What Are Jumping Spiders?
Jumping spiders are small, intelligent and fascinating arachnids known for their excellent eyesight, curious behaviour and incredible jumping abilities. Unlike many spiders that rely on webs to catch their food, jumping spiders actively hunt their prey by stalking and pouncing on insects with remarkable accuracy.
Meet Our Jumping Spiders
Here at Somerset Little Critters, we specialise in the beautiful regal jumping spider, Phidippus regius. We work with a variety of locales, including Apalachicola, Soroa, Bahamas and Everglades.
These wonderful little critters make fascinating pets thanks to their active, curious and inquisitive nature. They come in a variety of attractive colours and patterns, and their large forward-facing eyes give them a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from many people's traditional image of a spider.
Every jumping spider has its own unique characteristics, making them a joy to observe and learn about.
How Long Do Jumping Spiders Live?
The lifespan of a jumping spider can vary depending on its species, sex and individual circumstances. Regal jumping spiders generally live longer than many people expect, with females often living longer than males up to approximately 2 years.
Providing suitable housing, appropriate temperatures, a balanced feeding routine and good overall care can help support your spider throughout its life.
How Big Do Jumping Spiders Get?
Regal jumping spiders are relatively small, but their striking appearance makes them stand out. Adult females are generally larger and more robust than males, while males tend to have a slimmer appearance and distinctive colouring.
Their final size depends on factors such as sex and individual development but they don't generally exceed 25mm.
Amazing Facts About Jumping Spiders!
- Eight eyes! Jumping spiders have eight eyes, giving them excellent vision for spotting prey and exploring their surroundings.
- Incredible jumpers! They can leap many times their own body length, helping them catch prey and navigate their environment.
- Safety first! Jumping spiders often leave a silk safety line behind them when jumping, helping provide an anchor if they fall.
- Curious characters! They are known for their alert behaviour and may turn to look at movement around them.
- Silk retreats! Although they don't build large webs to catch prey, they use silk to create sheltered retreats where they can rest and moult.
Do Jumping Spiders Make Webs?
Yes, jumping spiders produce silk, but they don't use it in the same way as web-building spiders.
Instead of creating large webs to trap flying insects, they build small silk retreats, often called hammocks, in sheltered areas of their enclosure. These retreats provide a safe place to rest, sleep and moult as they grow.
Silk also plays an important role in their safety when climbing and jumping.
Discover the Wonderful World of Jumping Spiders
Whether you're a first-time keeper or an experienced spider enthusiast, jumping spiders are fascinating animals to learn about. Their excellent eyesight, unique hunting techniques and curious behaviour make them truly special.
At Somerset Little Critters, we're passionate about sharing our love of these incredible creatures and helping keepers appreciate their individual personalities.
Looking for your own little jumper? Explore our available captive-bred jumping spiders and find your next eight-eyed companion!