The Lined Ladybird Spider (Stegodyphus lineatus) is a species of velvet spider native to arid Mediterranean and North African regions. They are primarily known for building communal, cone-shaped silk retreats in low desert vegetation and practicing matriphagy, where females sacrifice themselves to feed their young.
 
Key Characteristics
Physical Appearance: They have a velvety appearance, growing to about 1.2 cm to 1.5 cm. Their body is typically light-colored or cream, featuring two distinct broad black stripes running down the abdomen.
Behavior: Unlike true ladybird spiders (Eresus) which are solitary burrowers, this species is sub-social. They live in groups in large silk nests, ambushing insects that get trapped in their communal webbing.
Maternal Sacrifice: After their eggs hatch, the mother feeds the spiderlings a regurgitated liquid before the spiderlings ultimately consume her.
 
Keeping in Captivity
Setup: They thrive in dry, well-ventilated enclosures (such as an acrylic arboreal terrarium).
Conditions: Requires low humidity and temperatures ranging from 24° C to 30° C.
Care Level: Recommended for intermediate keepers due to the need to manage specific moisture and ventilation.