The Barylestis Scutatus is a species of arachnid found in the rainforests of Brazil, Columbia, and Venezuela. It’s also commonly known as the Ghost Spider or Ghost Crawling Spider due to its pale appearance. It is believed that this spider is nocturnal and feeds on small insects such as bugs and other spiders. When threatened, the Barylestis scutatus can quickly escape by running away. Their ability to blend into their environment makes them very difficult to spot. They are often found underneath the leaves of trees or hiding in small holes or cracks in bark. Look out for the Barylestis scutatus if you’re an arachnid enthusiast! Let’s take a look at how you can care for your own pet Ghost Spider…
Feeding
Ghost Spiders are not so much picky eaters as they are easy-keepers. They are not likely to sulk when offered a wide range of food. They’re more likely to be grateful to be offered any food at all! The majority of captive B. Scutatus will eat crickets, mealworms, and/or roaches. Some keepers have had better luck with small spiders or even small worms. You can even freeze-dry crickets or roaches to make them last longer. Be sure to provide a variety of food every week or two to ensure that your spider receives all the nutrients it needs. If you’re not sure what your spider has eaten, examine its poo. If it’s black and looks like dirt, you’re probably feeding it the wrong thing. If it’s white and looks like Rice Krispies, you’re probably doing just fine.
Environment
The Ghost Spider is easy to care for, though you’ll want to provide plenty of room to roam. They are very fast runners, so a standard glass terrarium is not the best choice. A better option is an enclosure with a screen top or a screen-sided open top. You can provide a variety of substrate, such as sand, bark, or moss. The Ghost Spider likes to build its web in corners, so be sure to provide plenty of webbing materials. The Barylestis scutatus is a tropical species, so it requires a warm environment. The ideal temperature for your Ghost Spider is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-26 Celsius). If you live in a very warm climate, you may need to provide a cooling system for your spider.
Care and Safety
Ghost Spiders are quick to escape, so be sure to provide a secure enclosure. It’s also best to keep these spiders away from small children and pets. They’re not venomous, but they are quick to defend themselves if threatened. Since these spiders are tropical, they are susceptible to cooler temperatures. If you live in a temperate climate and your spider is kept in an unheated room, you may need to bring it inside during the winter.
Conclusion
The Ghost Spider is not only beautiful, but it’s a great beginner’s spider. They are easy to care for, tolerate a wide range of temperatures, and aren’t likely to bite. If you want to try your hand at keeping a spider, the Barylestis Scutatus is a great species to start with.
