Download the New Constitution in MS Word format.
Download the New Constitution in PDF format.
Download the Spider Club Code of Ethics in MS Word Format.
Download the Spider Club Code of Ethics in PDF Format.

The Spider Club was formed in 1975 to encourage an interest in and study of arachnids in South Africa.

Newsletter:
We publish a quarterly newsletter with interesting articles for beginners and the more advanced. A diary of club events and reports of outings, advances in arachnology, news snippets etc. are included. Back copies are available at a nominal rate plus postage.

Field Outings:
With knowledgeable leaders who are able to help newer members are arranged regularly. We also have informal meetings and get-togethers during the “off season”.

Identification Course:
Identification courses at various levels are offered from time to time.

Displays and promotions:
Are arranged and members are encouraged to participate, give talks, demonstrations, etc.

Distribution Mapping:
The club and it’s members are involved in projects with both public and private landowners to map and list the distribution of arachnids in South Africa and specimens are collected are deposited in official collections for reference purposes.

The Pet Trade:
We assist authorities in monitoring the pet trade. Any commercial dealing in invertebrates is illegal and it must be noted that permits from Nature Conservation are required to keep certain local arachnids. Keeping any exotic invertebrates without a permit from Nature Conservation is also illegal. If in doubt contact us or your provincial Department of Nature Conservation.

Membership:

• Membership of the Club is open to all persons and institutions interested.
• Membership is by means of an annual subscription fee of R120.00 (SA) payable at the beginning of each financial membership year. (R120.00 (SA) South Africa, R160.00 (SA) Neighboring States, all other countries R100 (SA), $20 (US) / £10 Sterling (UK).
• The period of membership is one year on payment of annual subscription fee. The membership year runs from June to June of each next year.
• If a member subscribes or renews membership within one membership year, they will pay full membership for that year and receive back copies of any newsletters already sent out that membership year.
• Any member wishing to withdraw from the club must give notice of such in writing to the membership secretary.
• The committee has the right to terminate a membership if it is in the interest of the Club to do so.
• Download Application Form in MS WORD Format
  Download Application Form in PDF Format

Ethics:
Perhaps one of the most important factors to consider when collecting is that the impact of people’s presence, as well as collecting activities, may have a major impact on the environment. Collectors should be mindful of the impacts of their collecting methods and should take measures to minimize these impacts. This includes the usual practices of putting rocks back in their original position, filling holes etc.

• The Club shall adopt as policy a Code of Ethics on the collection of live animals and conduct by persons in the field.
• This Code of Ethics will be binding on members attending official spider club outings.
• Breach of the Code of Ethics will require disciplinary action, and review of a persons membership status by the committee.

For further detail:

• “The Spider Club of Southern Africa – Code of Ethics for the collection of arachnids and other arthropods in the field.”
• “The Constitution of the Spider Club of Southern Africa”