 2 years when provided with proper care.

Important Notes

• Ogre-faced spiders are highly specialised nocturnal hunters that use a silk "net" to catch prey.

• They rely on low-light conditions and secure vertical perches to exhibit their natural hunting behaviour.

• Good ventilation combined with high humidity is key to keeping these fascinating spiders healthy.