Jumping Spider Care

Jumping Spider Care Guide

Basic Information

Jumping spiders have become increasingly popular pets over the years due to their intelligent and interactive personalities. They are beginner-friendly, as they hardly bite, provided they are handled with care. They are a diurnal species of spider with a short lifespan of about 1-2 years, depending on whether the spider is male or female. They are an arboreal species of spider that is known for jumping across surfaces to traverse and catch their prey. Their longevity will depend mainly on the care they receive in captivity. 

Health

The venom of a jumping spider is harmless to humans unless you are allergic to it. If bitten, wash the area with water and antibacterial soap, and apply a cold compress to reduce any swelling. People tend to describe the bite as a tiny prick in the skin. Jumping spiders will hardly ever bite unless they feel threatened, and even then, it's more of a warning bite. If you experience symptoms worse than those stated above, such as hives or trouble breathing, you may be allergic to the venom and should consult a doctor. 

The best way to maintain the health of a jumping spider is to keep its environment optimal. This includes temperature, ventilation, and humidity levels, as failure to maintain any of these conditions can lead to molting problems, dehydration, or bacterial infections. The enclosure should be regularly cleaned to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and fungi. 

As jumping spiders enter old age, they will lose their ability to climb surfaces and jump well. When this happens, it's recommended to place something soft on the bottom of the enclosure, such as paper towels, in case the spider falls. Providing ribbon or other easily climbable objects is also recommended. For food choices, choose something that will not damage the spider in any way, as their ability to hunt their food source will also decrease. 

Enclosures

For jumping spiders, the size of the enclosure does matter. For small jumpers, an enclosure around 14x8x8cm is recommended, while adult-sized jumpers can accommodate a 24x12x12cm enclosure. Any enclosure you choose for the jumping spider should come complete with the correct openings and ventilation holes. Ventilation is vital for their enclosures, as proper air circulation is necessary to minimize the risk of developing damp conditions that can foster the growth of bacteria and mold. The openings to get inside and feed or clean should be on the sides rather than the top, as jumpers typically make their nest high up and/or in crevices. The number of holes matters for the ventilation aspect, and their location is usually in an area where jumpers cannot easily access and escape from. Too much space can be stressful for jumpers if they do not have enough hiding space. 

The range of decorations for a jumper's enclosure is quite broad. Still, for a simple setup, a thin layer of substrate is typically used on the bottom, followed by the inclusion of climbable objects such as branches and foliage. The main thing to remember is that mold-resistant objects are used in conjunction with other decorations, not just the ones listed above. Keep the enclosure away from direct sunlight, as this can cause the spider to overheat. 

**It is not recommended to house more than one jumping spider in the same enclosure. They will fight and potentially eat each other, so separate enclosures are a must for multiple spiders. 

Heating/Lighting

Jumping spiders are primarily diurnal and will follow a natural day/night cycle. No supplemental light is needed unless they are in an area with no natural light. If you do need lighting, a simple LED bulb that gives off no heat will suffice. A day-night cycle is beneficial to the spider's activity and aids in its hunting when it's time to eat. As for heating, jumping spiders will typically be comfortable with the temperature if you are comfortable with the temperature. Most households are maintained at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is comfortable for jumping spiders as well. Do not let their temperature drop too much at night. Try to keep the enclosure in an area with a constant temperature. Supplemental heat sources may pose a risk to their health due to their small size and the high temperatures that most heat sources can reach. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the enclosure. 

Substrate

There are a few different options of substrate you can use for a jumping spider’s enclosure. Creature soil is ideal as it can hold a decent amount of humidity and is excellent for live plants if you decide to make a more bioactive enclosure. Reptile carpet and aquarium gravel are also options. However, there are honestly many more possibilities that delve into the more crafty side of making a jumping spider enclosure, so feel free to get creative with it! Keep in mind that whatever you use must be non-toxic to the jumping spider and resistant to mold. 

Humidity

When introducing moisture into the enclosure, use a fine mist spray bottle to spray gently into the enclosure and substrate. There should only be enough moisture introduced to provide a slight increase in humidity and water for the spider to drink.  Do not spray directly onto the jumper, as the moisture can get into their lungs and suffocate them. Misting should be done only every few days, but this will depend on the ventilation aspect of their enclosure. The substrate should dry within the day of spraying, even with some moisture still present in the enclosure. If not, replace the wet substrate with a dry one. Using a hygrometer will be vital as you learn to control the humidity of the enclosure you use. 

Water

A water dish for jumping spiders is not necessary. Instead, they will get their hydration from the small water droplets provided by the misting they get. If you decide to use a water dish in your enclosure, ensure it is as small and shallow as possible, as the jumping spider and its prey risk drowning. 

Food

Jumping spiders have a strong prey drive and will hunt their food rather than trap it in webs. It takes time, but it's essential to observe your spider to see how it eats and ensure it's getting the necessary sustenance. Food choice will depend on the size of the spider, as there will be different-sized food options available for each. For spiderlings, feed melangastor fruit flies. For small juveniles, feed melangastor or hydei fruit flies. For large juveniles to subadults, hydeis or small dubias are recommended. And finally, for adults, you can feed mealworms, small dubias, or small crickets. Also, keep in mind that if the enclosure is too large, the spider may have difficulty locating their food, so make adjustments accordingly. Frequency of feedings ranges from every day for spiderlings, 3-7 days for juveniles, and 5-10 days for adults. However, this depends on your spider and its feeding habits. 

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