Think you’ve seen it all? Think again. While we’ll always love our heavy-hitting tarantulas, the world of True Spiders is another interesting pick. We’re talking lightning-fast reflexes, high-definition eyesight, and some of the most complex behaviors in the invertebrate world.
Browse our True Spiders for sale below and find your new desktop companion!
True spiders come in a huge range of sizes, behaviors, and personalities. Some rely on lightning-fast hunting, while others charm keepers with curious behavior and striking colors.
Here are a few of the most popular true spider species collectors love:
Our velvet spiders for sale look almost unreal. Their bodies are covered in dense, velvety hairs that give them a soft, plush appearance, often paired with bold red, orange, or white markings.
Wolf spiders are rugged, ground-dwelling hunters that rely on speed, strength, and sharp senses instead of webs. They patrol the ground like tiny predators, chasing down insects with surprising agility.
Jumping Spiders (family Salticidae)
If a spider could be a "puppy," this is it. Known for their large forward-facing eyes and curious behavior, pet jumping spiders rely on excellent vision rather than webs to track prey.
What’s the Difference Between True Spiders vs. Tarantulas?
At first glance, tarantulas and true spiders might look similar—they both have eight legs and fangs—but under the hood, they’re very different.
True spiders belong to the Araneomorphae infraorder, while tarantulas are Mygalomorphs. This distinction affects everything from behavior to lifespan.
Fangs
True spiders have fangs that move side-to-side for pinching and injecting venom quickly into small prey. Tarantulas have fangs that move up and down for powerful stabbing.
Hunting Style
Many true spiders are active hunters, like jumping or huntsman spiders, while tarantulas are mostly ambush predators that rely on stealth and burrows.
Size and lifespan
Tarantulas are generally much larger and heavier-bodied, with females often living 15–30 years. True spiders are smaller, quicker, and typically live only a few years.
True Spider Enclosure & Humidity Setup
Like tarantulas, true spiders need secure enclosures, proper ventilation, and stable environmental conditions. However, most true spiders are more active and mobile, so their setups often focus more on climbing space and observation than deep substrate or burrows.
Many species, such as jumping spiders, prefer vertical enclosures with branches, cork bark, or plants where they can climb, explore, and build small web retreats. Ground-dwelling species may appreciate some substrate and hiding spots, but they usually don’t require deep burrowing. For huntsman spider care, you’ll need wider enclosures with plenty of surfaces to roam, since these spiders are active hunters.
Humidity also tends to be lighter and easier to manage than with many tropical tarantulas. A gentle mist once or twice a week is often enough, along with good airflow.
True spiders belong to the Araneomorphae group, which includes jumping spiders, huntsman spiders, orb-weavers, and velvet spiders. They’re distinct from tarantulas, with smaller bodies, side-to-side fangs, and often faster, more active hunting behavior.
Are true spiders good pets?
Absolutely! Many true spiders are fascinating to watch, with bold personalities, clever hunting tactics, and striking patterns. They’re ideal for collectors who love observing behavior up close.
What do true spiders eat?
True spiders eat live insects. Think crickets, roaches, or mealworms. Feedings depend on the spider’s size and species, and removing uneaten prey ensures a clean, healthy enclosure.
Can true spiders be handled like tarantulas?
Not really. True spiders are smaller, more delicate, and some jump or move quickly. When handling true spiders, less is always more.
Are true spiders beginner-friendly?
While jumping spiders are a classic beginner choice, velvet spiders are actually much easier to keep and are more readily available in our current collection. Most "True Spiders" have shorter lifespans and faster metabolisms than tarantulas, making them a bit more active to manage, but velvet spiders are a fantastic, hardy exception for those just starting out.
Are your true spiders for sale ethically-sourced?
Yes! Our true spiders are captive-bred by trusted breeders. This ensures healthier, stress-free animals, protects wild populations, and supports responsible hobby practices.
Join Exotics Unlimited’s VIP Loyalty Program
Want to continue growing your exotic pet collection with us? Our VIP program offers collectors early access to rare inverts, live tarantulas, and exclusive drops you won’t find anywhere else. Subscribe to our newsletter for insider updates and rare drops!
Your perks keep stacking. Plus, you can combine them all with free shipping. Sign up today and let your loyalty pay off!
