Jumping Spider Care Guide
Welcome to our jumping spider care guide! At Somerset Little Critters, we want every spider to receive the care it needs to thrive. Whether you're a first-time keeper or an experienced enthusiast, this guide will help you understand the basics of caring for your regal jumping spider (Phidippus regius).
Setting Up Your Jumping Spider's Enclosure
Jumping spiders need a secure, well-ventilated enclosure that provides enough space to climb, explore and build their silk retreats.
Choose an enclosure that opens from the front or side where possible, as regal jumping spiders often build their retreats near the top. Opening an enclosure from above can disturb these retreats.
Add suitable climbing opportunities, such as artificial plants, cork bark and securely fixed branches. Make sure the enclosure has no gaps through which your spider could escape.
Temperature and Humidity
Regal jumping spiders generally do well in a stable, comfortably warm environment. Avoid sudden temperature changes and direct sunlight. Jumping spiders do well at between 24 - 28 degrees, and if your chosen room is not this warm, you can achieve these temperatures by placing a heat meat 2cm away from the back of the enclosure, but remember, always use with a thermostat!
Provide appropriate ventilation and monitor the enclosure's humidity. Light misting can provide drinking droplets, but avoid soaking the enclosure or allowing persistent condensation to build up, aim for around 60% humidity, allthough this can be increased slightly during pre moult.
Feeding Your Jumping Spider
Jumping spiders are active hunters that feed on suitable live prey. Depending on their size and developmental stage, appropriate food may include fruit flies, green bottle flies, blue bottle flies and suitably sized wax worms as a treat!
Choose prey that is appropriate for your spider's size and ability to hunt. Remove uneaten live prey, particularly if your spider is preparing to moult, as feeder insects may injure a vulnerable spider.
Feeding frequency depends on age, size, appetite and condition. Spiderlings generally need smaller prey and more frequent feeding than adults. Avoid forcing food on a spider that isn't interested in eating.
Always provide access to suitable drinking droplets through careful misting, while keeping the enclosure clean and well ventilated.
Moulting: What to Expect
Jumping spiders grow by moulting, shedding their old exoskeleton as they develop. Before a moult, your spider may stop eating, spend more time inside its silk retreat or become less active.
This is a normal and important part of its development.
Never disturb a spider that is moulting. Avoid handling it, moving its retreat or introducing live prey during this vulnerable period. Allow your spider time to complete the process and harden its new exoskeleton before resuming normal feeding and activity.
Handling Your Jumping Spider
Jumping spiders are delicate animals, so handling should always be gentle and kept to a minimum.
If you need to move your spider, allow it to walk onto your hand or a suitable soft object voluntarily. Work close to a safe surface and away from open windows, other pets and places where the spider could disappear if it jumps.
Never squeeze, grab or pull a spider from its silk retreat. If your spider seems stressed or reluctant to move, give it space.
It's perfectly fine to enjoy your jumping spider by observing its behaviour inside its enclosure rather than handling it.
Cleaning and General Maintenance
Regular checks help keep your spider's enclosure safe and hygienic.
- Remove uneaten food and any mouldy or decaying material.
- Check that ventilation holes remain clear.
- Ensure climbing decorations are secure.
- Monitor temperature and humidity.
- Avoid disturbing established silk retreats unnecessarily.
A clean, stable environment helps reduce stress and supports your spider's wellbeing.
How Do I Know if My Jumping Spider Is Healthy?
A healthy jumping spider will often be alert and responsive to movement, with a body condition appropriate for its age and feeding history.
However, activity levels can change during moulting, after feeding or as environmental conditions change. A spider resting inside its retreat isn't necessarily unwell.
Caring for Your New Jumper
Bringing home a jumping spider is an exciting experience, and learning its individual habits is part of the enjoyment.
Give your spider time to settle into its new environment, keep its enclosure stable and avoid unnecessary disturbance, especially during the first few days.
At Somerset Little Critters, we're passionate about captive-bred jumping spiders and helping keepers provide the best possible care.
Looking for your next little companion? Browse our available jumping spiders and discover the wonderful world of these curious, eight-eyed hunters.