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CARE SHEET

Regal jumping spiders are easy to care for, even for novice keepers of inverts, but buying one still requires thought and consideration to the commitment you will be making.
This quick care sheet will help you get an understanding of care requirement, and you'll also find a shopping list of what to get to make sure you are all set and ready to go.

For more specific information or questions about caring for your jumping spider, head to the Care Hub or Care Blogs

Should I get a Jumping Spider?

With getting any pet you need to consider many points:
- Do you have the money? You are looking at about £100+ to get set up caring for your jumping spider including a larger enclosure for when they are older, plus decor. You will need to buy food for your spider at least monthly.

- Do you have the time? Young jumping spiders need feeding every day, and although older jumping spiders can go longer between feeds, jumping spiders of all ages need misting with water once or twice a day. You will need to make sure someone is around to care for your spider if you go away. 
- Are you happy to handle other insects (they have to be live) that your jumping spider feeds on? Can you easily able to source insects to feed your spider, and keep those feeder insects healthy? 
 

The best jumping spider for a new keeper is the Phidippus regius, also known as a regal jumping spider, and that is exactly the species I specialise here at Arachnamoria
 

Will a Jumping Spider Help my Arachnophobia?

It is very likely they will. Myself plus many other keepers across the world have commented on how owning a jumping spider has helped with their fear of spiders. I never thought I'd hold a spider, let alone handle them every day, breed them, and baby talk them. Jumping spiders don't mind if you never get to the point you can hold them, they will be very content with just the care you give them.

What Will I need to Buy for my Jumping Spider?

This shopping list should help you get started preparing for a spider between 4th and 7th instar. Older spiders will need larger enclosures

  • Starter enclosure 10x15cm (WxH)

  • D.Hydei fruit fly culture

  • Fine Mist Spray Bottle

  • Cleaning Kit

  • 7watt reptile heat mat

  • Reptile thermostat

  • LED Daylight desk lamp​

     

    if not included with the starter cup

  • Spider Life Soil

  • Sphagnum Moss

  • Live Plant

  • Decor

Jumping Spider Shopping List

Where Should I Keep a Jumping Spider?

The enclosure will need to be placed somewhere where the temperature isn't prone to rapid fluctuations such as a bathroom or kitchen, these areas are also unsuitable due to the cleaning products may use in them. A window ledge may seem like a great idea at first but they can be drafty, or strong sunlight may cause the enclosure to overheat quickly. Cabinets and shelves are the best choice, away from drafts, direct sunlight, and loud noises such as a TV. 

**Warning** Chemicals in the air such as from cleaning products, air fresheners, scented candles or smoking/vaping have been noted to cause health issues and even the death of pet spiders. Please use caution and common sense around your pet to ensure their safety.

The enclosure won't need daily cleaning or substrate changing, once a month you can remove any insect remains, and wipe down the sides to clean them of spider poop as and when required.

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Does my Jumping Spider Need Heat?

Yes, the regal jumping spider species come from slightly warmer climates than the great weather here in Britain. It is advisable to have as they like to be be around 24°c to 26°c. 

For a comfortable, happy spider, I recommend using a heat mat and thermostat.  ​
A 7watt heat mat is perfect along with a separate thermostat that will control the mat according to the temperature of the enclosure. Check out this blog on heating your enclosure here.

You don’t need a dimmer thermostat, the mats naturally warm up steadily and cool down steadily. These devices are better suited to desert reptiles with heat lamps, and cost much more than a simple reptile thermostat.

Does my Jumping Spider Need a Light?

They do. Jumping spiders have huge front facing eyes, not only adorable but designed for hunting their prey. They can’t hunt without enough light, and as we often have many dreary days here in the UK, I highly recommend you get a bright LED lamp. It doesn't need to be a spider or reptile specific lamp. A bright white or daylight LED desk lamp from amazon works perfectly.
I would avoid bulbs, however, as these can add to the temperature of the enclosure and dry the air.
Have a read of the lighting blog here.​
 

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What do Jumping Spiders Eat?

2nd to 4th instar -

D.Melanogaster aka Small Fruit Flies 

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4th to 7th instar -

D.Hydei aka Large Fruit Flies

Hatchling and Small Locust

House Flies

Mini Mealworms

Pinhead Crickets

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7th to Maturity - 

Greenbottles

Medium Locust

Mealworms

Crickets

Bluebottles

Wax Worms and Moths​

How do Jumping Spiders Drink?

Pet jumping spiders drink from sides of their enclosure after being misted with a fine mist spray bottle. Tap water is safe for jumping spiders only excluding some states in America where the local water treatment agency is known to use heavy amounts of chlorine and chloramine.
Water bowls should not be used as these pose a drowning risk, and sponges can breed harmful bacteria.

The cover of Pet Jumping Spiders Regal Jumping Spder Care

Pet Jumping Spiders - Regal Jumping Spider Care

Written by Arachnamoria

To help you care for your regal jumping spider, the Spider Wrangler has put her extensive knowledge of jumping spiders (also her English degree) to good use and published the ultimate care guide. With full colour photography and easy to understand terms, this book is the perfect starting point for new keepers. 
Get yours in the Arachnamoria shop
(also available on Amazon)

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