Jumping Spider Care Guide

umping Spider Care Guide

Complete Care, Enclosure & Husbandry Guide

Jumping spiders are intelligent, curious, and visually captivating arachnids known for their excellent vision, interactive personalities, and active hunting behavior. Their manageable size and engaging nature make them one of the most popular invertebrates in the hobby for both beginners and experienced keepers alike.

At House of MyNia, we believe in creating thoughtfully designed environments that prioritize both functionality and animal well-being. This guide covers the foundational care requirements for most commonly kept jumping spider species.

Enclosure Requirements

Proper Enclosure Size

Jumping spiders require secure enclosures with adequate vertical space for climbing, exploration, and web-building.

Recommended Minimum Size:

  • Small juveniles: 3"x3"x6"
  • Adults: 4"x4"x8" or larger

Vertical enclosures are generally preferred for most arboreal species such as Phidippus regius and Phidippus audax.

Ventilation

Proper airflow is essential for maintaining a healthy environment.

Poor ventilation can contribute to:

  • Mold growth
  • Stagnant humidity
  • Bacterial buildup

Cross ventilation is strongly recommended and helps maintain stable enclosure conditions.

Safe Enclosure Design

Jumping spiders naturally build hammocks and retreats near the top of their enclosure. Because of this, enclosure design should minimize disturbance to these web structures whenever possible.

Recommended Features:

  • Cork bark
  • Twigs and climbing branches
  • Artificial or live plants
  • Elevated anchor points for web hammocks

Front-opening enclosures are generally preferred since many jumping spiders create hammocks along the top portion of the enclosure.

Temperature & Humidity

Requirements vary by species, but most commonly kept jumping spiders thrive within the following ranges:

General Care Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72–82°F
  • Humidity: 50–70% depending on species

Light misting is typically sufficient for hydration and humidity maintenance.

Avoid excessively damp conditions or poor airflow.

Hydration

Jumping spiders generally drink water droplets from enclosure walls, webbing, or decorations.

Hydration Tips:

  • Lightly mist the enclosure as needed
  • Avoid soaking the enclosure
  • Allow proper airflow between mistings

Never place large open water dishes inside small jumping spider enclosures, especially for sling or juvenile spiders.

Feeding

Jumping spiders are active visual hunters and should be fed appropriately sized live prey.

Common Feeder Options:

  • Fruit flies (for slings and juveniles)
  • Bottle flies
  • Small roaches
  • Mealworms (occasionally)
  • Small crickets

Feeding Rule:

Prey should generally not exceed the size of the spider’s abdomen.

Most jumping spiders feed every few days depending on age and size.

Important Feeder Insect Disclaimer

At House of MyNia, we strongly recommend sourcing feeder insects from trusted breeders or reputable specialty suppliers whenever possible.

Many hobbyists within the exotic pet community have reported concerns regarding feeder insects purchased from certain large chain or “big box” pet stores, including claims of potential parasites, pesticides, or contaminants that may negatively affect sensitive species such as:

  • Jumping spiders
  • Tarantulas
  • Praying mantises
  • Reptiles
  • Other invertebrates

While we cannot independently verify all of these claims, we believe it is always best to prioritize caution and quality when it comes to the health of your animals.

We recommend:

  • Purchasing feeders from reputable sources
  • Avoiding unhealthy or poorly maintained feeders
  • Properly caring for feeder insects prior to use

Molting

Like all arachnids, jumping spiders molt as they grow.

Before molting, jumping spiders may:

  • Refuse food
  • Become inactive
  • Remain inside their hammock for extended periods

During Molting:

Never disturb a jumping spider while it is molting.

Successful molts require:

  • Stable humidity
  • Proper ventilation
  • Minimal disturbance
  • Secure web hammocks

Disturbing a spider during this process can lead to serious injury or failed molts.

Substrate Options

Substrate primarily helps maintain humidity and improve enclosure aesthetics.

Suitable Substrates:

  • Cocoa coir
  • Sphagnum moss
  • Bioactive substrate mixes
  • Paper towel

Keep substrate lightly moist when necessary, but avoid overly wet conditions.

Lighting

Jumping spiders benefit from a regular day/night light cycle.

Natural indirect lighting or low-output LED lighting is generally sufficient.

Good lighting often encourages:

  • Better activity levels
  • Feeding response
  • Natural behavior

Avoid placing enclosures in direct sunlight, which may quickly overheat the enclosure.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Routine maintenance helps maintain a healthy environment.

Recommended Maintenance:

  • Remove uneaten prey promptly
  • Spot clean waste regularly
  • Monitor humidity and airflow
  • Replace substrate as needed

Avoid destroying web hammocks during cleaning whenever possible.

Handling

Jumping spiders are generally curious and tolerant of gentle interaction.

Best Practices:

  • Allow the spider to walk onto your hand voluntarily
  • Move slowly and calmly
  • Handle close to a soft surface in case of jumps

Never force interaction or handle during premolt or immediately after molting.

Cohabitation Warning

Jumping spiders should almost always be housed individually.

Housing multiple spiders together can result in:

  • Stress
  • Territorial disputes
  • Cannibalism
  • Injury or death

Common Beginner Mistakes

  • Poor ventilation
  • Overfeeding
  • Excessively wet enclosures
  • Destroying web hammocks frequently
  • Using oversized prey
  • Housing spiders together

Final Thoughts

Jumping spiders are highly rewarding animals that combine intelligence, personality, and fascinating hunting behavior in a compact and approachable package. With proper ventilation, hydration, feeding, and enclosure design, they can thrive and display incredible natural behaviors.

At House of MyNia, we believe thoughtfully designed habitats create healthier, safer, and more enriching environments for both keeper and animal.

If you ever have questions regarding jumping spider care, setup recommendations, or husbandry support, we are always happy to help.