Spider

Hiding in the shadows, perched on traps made of a sticky web, spiders patiently wait for their prey. These skilled web makers eat anything small enough to get entangled within their web. Although small in size, spiders are by no means timid. They have been known to become aggressive and attack many types of creatures, including aislings, unprovoked. Spiders are neither poisonous nor venomous, so their bite is more of an annoyance than danger for most.

Spiders are a very common creature, but a rare one to keep as a pet. They are relatively small creatures with eight legs. Tamers find the spider's ability to create a silk web to have a variety of practical applications beyond catching other creatures; the small amounts of spiders silk can be used in bags, lures, and even fishing nets. Hunting spiders in the crypt has always been a profitable endeavor for young aislings as their body parts are needed for several skills, spells, and quests; they can also be sold for a reasonable price to mundanes, such as the Mileth wizard, Dar.

Capturing a Spider

Spiders can be found in almost any dark corner or crevasse inside the Mileth Crypt and areas of House Macabre. The jar-and-parchment method is the most simplistic and effective way to catch any type of spider or non-flying insect. This technique involves placing a jar (or similar item, such as a cup, jar, or bowl) over top of a spider and sliding a thin, sturdy piece of parchment (or similar material) underneath to trap the spider inside. Once trapped, flip the container so the parchment is on top and place a lid or more sturdy material on top to keep the spider locked inside.

If the spider is on the large side, it might be necessary to keep the jar tilted while catching it, and use a stick or steady piece of parchment to gently prod the spider into it. If you plan to leave your spider in the contain for a while, make sure you puncture the top with breathing holes; make sure that the holes you create are not large enough for your new pet to escape out of.

The use of a net, cloth, or even one's hand is not recommended because it is more likely the creature will be smashed in the process of collecting it. Spiders can move quickly out of range, so avoid scaring it by making slow, calculated movements, with minimal light. Wearing gloves while catching spiders can help you avoid being bitten in the process.

Other Facts

The capture method above can also be used to relocate a pesky spider that has made it's home in an unwelcome place.

Spiders and scorpions both belong to a group called "arachnids."

Spiders sometimes use their web to hunt larger animals, such as birds and even fish.

Other Methods of Obtaining a Spider

Spiders have a reality short life-span, which primarily involves growing to sexual maturity and then laying (female) or fertilizing (male) eggs. Introducing a spider of the opposite sex to your pets home after it has become established is not the safest method, as you run the risk of your pet seeing it as an intruder.

If you plan to breed spiders it is recommended to raise several at a time in the same location, allowing them to accumulate the new environment together. A healthy amount of space should be provided so each spider can find its own place to build its web.

Sacs of spider's eggs can be found, clinging in webs to the walls of the crypt, or hidden in small creaks. Eggs tend to hatch, producing dozens of spiderlings within a deoch of being fertilized by a male spider.

Winning a Pet Spider

Many deochs ago ((April 27, 2006)) Areini, the pet store owner in Tagor offered aislings a chance to win one of her newly hatched spiders. Non-fragile aislings who paid a visit to her for a time were randomly selected to care for a pet spider. It is not known how Areini choose the new owners, but it is rumored that she favored those who appeared crafty.

Caring for a Spider

Spiders have few needs, as they can be very self-sufficient in almost any space. Owners are better off keeping spiders in a secure, dark location rather than keeping the pet on them. They are also best kept alone, otherwise they may become a meal for another pet – even another pet spider.

If you plan to keep the pet contained in a container it is a good idea to add items from its natural habitat, such as dirt and rocks. This will provide places for it to hide, effectively keeping its stress level down. You will also need to provide food for your pet if you choose to keep it this way. Do not put water into the container, as it will become a drowning risk. Spiders get all the liquid they require from their food, so they will not drink it anyways.

Taming a Spider

Spiders cannot be tamed in the same sense of a cat, horse, or even a mouse. They do not respond to "rewards," either. Avoid touching the spider as much as possible, as their legs are easily injured.

The best way to work with a spider is to simply give it space and allow it to become comfortable with your presence and new home. Over time, you can learn how your spider behaves under different circumstances, and even ways to trigger your spider to create a quality web of silk.