Published on October 9th, 2025
Updated on October 16th, 2025
This care sheet covers a variety of jumping spider species, including:
Phidippus apacheanus
Phidippus audax
Phidippus bidentatus
Phidippus johnsoni
Phidippus putnami
Phidippus regius
Overview
Jumping spiders have compact, robust bodies with powerful legs and large, forward-facing eyes
Jumping spiders have excellent daytime vision. They can see UV, blue, green and red spectrums
They are curious, active hunters who stalk prey and leap with precision
Jumping spiders use their silk mainly for building hammocks and safety lines, not for catching prey
Jumping spiders look like they are waving. They wave by moving their legs and pedipalps for sensing their surroundings, courtship and identifying a threat
Jumping spiders are generally docile. Bites are rare and comparable to a bee sting
These spiders can be very timid and are more likely to flee or jump away if startled
With time, some jumping spiders may enjoy interacting with their pet parents
Care Difficulty
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Beginner
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Average Life Span
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Depending on the species and with proper care: Up to 2+ years |
Average Adult Size
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0.24–0.86 in. long, depending on sex and species
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Diet
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Carnivorous/insectivorous
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Minimum Habitat Size
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2.5 gallons for an adult
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An appropriately sized and shaped habitat at least three times their leg-span long and two times their leg-span wide is required to accommodate normal behavior and exercise.
Decor: Provide climbing structures (silk-safe plants, climbing decorations and a hideaway). Secure with magnets or food-safe adhesives. If any materials are sourced from an outdoor space, ensure they have never been sprayed with chemicals as they can be toxic to your pet
Substrate: Coconut fiber, moss, sand or soil mix to retain some moisture. Avoid gravel and artificial turf
Temperature: 72 to 80°F (22 to 26°C) preferred. Can survive room temps but may thrive better slightly warmer
Lighting: Bright indirect light or LED daylight cycle (~12 hours). Avoid heat lamps and direct sunlight
Humidity: 50 to 70%, mist enclosure lightly once daily. Droplets should dry within 1 to 2 hours. Avoid stagnant high humidity to help prevent mold
Spot clean weekly (remove prey remains, droppings)
Try not to disturb the web hammocks created
Replace substrate as needed, typically monthly
Thoroughly clean and disinfect the enclosure between re-setups
A well-balanced jumping spider diet consists of:
Spiderlings (1st to 3rd instar): D. melanogaster fruit flies
Juveniles (4th to 6th instar): D. hydei fruit flies, small flies
Adults: Houseflies, blue bottle flies, small crickets, mealworms, waxworms
Jumping spiders do not require a vitamin or calcium supplement, but it can be beneficial to provide their food with a vitamin supplement to gut load prior to feeding
Spiderlings: 2 to 3 fruit flies daily
Juveniles: Feed every 3 to 5 days; amounts will depend on size of insect offered
Adults: Feed every 5 to 10 days; amounts will depend on size of insect offered
No bowls; provide fine mist spray for drinking droplets
Prey should be smaller than or equal to spider’s body length
Remove uneaten prey within an hour; flies are safer to leave than crickets
Avoid overfeeding as this can cause an engorged abdomen and molting risks
Handle with caution; their fragile abdomen can rupture if dropped
Use a soft brush or allow spider to climb voluntarily
Always have a “catch cup” nearby
Avoid handling during pre-molt or right after molting
Jumping spiders molt roughly 8 times before maturity
Spiders may seal themselves in a hammock for days or weeks; do not disturb
Ensure hydration and stable humidity to prevent mismolts
Adult jumping spiders do not molt again after maturity
Active, alert, exploring during the day
Rounded, plump abdomen
Feeding regularly
Builds hammocks/webbing
Shrunken or shriveled abdomen
Refusal to eat outside of pre-molt
Uncoordinated or jerky movements
Frequent falls or staying only on the ground
Dull coloration or lethargy
Health Issues
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Symptoms or Causes
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Suggested Actions
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Dehydration
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Shriveled abdomen, weakness
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Mist enclosure, provide water droplets
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Mismolt
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Stuck in old molt
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Maintain humidity, avoid disturbance during molt
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| Falls, Injuries |
Bleeding
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Consult your veterinarian immediately |
Bumps, blemishes, bald spots and other obvious skin abnormalities
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May be caused by trauma, parasites, tumors
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Consult your veterinarian immediately
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Jumping spiders are available for purchase at your local Petco location. Call ahead to check availability.
Cricket keeper
Cricket food
Cricket quencher
Jumping spiders should be housed individually
No. A jumping spider can be a great beginner pet. They are intelligent, curious and generally lower maintenance than some other spider species.
Jumping spiders can clear 20 to100 cm or 8 to 40 inches.
Jumping spiders can live 1 to 3 years depending on their sex and care, with females generally outliving males.
Jumping spiders do have small fangs and although rare, their bite is mild, similar to a bee sting. Svere allergic reactions are possible but uncommon.
Jumping spiders are found worldwide, except in Antarctica; Phidippus regius is native to Florida, the Caribbean and subtropical regions.
Jumping spiders drink from mist droplets, not water bowls.
No. Jumping spiders are solitary and cannibalistic.
The information on this care sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is sick, or if you need additional information, please contact your veterinarian as appropriate.