Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders are fascinating and highly intelligent arachnids that make unique and entertaining pets. Here are some guidelines to ensure the well-being of your jumping spider.
Housing:
Enclosure: A 5-gallon or smaller enclosure is suitable for a jumping spider. Ideally with a lid that only partially opens from the top, or with an opening from the side. This allows them to build a “hammock” in the top part of the enclosure without it being destroyed upon opening. A clear plastic or glass enclosure is recommended to allow for easy viewing.
Substrate: A substrate is not necessary, but a thin layer of coconut fiber or sphagnum moss helps maintain humidity and absorb waste. There is no need to change the substrate unless it gets moldy.
Temperature and Humidity:
Temperature: Room temperature (around 70-75°F or 21-24°C) is generally suitable. Avoid exposing the enclosure to extreme temperatures.
Humidity: Maintain a humidity level of 50-60% through daily misting.
Lighting:
Natural Light: Jumping spiders do not require special lighting. They are generally diurnal and benefit from natural light. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as it can overheat their enclosure.
Diet:
Feeding: Jumping spiders are excellent hunters and primarily feed on live insects like flies, crickets, moths, and small beetles. While prey can be acquired from nature, there is a risk of exposing your spider to pests or parasites. Common feeders that are available for sale, at pet stores or online, are fruit flies, house flies, crickets, cockroaches, and mealworms. Ensure the prey is appropriately sized, about half the size of the spider. If the prey is something that hides or burrows, like a mealworm, offer the food in a separate container with nothing else or use tweezers to hold the prey until the spider takes it.
Feeding Schedule: Offer food every 1-2 days for juveniles and every 3-5 days for adults. The abdomen should always be plump, if it starts to look flat or dented, your spider is hungry.
Fruit fly care: If you purchased fruit flies for your spider, you will need to maintain the population or continue to purchase more until your spider graduates to larger prey. The food for the flies is at the bottom of the container and is called Superfly by the brand Repashy, which you can purchase online, from us, or you can use instant mashed potatoes and a little bit of water, yeast, and white vinegar. Add small amounts of water as the food dries out at the bottom. The flies will reproduce in the container and will eventually need to be moved to a new container with new food or disposed of. You can return to the insectarium to purchase a new culture, and we also carry the supplies to make your own. Keep the flies in the refrigerator to slow them for feeding time or to slow down reproduction. While these fruit flies are genetically engineered to be flightless, they can regain the ability to fly if exposed to high temperatures for several days, so when the weather is above 85F, keep them in the refrigerator. If you need to dispose of the flies, put them in the freezer for 24 hours before throwing them away.
Water:
Misting: A water dish is not necessary. Lightly mist one corner of the enclosure every 1-3 days to maintain humidity levels. Distilled water is best but not necessary.
Enrichment:
Decor: Add small branches, twigs, and leaves for climbing and hiding. Silk plants or artificial decorations can also provide hiding spots and make the enclosure more visually appealing. Make sure there are no toxic paints or glazes on decor. Plastic is usually fine but be wary of ceramic or clay. Anything collected outside should be sterilized in the microwave for at least 1 min.
Play time: Jumping spiders don’t need a large enclosure, however, they are active and social. Invite your spider to come out of the enclosure but make sure it’s on a clean, open surface in case the spider decides to jump away. They like to be up high where they can see people and their surroundings. You can also make a playground inside of a plastic storage container with fun obstacles for your spider to explore!
Handling:
Limited Handling: While jumping spiders are generally more tolerant of handling than other spider species, it's best to limit handling to reduce stress. If you do handle them, do so gently and with clean hands. Make sure to keep your hands over a clean, uncluttered surface so the spider doesn’t get lost.
Cleaning:
Spot Cleaning: Remove any uneaten prey items promptly. Keep the enclosure clean and free from debris. Inside terrarium glass must be cleaned with water only, outside can be cleaned with a small amount of glass cleaner to remove fingerprints and smudges.
Providing a stimulating and comfortable environment for your jumping spider will contribute to its overall well-being and longevity. Always observe and interact with your pet responsibly and ethically. Do not release non-native spiders or feeder insects into the wild.