Defining Characteristics:

• This spider tops out at around 1.5 inches
• 3 close relatives of Stegodyphus dufouri are known to live communally in the wild—these definitely do not
• This species has many traits in common with Eresus as well as some that are often seen in Phidippus species

Name: Stegodyphus dufouri is commonly known as the Egyptian Pink Velvet Spider. The genus name is derived from Ancient Greek στέγω (stegos), meaning "covered".

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Stegodyphus dufouri is an arboreal species, which means that the enclosure should be taller than it is long. The recommended enclosure height is at least 3 times the spider’s diagonal leg span, and the other dimensions should not be less than 2 times the spider’s diagonal leg span. The enclosure will need to be upgraded as the animal continues to grow.

4-5 inches of substrate will help the terrarium retain humidity while still allowing for this species to have its high ventilation requirements. ABG mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way!

They will benefit from a variety of terrarium furniture as well to climb on and foliage to hide behind. Live plants can be beneficial to air quality. 

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 or spiking above 85° should be avoided. A reliable thermometer is strongly recommended.

Humidity: These spiders thrive in a slightly dry to slightly humid environment, so the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 40% and 60%. This can be achieved by making sure that roughly 1/4 to 1/2 of the substrate is always slightly moistened, with at least 1/2 of the substrate staying dry.

The enclosure sides and décor should be spritzed at least lightly around twice a week to provide your animal droplets to drink from and keep humidity up, but do not spray your spider directly. A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments. 

Size: At the time of sale, this animal will be at least 1/4 inch. Females can grow to be up to an inch, and typically the males are a bit smaller.

We use diagonal leg span to measure our spiders.

Age: Before making this species available to our customers, we ensure that they are well-established. This means our spiders are generally molted to a minimum of third instar and will have hatched two to three months prior to being listed for sale.

For spiders that we have not produced in house, we like to get 2 to 3 solid feedings in as well as the aforementioned minimums. They go through a 2-week minimum quarantine process to ensure the health of the animal.

For this species, the average lifespan is about a year for females when provided an adequate environment. The males have a slightly shorter lifespan and die off not long after maturity.

These individuals are between 2 and 4 months old.

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating 4 to 6 melanogaster fruit flies, once a week. As your spider grows, there are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms. We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement.

Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well-rounded nutrition.

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on its age, the hardening process could take anywhere from 48 hours all the way up to a week.

Sexing: Due to age, Stegodyphus dufouri sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed.

Check out our individually listed spiders to see if we have what you’re looking for!

Color/Pattern: As adults, Stegodyphus dufouri are an off-white, cream color with orange or black markings. Their legs are black, white, and gray banded. The abdomen has a peaches and cream colored watermelon pattern. They have dark triangles over their eyes that give them an adorable look.                                                                                         

Social Behavior: While some of its close relatives are, Stegodyphus dufouri is not a sociable animal and should be housed as an individual. Attempts at cohabitation can result in cannibalism. 

This species is an extensive webber, but can often be seen exploring its web tunnels.

Natural Range: Stegodyphus dufouri can be found in North and West Africa, including Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia.