Stegodyphus dufouri, commonly known as the Egyptian Pink Velvet Spider or North African Velvet Spider, is a species of spider in the family Eresidae. 
 
Key Characteristics
Appearance: They are known for their "velvety" texture and often feature earthy tones like beige or light brown with intricate darker markings. Despite the "pink" name, their colour varies but often includes sandy or pale reddish tones.
Size: Adults typically reach a body length of 2–3 cm with a leg span of 4–5 cm.
Behavior: Unlike some of its social relatives (like S. dumicola), S. dufouri is generally solitary or asocial, meaning individuals typically build and maintain their own separate webs.
Parental Care: Females exhibit matriphagy, an extreme form of maternal care where the mother sacrifices her body to be eaten by her offspring to ensure their survival. 
 
Native Habitat and Distribution
Region: They are primarily found across North and West Africa, including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt.
Habitat: They thrive in arid to semi-arid environments, such as scrublands, rocky hillsides, and dry open areas with low vegetation. 
 
Captive Care (as of 2026)
Because of their hardy nature and "chill" temperament, they are often recommended for beginner arachnid keepers. 
Temperature: Maintain between 22–28 °C (72–82 °F), with a slight drop at night.
Humidity: Low humidity is required, typically around 50%.
Enclosure: They are considered arboreal or semi-arboreal, requiring vertical space to construct their dense, woolly silk nests.
Diet: They feed on small insects and other arthropods caught in their webs.