Jumping Spiders: A Guide To These Curious Arachnids

Jumping spiders are one of the most unique arachnids you may come across. They are oddly cute looking and as you may have guessed from their name, they like to jump! This guide will cover everything you need to know about them whether you're just curious to know why they have that name or if you're considering getting one as a pet.

What Are Jumping Spiders?

Jumping spiders belong to the largest family of spiders, Salticidae. There are over 6,000 species that can be found around the globe. Wherever you live, there is a good chance you could come across one of these critters. These spiders are known for their unique hunting skills and great vision. Rather than relying on their web, they hunt their prey by jumping on them. and tend to hunt during the day.

One way to identify them is by their forward-facing eyes. They have two large principal eyes with a smaller secondary eye next to each. Some people say these four eyes give them a cuter appearance than other spiders. However, they do have four other secondary eyes further back on their head giving them a total of eight eyes. These spiders' sizes can range from 6mm to 24mm which is equivalent to 0.6 cm - 2.4 cm (0.24in - 0.94in).

How Long Does A Jumping Spider Live

A jumping spider lives for about one to two years. Females often live longer than the males, especially after the males have mated. Things that can influence their lifespan are diet, environmental factors, and whether they live in the wild or in captivity.

Some Types of Jumping Spiders

While there are thousands of species of jumping spiders, here are some of my favorite types:

• High Eyelashed Jumping Spider (Phidippus mystaceus): This spider can be found in North America. It’s known for what looks like long eyelashes or small spikes above the female's eyes. Its legs have a yellow to orange hue while the body is grey with a unique pattern.

• Peacock Jumping Spider (Maratus volans): Native to Australia, this spider is known for the male’s colorful and vibrant display, which involves raising its colorful abdomen like a peacock.

• Translucent Green Jumper (Lyssomanes viridis): These spiders are recognizable by their bright green body and are mainly found in Central and South America.

Jumping spiders have adapted to a variety of environments including:

• Forests: They thrive in areas with plenty of trees and often use branches and leaves to spot their prey.

• Urban Areas: Their prey often hang around buildings, so you may find some of these spiders near your house.

• Mountains: Some species have adapted to higher altitudes and lurk under rocks and grasses as they await their prey.

Are Jumping Spiders Good Pets?

Yes, Jumping Spiders make good pets. They are low maintenance and have relatively simple care needs. Their active and curious characteristics make them popular amongst spider enthusiasts. However, it's important to know how to properly care for them.

Check out this educational video by Jumping Spooders on the general care for these spiders:

Please keep in mind the following information is very broad to this pet and further research should be done based on the specific species you plan on getting.

Feeding

These spiders are carnivorous and mainly feed on small insects. When young they'll feed on smaller prey like fruit flies but once they are adults they can eat insects that are larger than them such as crickets and even mealworms. They eat every 2-3 days and sometimes go an extra day or two without eating. They'll get a lot of their water from their food but it's best to keep their enclosure moist so they can drink from the drops of water.

Enclosure

Since they are so small, an enclosure of five gallons is plenty of space for them. Even an enclosure of three gallons or less will be fine. When they are young, they should be in a smaller enclosure and as they grow can be moved to a slightly larger one. An enclosure that's too big may make it harder for them to find food. Make sure to provide substrate, leaves, huts, and branches for them to jump around and hide in.

One of the most important things about their enclosure is having enough ventilation. If you're using a plastic enclosure, you can drill tiny holes on the sides. Try avoiding an enclosure with a lid at the top and instead go for one with an opening on a side. These little critters like building their web at the top which you may damage when opening the enclosure.

Temperature/Humidity

This varies on the species you decide to get but on average they thrive at room temperature (70-75 degrees Fahrenheit). Some species may require more humidity than others. A light misting every day or two should be sufficient but double check with the vendor when buying one.  Keep the enclosure in an area where they can get light but NEVER keep them in direct sunlight. Indirect sunlight can be safe if the temperatures and humidity are right.

Conclusion

Jumping Spiders are fascinating to watch and they're probably just as fascinated watching you. They are unlike your average spider by hunting without webs. Their curious personality and hardiness make them great pets for spider enthusiasts. Their demure size and eyes make them quite cute. Next time you see one just know they're not trying to harm you, they just want to be your friend.

Jumping Spider FAQ

How Far Can A Jumping Spider Jump

Surprisingly, jumping spiders can jump up to 50 times their body length. Though this varies by species, it is impressive how far they can jump based on their size.

Are Jumping Spiders Poisonous?

Why Are There Jumping Spiders In My House?