Mediterranean black widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus)

Short answers

Mediterranean black widow: How big does the enclosure need to be?

20×20×25 cm (tall).

Mediterranean black widow: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–30 °C (heat-loving, xerophilous), at night 18–22 °C.

Mediterranean black widow: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Mediterranean black widow: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females approx. 1–2 years (~300 days), males ~180 days.

Mediterranean black widow: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–30 °C (heat-loving, xerophilous)

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

40–60 %, dry, well ventilated

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

20×20×25 cm (tall)

Substrate

Dry sand or sand-loam, sparse; stones and twigs as anchors for the web

Feeding

Food

Crickets, roaches, beetles

Feeding interval

adults ~1×/week (every 7–10 days), juveniles 2×/week

Key facts

Adult size

females 7–15 mm body, males considerably smaller

Life expectancy

females approx. 1–2 years (~300 days), males ~180 days

Origin

The Mediterranean to Ukraine, the Caucasus, Central Asia, China (the northern limit is Istria)

Protection status

Not native to Germany, no CITES. A medically significant venomous spider (latrodectism, with fatalities extremely rare) → observe the German states' dangerous-animal law (a ban with grandfathering in North Rhine-Westphalia, a permit requirement in Bavaria).

Brumation

In the cooler parts of its range they are inactive in winter; in captivity an optional cooler rest period, but usually none is required

Cohabitation

Keep them singly. Widows are solitary, opportunistic cannibals: a conspecific is eaten when food is scarce, and spiderlings eat their siblings soon after hatching. The male is frequently eaten by the female after mating. For breeding, put the male in only briefly and under observation and separate them again afterwards.

Notes

Europe's best-known widow (the "malmignatte"), with 13 red dorsal spots. A highly complex venom (α-latrotoxin among others). A secure, escape-proof container is essential. A common mistake: conditions that are too damp or too cool.

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Related species

• Brown widow (Latrodectus geometricus) – Expert
• Northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus) – Expert
• Red widow (Latrodectus bishopi) – Expert
• Redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) – Expert
• Southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans) – Expert
• Pale widow (Latrodectus pallidus) – Expert
• Western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus) – Expert
• Noble false widow (Steatoda nobilis) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Mediterranean black widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (20×20×25 cm (tall)), substrate (Dry sand or sand-loam, sparse; stones and twigs as anchors for the web), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.