Redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) (origin: Australia (introduced worldwide)). Adult size around females 1–1.5 cm. Life expectancy 2–3 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Redback spider: How big does the enclosure need to be?
20×20×30 cm, absolutely escape-proof.
Redback spider: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–23 °C.
Redback spider: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Redback spider: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 2–3 years.
Redback spider: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 50–65 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 20×20×30 cm, absolutely escape-proof
- Substrate
- Dry substrate, branches as anchor points for the web
Feeding
- Food
- Flies, house crickets
- Feeding interval
- every 7–10 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- females 1–1.5 cm
- Life expectancy
- 2–3 years
- Origin
- Australia (introduced worldwide)
- Protection status
- A DANGEROUS ANIMAL – a medically significant neurotoxin (latrodectism); keeping it requires a permit or notification, varying by German state
- Brumation
- None
- 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. During mating the male is eaten in about two out of three cases. For breeding, put the male in only briefly and under observation and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
Bites cause severe pain, cramps and circulatory symptoms; antivenom exists. The animals are small and inconspicuous – the real risk factor is an unnoticed escape. Only in secured containers.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Brown widow (Latrodectus geometricus) – Expert
- Mediterranean black widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) – Expert
- Northern black widow (Latrodectus variolus) – Expert
- Red widow (Latrodectus bishopi) – Expert
- Southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans) – Expert
- Pale widow (Latrodectus pallidus) – Expert
- Western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus) – Expert
- Noble false widow (Steatoda nobilis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (20×20×30 cm, absolutely escape-proof), substrate (Dry substrate, branches as anchor points for the web), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 8 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotr%C3%BCckenspinne, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latrodectus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latrodectus_hasselti
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).