Fire Yellow Knee Spider (Latin name: Ephebopus murinus) is native to the tropical rainforests of French Guiana and Suriname. It is a classic pet bird spider species and was discovered relatively early, gaining popularity among pet bird spider enthusiasts.
An adult Fire Yellow Knee Spider has striking yellow markings on its legs and a golden carapace, which are very eye-catching and attractive. It is also one of the larger species in the Ephebopus genus, with an adult body length of 14-15 centimeters.
Reproduction: Oviparous.
Behavior: Extremely aggressive.
Physical Characteristics: Body length of 13 cm.
Diet: Crickets and occasionally newborn white mice.
Care: Suitable temperature: 25-30 degrees; Suitable humidity: 70-85%.
Fire Yellow Knee Spider is suitable for temperatures of 25-27℃ and humidity of 75%. It is recommended to use slightly moist peat, coconut bricks, and clay as the substrate. It is necessary to maintain a relatively high humidity during captivity and provide them with enough thick substrate for nesting, although they do not dig tunnels as deep as African baboons or Asian earth tigers. A suitable piece of bark or driftwood is also ideal for hiding.
Enthusiasts of pet bird spiders recommend keeping the Fire Yellow Knee Spider. This species has a vibrant coloration, with bright yellow stripes on its legs that contrast with black. It also has a brilliant golden-colored carapace, and even the juveniles are beautiful with a dark green abdomen, giving a sense of mystery. It is a species that many bird spider collectors passionately collect.
1. Emaciation
When you find that the spider's body becomes dull, the skin starts to become dry and yellow, it is likely that emaciation has occurred. This condition is generally caused by the spider not eating well, resulting in long-term malnutrition. 2. Enteritis
Conversely, this condition is caused by overeating. The owner keeps feeding the spider or feeding it with food at a low temperature, which can cause abdominal distention and pain in the spider, eventually leading to enteritis.
3. Hemiplegia
Spiders do not have high environmental requirements, but when the temperature is too high, especially in summer, with high temperature and high humidity, if the spider's cage is far away from the ventilation opening, the spider may experience heat stroke and its legs may become paralyzed, resulting in hemiplegia.
4. Constipation
The most common cause of constipation is not drinking water. In addition to food, spiders also need to drink water. If the owner only provides food to the spider but not water, the water in the food cannot provide the spider with the necessary moisture.
5. Necrosis
Showing lack of appetite, lethargy, and black ulcerative lesions on the abdomen, this is the manifestation of spider necrosis disease. The reason for this condition is that the water and food are not fresh. If the spider eats food contaminated with bacteria, it may contract necrosis, which can lead to death if severe.
6. Mold disease
Especially in the southern regions, in the hot and humid weather of summer, the spider's body surface is prone to bacterial invasion. The spider's joints become increasingly stiff, and its body becomes increasingly damp, providing a favorable environment for bacterial survival and causing mold spots to appear on the spider.
7. Parasites
Parasites can be said to be the most disgusting condition for spiders. If they are small insects, it's not too bad, but those aggressive parasites that move on the spider's body are extremely disgusting. Besides affecting the spider's rest, they may also carry other viruses, causing multiple infections and posing a threat to the spider's life.
1. Temperature
The temperature is best controlled between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, and the day-night temperature difference should not be too large. Pay attention to cooling in summer and warming in winter to ensure the healthy life of the spiderlings.
2. Humidity
Moderate humidity should be maintained at around 65%. Low humidity can easily cause dehydration and eventually lead to emaciation and death. If the humidity is too high, the spiderlings are prone to edema and death. If the humidity is too high, the spiderlings are prone to edema, as well as fungal infections.
3. Ventilation
A good ventilation environment can make the spiderlings stronger, reduce diseases, and safely molt. Air pollution, dampness, and stuffiness are the main reasons for spiderling mortality.
4. Food
The main diet for spiderling feeding should be small animals, such as yellow mealworms, small earthworms, etc. Animal blood can also be fed (note: do not add salt to the blood). If conditions allow, artificial diets can also be used. The recipe can be composed of 50% egg yolk, 20% honey, 20% milk, 4% vitamin additive, and 3% yeast mother. After mixing, feed it on a plate or a sponge.
5. Light
First of all, there should be sufficient light. If conditions permit, you can take them outside to see the light. (Spiders do not like light, so there should be shade when it is exposed to light to ensure the safety of the spiders). The windows should be frequently opened, but direct sunlight should be avoided.