Some notes on rearing Poltys (Araneae: Araneidae) in captivity
Contents
Abstract
Spiders of sexually dimorphic and nocturnal species, Poltys grayi Smith 2006 and P. laciniosus Keyserling 1886, were reared from egg sacs. Spiders were kept in small containers and were fed on a non-living food mix based on house-flies, pollen, egg, and moths. Despite setbacks while developing the method, 41% of P. grayi spiderlings matured (all males) and 24% of P. laciniosus matured (both males and females). Details of the food mix and conditions of rearing are presented. This method of rearing spiders may be useful for taxonomic purposes and for studies of variation, but is probably unsuitable for behavioral studies.
