Jumping Spiders: The Approachable Pet Invertebrate
Truly Interactive
Jumping spiders hunt by sight, with excellent vision. Many pet jumpers turn to watch you, follow your finger and walk onto your hand. That curiosity is what makes them such popular first invertebrates.
A Short Life
Most pet jumping spiders live about one to two years, and adults bought from breeders may already be well through that. It's part of the deal; enjoy the time you have.
A Small, Tall Enclosure
- Taller than wide, because they build a silk sleeping hammock near the top. A small enclosure suits them; too big and they struggle to find food.
- Good ventilation on the sides or top, with a secure door.
- Twigs, cork and plants to climb and hide in.
- Room temperature suits most; a bright room helps them stay active by day, but keep them out of direct sun.
Feeding and Water
Offer small live insects (fruit flies for young spiders; small crickets, flies or roaches for adults) every few days. Remove uneaten crickets. Mist lightly a few times a week so they can drink from droplets, and let the enclosure dry between mistings.
Handling Gently
Let the spider walk from hand to hand rather than picking it up, low over a table or bed. Jumping spiders can leap, so stay calm. Bites are rare and usually mild. Leave the spider alone while it is molting in its hammock.
How They Compare to a Tarantula
Jumping spiders are smaller, day-active, more interactive and much shorter-lived. Tarantulas are display animals that can live for decades. See tarantulas.
The Small Setup a Jumping Spider Needs
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A small, tall, ventilated enclosure is the base, with twigs and cork for climbing. A fine-mist spray bottle provides drinking water, and small feeder insects or fruit fly cultures cover meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lifespan and handling come up most.
How long do jumping spiders live?
Often about one to two years, depending on the species and sex.
Can you handle a jumping spider?
Gently, yes. Let it walk from hand to hand, low over a soft surface. Leave it alone while molting.
What do jumping spiders eat?
Small live insects every few days: fruit flies for young spiders and small crickets, flies or roaches for adults.
How big an enclosure does a jumping spider need?
A small, well-ventilated enclosure that is taller than it is wide, with twigs to climb.
Do jumping spiders bite?
Rarely, and usually mildly. They're more likely to jump away.
Related Reading
- Tarantulas: the long-lived display spider.
- Stick insects and mantids: other easy invertebrates.
Few vets treat invertebrates. If your spider seems unwell, an exotics vet or an experienced keeper can advise.