To avoid long delays between purchase and shipping, baby spiders will be available when the weather is warmer. The date they go online will be posted here ahead of time and on the pinned post of the Arachnamoria Facebook page.
WELCOME TO THE JUMPING SPIDER CARE HUB
Everything you need to know to
care for a pet jumping spider
Pet Jumping Spider Care Sheet
If you are new to keeping a pet jumping spiders and want to make sure they are the right pet for you, then have a read of the quick care sheet for a basic overview to caring for a regal jumping spider.
You can find the sheet here:
This advice is tailored to Phidippus Reguis species, aka the Regal Jumping Spider. Primarily focusing on keeping them as pets in the northern hemisphere.
More species of jumping spiders will be added and included in this care hub when I am satisfied I have a wealth of knowledge and sound advice to share with you.
UPCOMING GUIDES : Phidippus Ardens, aka the Desert Red Jumping Spider.
JUMPING SPIDER FAQs
Do you have some questions about owning a regal jumping spider? That's great, because I have gathered some frequently asked questions here to help you using my extensive knowledge and habitat-first ethos. You'll not only find the simple answers but a link for more in-depth advice articles.
Do Jumping Spiders Make Good Pets in the UK?
Yes! Jumping spiders make fabulous pets for so many reasons. Their care, while specific, is very simple; Suitable enclosure, daily misting, and feeding. They are happy to be held, or just admired. They are active during day light hours, and they don't take up much room.
Is it Ethical to Keep Jumping Spiders as Pets?
Indeed it is, for the right species of course. The regal jumping spiders, along with other species such as Hyllus, are well suited to a life in captivity provided they have a suitable and enriching environment. Native species here in the UK, however, do not thrive in captivity and are better off being observed rather than captured. There are many species of jumping spiders, such as the peacock jumping spider, that are endangered and/or classed as a protected species.
Can You Handle a Jumping Spider?
If you can hold your jumping spider depends on the individual temperament of the jumping spider. Most, once they realise that your particular scent is classed as safe, will be more comfortable at being held. But, you don't have to hold your spider if you don't want to, they are just as happy to be observed.
Do Jumping Spiders Bite?
A jumping spider can bite, yes, but they prefer not to. So far I have not been bitten, and after years in the hobby I can count how many bites I've known about on one hand. Most bites experienced by keepers are as a result of the jumping spider mistaking human skin as food. Bites from fear or defense are rare as a jumping spider prefers to give warnings and back away from you when they feel threatened.
Are Jumping Spiders Venomous, and are Jumping Spider Bites Dangerous to Humans?
Jumping Spiders, like all spiders are venomous. This venom is how they paralyze their prey. Their venom is not deadly to humans as a whole, but just like bee stings, certain people may have an allergic response to it. Spider bites should be cleaned and disinfected straight away, and keep doing so, twice a day until the would heels.
Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you suspect an infection. In a case of suspected anaphylaxis emergency medical attention should be sought urgently.
What is the Best Size of Enclosure for a Jumping Spider?
The best size enclosure for a jumping spider depends on the age (or instar) of the spider. Here is a table to help you:
2nd to 5th instar: enclosure size - Sling Vials or 6x6x6cm
5th to 8th instar: enclosure size - At least 14x18x8
(Optional) 7th to 9th instar: enclosure size - 19x10x10
8th to Maturity: enclosure size - At least 25x15x15
It is important to remember that their enclosures from 5th instar onwards need to be taller than they are wide.
Natural enclosures with lots of space is the best choice for a jumping spider with soft spider soil, moss, and lots to climb.
Can Jumping Spiders Escape their Enclosures?
Yes, there are several ways a jumping spider could escape their enclosure. Vents, wire entry points, door hinges and ill fitting sides can leave caps for a spider to squeeze through. Before you put your spider into a new enclosure, check for escape routes the same size or larger than your spiders carapace (their head) as their abdomen can squish through much smaller holes than you'd think.
Plant growth, faulty latches and keepers not closing the enclosure properly can also lead to a jumping spider escaping.
What Does i5 or L6 Mean?
i5 stands for 5th instar which is a way to track a jumping spiders growth. L6 is a way to say larval stage 6. This is an incorrect term used the same way as instars. Jumping spiders, like all others spiders, do NOT have larval stages.
What is an Instar?
An instar refers to the time in between a spiders moults. A spider hatches as a 1st instar, after their first moult they become 2nd instar, after their second moult they become 3rd instar, and so on. Jumping spiders are commonly sold at 5th instar, or i5 for short.
What Does a Jumping Spider Eat at Different Stages/Instars?
There are lots of options when it comes to feeding a jumping spider. Here is a table of things a jumping spider can eat at different stages:
2nd to 4th instar -
D.Melanogaster aka Small Fruit Flies
4th to 7th instar -
D.Hydei aka Large Fruit Flies
Hatchling and Small Locust
House Flies
Mini Mealworms
Pinhead Crickets
7th to Maturity -
Green Bottles
Medium Locust
Mealworms
Crickets
Bluebottles
Wax Worms and Moths
How Often Should I Feed my Jumping Spider?
2nd to 6th instar jumping spiders should be fed every day unless their abdomen is plump or they are moulting. From 6th instar onwards, how often to feed depends on the metabolism of your spider and how big their last meal was. You can use their abdomen to gauge if you should feed or wait. Here is an image showing the different sizes of a jumping spiders abdomen and when/what to feed:
Do Jumping Spiders Need a Water Bowl?
No, jumping spiders do not need a water bowl as this can pose a drowning risk. Jumping spiders can be given water by misting the sides of their enclosure once or twice a day. The best and safest way to do this is with a fine spray misting bottle to avoid large drops of water forming. Misting the enclosure also helps boost the humidity which is important for jumping spider health.
How Long Can Jumping Spiders Live in Captivity?
Jumping spiders live for around 2 years in captivity, some even reaching years of age, when given proper care.
