Perfectly Imperfect : Missing 2 legs on one side
Eating and moving around without issue
 
Viridasius fasciatus is a striking Madagascan huntsman‑type spider, instantly recognisable for its bold banded legs and flattened, agile build. Belonging to the family Viridasiidae, it occupies a similar ecological niche to true Sparassidae, living in leaf litter, low vegetation and bark crevices where its mottled brown‑and‑cream patterning provides excellent camouflage. Adults are medium‑sized, fast and alert, with a characteristic laterigrade stance that allows them to sprint sideways and cling tightly to surfaces.
 
In captivity, V. fasciatus is an engaging but somewhat underrated species. It thrives in a vertically oriented enclosure with plenty of textured surfaces—cork, bark tubes, leaf litter and twigs—to mimic the cluttered forest floor of Madagascar. Temperatures around 22–26°C and moderate humidity (60–70%) suit them well, with good ventilation to prevent stagnation. They are enthusiastic feeders, readily taking small roaches, crickets and other invertebrates, and they show a confident, exploratory temperament without being overtly defensive.
 
Behaviourally, this species is fascinating: it constructs loose retreats from silk and debris, often shifting between hides as it grows, and it displays the characteristic “pancake” flattening behaviour when disturbed. While fast, it is generally manageable with careful, minimal‑stress husbandry. For keepers interested in something a little different from the usual huntsman offerings, Viridasius fasciatus offers a blend of beauty, speed and naturalistic behaviour that makes it a rewarding addition to a collection.