Essential Tips for Caring for Jumping Spiders

Jumping spiders are fascinating creatures known for their quirky personalities and excellent hunting skills. Their vibrant colors and distinctive jumping abilities make them a popular choice among spider enthusiasts. If you're considering bringing one of these incredible arachnids into your home, it's essential to understand the basics of jumping spider care. In this guide, we will delve into essential tips and tricks to ensure your jumping spider thrives in its new environment.

Jumping Spider Care

Caring for a jumping spider involves several key aspects. Understanding their habitat, dietary needs, and behavior is critical for a successful relationship with this unique pet.

Create an Adequate Habitat

The first step in caring for your jumping spider is to provide a suitable habitat. Use a terrarium that is well-ventilated.

• Size: Enclosure wise it's better to have a front opening home as they are arboreal and we don't want to disturb their web for moulting or accidentally squish them!

• In regards to the size of enclosure, once they are older I'd say the larger the better 20x20x30 is the standard arboreal acrylic enclosures on the market, or the square terrestrial enclosures (available www.themantishouse.co.uk). 

  
  

• Substrate and Decor: Use substrate like coconut fiber or peat moss to help retain humidity. Decorate with branches, leaves, or artificial foliage to give your spider climbing opportunities.

  
  

• Humidity and Temperature

  Temperature range of 26-32c, personally I keep mine at approximately 26c

• You will need the correct equipment to provide heat for them, this can be a heat mat, heating cables or overhead heat lamps, but remember to use all of the above with a thermostat otherwise you run the risk of cooking your new spood and your house.

• Most jumper houses don't allow for the thermostat probe to be placed inside the enclosure, to combat this a digital thermometer can be placed into the enclosure separately, from that you can gauge whether or not your thermostat needs to be set higher or lower. It takes a bit of patience and tweaking to get the correct temperature.

• Humidity wise I'd aim for the 50-60% mark, again you can purchase a digital thermometer which may also have the humidity percentage on it.

• To increase humidity you can keep part of the substrate damp and use items such as moss/plants to hep retain humidity. If purchasing a bio active decor pack, you'll find hydro balls in the kit, these help water drain, hold and release humidity back into the enclosure."Temperature & Humidity is local dependant"

  
  

Feeding Your Jumping Spider

Jumping spiders are carnivorous and primarily feed on insects. A balanced diet is vital for their health.

• Instar 5/6 Wil be fed on fruit fies Drosophila Hydei as they grow largerHouse fly and greenbottles are your next step. Older jumpers will appreciate the occasional waxworm/moth/blue bottleor even small locust.

• I do not advise feeding crickets as they can harbour bad bacteria which isn't good for your spood.

• Mealworms are an option but again there are better alternatives as their skin (chitin) is harder to digest.

• Always check the abdomen size before feeding as over feeding can lead to issues, I have a guide which will help you assess if your spider needs food until you are able to visually tell yourself.

• When it comes to drinking, jumpers should be lightly misted daily, fine mist to ensure no large droplets which can be deadly to them, their anatomy places their book lungs under their abdomens, so be cautious.

• Your spider will drink the fine droplet from either the walls of their enclosure or off of decor.

  
  

Observe Their Behaviors

Understanding and observing your spider's behavior is vital for ensuring its well-being.

• Activity Patterns: Jumping spiders are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. Spend time observing their hunting style, as they use their excellent vision to stalk and leap at their prey.

  
  

• Social Interaction: While jumping spiders are not social creatures, they exhibit curious behaviors. They often explore their surroundings and may even recognize their owners over time.

  
  
  
  

  Health and Maintenance

Keeping your jumping spider healthy involves regular maintenance of their habitat and monitoring for potential health issues.

• Cleaning: Regularly clean the enclosure, removing uneaten food and waste. This helps prevent mold and pests.

  
  

• Signs of Illness: Look for signs of illness, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, or abnormal behavior. If you suspect something is wrong, consult a reputable breeder.

  
  

• Moulting: Jumping spiders will molt as they grow. Ensure they have plenty of space and suitable conditions during this time, as it can sometimes be a stressful period for them.

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• Moulting can be a worry for new owners, but as long as you care is on point you should be fine.*Remember to keep misting during the moulting period.

• When your spider goes into pre moult they will create a web hammock) during this time they will hide inside it and refuse food, this is perfectly normal behaviour. Soon your spider will moult by removing their old exoskeleton, their size will increase as will their appearance colouration, markings.

• Most of the time you will see them pushing their old skeleton outside of their web!Once they are active again and moving about you can offer them food, if their exoskeleton has hardened enough they will accept it. The exoskeleton needs to harden so they can eat as their chelicerae (fangs) have a lot of work to do!

  
  

Enrichment and Interaction

Jumping spiders thrive with environmental enrichment and occasional interaction.

• Enclosure Changes: Rotating decorations or rearranging the enclosure can mimic an enriched environment, encouraging activity.

  
  

• Observation Sessions: Spend time watching your spider. This not only builds your bond but allows you to study its behavior in detail.

  
  

Final Thoughts on Jumping Spider Care

Owning a jumping spider can be a rewarding experience if you provide the right care and environment. By understanding their habitat needs, feeding habits, and behavior, you create a thriving environment for your new pet. If you're looking for a delightful addition to your home, consider checking out a jumping spider With proper care and love, your jumping spider will surely bring joy and fascination to your life.