Pale widow (Latrodectus pallidus)

Short answers

Pale widow: How big does the enclosure need to be?

20×20×25 cm (tall).

Pale widow: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–35 °C (steppe/desert species, heat-loving), at night ~20 °C.

Pale widow: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal, seeks shade).

Pale widow: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females approx. 1–2 years, males considerably shorter.

Pale widow: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–35 °C (steppe/desert species, heat-loving)

Night temperature

~20 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

40–50 %, dry, well ventilated

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal, seeks shade)

Enclosure

Minimum size

20×20×25 cm (tall)

Substrate

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

Feeding

Food

Crickets, roaches, beetles

Feeding interval

adults ~1×/week, juveniles 2×/week

Key facts

Adult size

females ~7–11 mm body, males smaller; pale beige to whitish with darker legs

Life expectancy

females approx. 1–2 years, males considerably shorter

Origin

North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia (steppe and desert)

Protection status

Not native, no CITES listing. A venomous spider with a medically significant bite (weaker than L. mactans, but potentially dangerous for children or the weakened) -> observe the individual states' dangerous-animal regulations.

Brumation

Not essential (hot and arid); in its native range it may become inactive in winter

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. Males are occasionally eaten after mating. For breeding, put the male in only briefly and under observation and separate them again afterwards.

Notes

An unusually pale widow (the "white steppe widow"). Keep it dry and hot; good ventilation is essential. A secure container because of the venom. A night temperature drop and daytime warmth matter.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Brown widow (Latrodectus geometricus) – Expert
• Mediterranean black widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) – Expert
• Northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus) – Expert
• Red widow (Latrodectus bishopi) – Expert
• Redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) – Expert
• Southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans) – 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 Pale widow (Latrodectus pallidus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (20×20×25 cm (tall)), substrate (Dry sand or sand-loam; twigs and stones 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.