Jumping Spider Lighting

The Spider Wrangler
Jan 12
3 min read

Do Jumping Spiders Need Lighting?

Yes, jumping spiders can really benefit from having artificial lighting and it doesn't need to complicated or specialised lighting. In this post i'll explain why it is a good idea to provide your jumping spider additional lighting and how to get set up.

The Facts About Jumping Spiders and Light

Florida gets 237 days of sunshine a year, the UK gets just 1400 hours… that’s just 58.3 days.
The average UV level in the UK is 6, whereas the average UV level in Florida is 10.
Jumping spiders are ambush hunters, and those large front facing eyes help them to do so.
While jumping spider are able to see a wider spectrum of colours, the human eye is 10 times more effective that any of those on your jumping spider. Extra lighting helps a jumping spider hunt.

When looking at the facts, it makes sense that good enclosure lighting, especially in temperate climates, can help your spider hunt, jump and feel safe.

Can Jumping Spider Enclosures be Placed in Direct Sunlight to Light Enclosures.

No. Placing the enclosure in a sunny spot in your home to give them more lighting is dangerous. Direct sunlight can cause enclosures to act like a greenhouse and dangerously overheat in a very short amount of time. The safest, and inexpensive solution is an LED lamp.

What Type of Light do Jumping Spiders Need?

The good news is, jumping spiders don't need a special light, a simple LED desk lamp positioned over the enclosure will work wonders. The best kinds are ones you can plug into the mains, as the battery and rechargeable options tend to run out within a day of use. If you have more than two enclosures to light, then adhesive LED strip lights mounted above the enclosures are your best options. You can get strips that clip together to cover several shelves easily, or if you don't mind soldering you can buy cut-to-size LED strips and make your own strip lighting. To make sure the light you pick is bright enough, look for LEDS that state 'bright white' or 'daylight' as a function or setting.

Filament bulbs, or heating bulbs are not advised for jumping spider enclosures as they give of a drying heat that can be fatal to humidity loving spiders.

Small white desk lamp — This LED desk lamp from Argos is a great example of how you can light a single jumping spider enclosure on a budget

desk lamp on an arm — The wide lighting bar on this lamp from Currys is an example for how to light 2 to 3 enclosures

under cabinet strip lights — These under cabinet light strips from Energy Lighting are an example for lighting several enclosures across multiple shelves without soldering.

Examples of Jumping Spider Lighting Options

These are just an example of what you can buy. You can pick a light based on your budget, style, and how many enclosures you need to light.

Key Points:

The light doesn't need to be a special reptile or plant light. Ordinary desk lamps are perfect.
Look for Bright White or Daylight functions.
Make sure it is LED as bulbs create a drying heat that is dangerous.
Plug in lights are better than rechargeable or battery operated.

Does my Jumping Spider Need the Light on Constantly?

Jumping spiders are diurnal, meaning they are only active during the daylight hours, so they need 12 hours of light, and 12 hours of dark. You can set yourself a timer to remember to turn their light on and off but automatic timer plugs are probably your best option. These can be brought from most hardeware or electrical stores.

a digital timer plug — Digital timer plug that uses an app.

With easy lighting options available, you can be as creative or conservative as you please and your jumping spider will be happier for it. If you have any questions or want to double check something, pop me an email.