Meet the Triangular Spider: A Leafy Legend

If you’re looking to branch out with a quirky pet, the Triangular Spider (Arkys lancearius) is a real gem of the garden! Native to eastern Australia, these little “leaf lurkers” are easy to spot thanks to their heart-shaped or triangular abdomens, which come in vibrant shades from yellow to red, often sprinkled with white, jewel-like markings. Females are the “big leaves” of the bunch, growing up to 8 mm, while males are a bit more petite at 5.5 mm.

Unlike your typical web-weavers, Triangular Spiders are ambush artists, they don’t spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they “plant” themselves on the tips of leaves or ferns and wait for unsuspecting insects to buzz by. Their front legs are spiky and strong, perfect for snatching up flies, moths, and ants. In the wild, you’ll find them “hanging out” in forests, woodlands, and gardens, especially on the underside of leaves.

How to Grow a Happy Triangular Spider

Ready to cultivate your own leafy companion? Here’s how to keep your Triangular Spider thriving:

Potting Up Their Home

• Enclosure: Go vertical! These spiders love to climb, so a tall, arboreal enclosure (think 10x10x20 cm acrylic cube) is ideal. Add plenty of twigs, sticks, and lush green foliage, real or silk, to mimic their natural “leafscape.”
• Substrate: Lay down coconut coir, peat moss, or potting soil for a touch of humidity. They rarely touch the ground, but it helps keep things fresh.
• Ventilation: Don’t let things get too “stale”—cross-ventilation is key to prevent mould. Tiny holes on the sides or top will keep the air flowing.

Leafy Lifestyle Tips

• Humidity: Mist the enclosure lightly every day or two. These spiders prefer sipping dew drops over using a water dish—just don’t flood the soil!
• Temperature: Room temperature (20–26°C) is just right. No need to “turnip” the heat.
• Lighting: Indirect natural daylight helps regulate their day-night cycle. Keep them out of direct sun, or they’ll wilt

Feeding: The Root of Happiness

• Diet: Serve up small flying insects like fruit flies, gnats, or tiny crickets. Just “leaf” the prey in the enclosure and watch your spider spring into action with those spiky front legs.

Maintenance: Easy as Planting Seeds

• These spiders are about the size of a twenty-cent piece and generally docile. They use silk for safety lines and egg sacs, but don’t expect any fancy webs. In breeding season (January or February), females produce beautiful pinkish-cream egg sacs, each packed with around 70 eggs—talk about a bumper crop

Final Sprout

Caring for a Triangular Spider is a breeze if you “stick” to their natural needs. Give them plenty of leafy platforms, keep things humid but not soggy, and let them bask in gentle daylight. With the right setup, your new friend will be the “vine” star of your collection!

If you want more tips on spider care or need help “pruning” your enclosure setup, just let me know!