FAQ’s Frequently Asked Jumping Spider Questions
Get answers to common questions about jumping spiders
No, jumping spiders are not social and will cannibalize each other. However, some people still keep them together, especially very young spiderlings, mated pairs (for VERY short periods, yes, the female will sometimes eat the male), or large colonies kept for research purposes where the keeper doesn’t mind some losses.
Jumping spiders are a group of spiders under the family Salticidae. They can be found worldwide, with more than 6000 species. They are good at jumping and are notable for the pair of large eyes on their face, which they use to look for prey.
Pet jumping spider care includes providing an appropriate enclosure, feeding live insects, cleaning, and maintaining proper lighting and temperature. Jumping spiders are active hunters and need some level of lighting to locate their prey. They are also arboreal and love climbing, so their enclosure should be higher than normal. Some species, like the Phidippus Regius, are considered relatively easy to care for and have a balanced and friendly temperament.
Jumping spiders are carnivorous creatures that primarily feed on insects and other small arthropods. Their diet mainly consists of flies, mosquitoes, crickets, ants, beetles, and other small insects. Jumping spiders are known for their excellent vision and hunting abilities. They use their keen eyesight to track and stalk their prey, and they rely on their strong silk threads to create shelter and navigate their environment.
The frequency of feeding a pet jumping spider depends on its age, species, and sex. Here are some guidelines based on the search results:
- Young jumping spiders should be fed more frequently than adult jumping spiders, around 2-3 times per week.
- Adult jumping spiders can be fed once every 2-3 day.
- Jumping spiders should be fed at least once or twice a week.
- The best time to feed a jumping spider is in the morning, as most jumping spiders are diurnal (active during the day).
- Uneaten prey should be removed at night to avoid disturbing or harming the spider.
- Some older adult jumping spiders can go as long as a month without eating, and spiders sitting on eggs or molting may also go weeks without eating. Don’t worry unless it has been over 3 weeks.
- Jumping spiders should not be overfed, as too much food can lead to digestive problems, stunted growth, or even death.
In summary, it is recommended to feed a pet jumping spider at least once or twice a week, depending on its age, species, and sex. Young spiders should be fed more frequently than adult spiders, and the best time to feed is in the morning. It is important not to overfeed the spider to avoid health problems
The best way to feed a jumping spider is to offer it a variety of feeder insects every 2-3 days, depending on its age, species, and sex. The best time to feed is in the morning, and uneaten prey should be removed from the enclosure. It is important not to overfeed the spider and to avoid feeding it the wrong type of food. Finally, offer the spider droplets of water to drink and keep their enclosure humid
Here are some guidelines on how much to feed a jumping spider based on its size:
- A good rule of thumb is to give your spider about half their body size in prey. For example, if your jumping spider is 1 inch long, you could give it prey that is about 0.5 inches long.
- As a general guideline, offer your spider food every 2-3 days for adult spiders, and more frequently for young spiders.
- The size of the prey should not be larger than 1-1.5 times the size of the spider’s carapace (head), and the spider’s abdomen should not be larger than 1-1.5 times the size of its carapace after a meal. If the abdomen appears plump and rather round, a feeding can be skipped without a guilty conscience.
- The amount of food a jumping spider needs depends on its age, species, and sex. Young spiders eat more than older spiders, and female spiders usually eat more than males. Some older adults can go as long as a month without eating, and spiders sitting on eggs or molting may also go weeks without eating.
- Do not overfeed the spider, as too much food can lead to digestive problems, stunted growth, or even death.
In summary, the amount of food to feed a jumping spider depends on its size, age, species, and sex.
For a jumping spider to digest its food can vary depending on the size of the prey, the age of the spider, and the species. Here are some insights:
- If a jumping spider has a big mealworm, it could take 3-4 days to digest it.
- In general, a feeding schedule of every 1-3 days is appropriate for most jumping spiders, and they can probably survive at least a week without eating.
- The time it takes for a jumping spider to eat its prey can also vary. A jumping spider could takes 12+ hours to eat waxworms and mealworms, and around 5-7 hours for flies.
- After a jumping spider catches its prey, it takes the insect in its mouth and uses serrated teeth and enzymes to break down the body into a liquid. The liquid is then absorbed into the spider’s body.
Remember, these answers are based on general information and practices related to jumping spiders. It’s essential to have open communication with your chosen pet shop to address your specific questions and concerns.