REGAL JUMPING SPIDER

“BAHAMAS” — Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Phidippus regius
Adult Size: Approx. 1.5–2.2 cm body length | Lifespan: Around 1–2 years | Activity: Diurnal

📏 SIZE

• Adults are approximately 1.5–2.2 cm body length.
• Females are generally larger than males.
• The “Bahamas” locality is a colour/locality form of Phidippus regius.

🏠 HOUSING

• Use a secure vertical enclosure with excellent ventilation.
• Approx. 20 × 20 × 30 cm is suitable for an adult.
• Provide twigs, cork, artificial/live foliage and climbing surfaces.
• Leave open space near the top for silk hammocks.
• House individually.

🌡️ TEMPERATURE

• Aim for 22–27°C during the day.
• A slight drop at night is acceptable.
• Avoid prolonged temperatures above 28–30°C.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and radiators.

💡 LIGHTING

• Provide a natural 10–12 hour day/night cycle.
• Good ambient lighting helps with hunting and activity.
• Low-level UVB can be beneficial but is not essential.
• Provide shaded areas.

💧 HUMIDITY

• Aim for approximately 50–70%.
• Lightly mist one side of the enclosure as required.
• Allow the enclosure to partially dry between mistings.
• Good ventilation is essential.

🦗 FOOD

• Feed appropriately sized live insects.
• Suitable prey includes fruit flies, small flies, small crickets and appropriately sized roaches.
• Juveniles require smaller prey.
• Adults can generally be fed 2–3 times per week, depending on appetite and body condition.
• Remove uneaten prey where possible.

💦 WATER

• They usually drink water droplets from misting.
• Lightly mist the enclosure rather than providing a deep water bowl.
• Never allow standing water to accumulate.

🐚 SHEDDING

• Juveniles moult several times as they grow.
• The spider may stop eating and retreat into its silk hammock before moulting.
• Never disturb the spider during a moult.
• Remove live prey if a moult is suspected.
• Allow the spider to fully harden before handling or feeding.

🤲 HANDLING

• Can often be gently hand-walked once settled.
• Allow the spider to walk onto your hand rather than picking it up.
• Handle close to a safe surface as they can jump unexpectedly.
• Never handle during or immediately after moulting.

❤️ HEALTH

• Healthy spiders should be alert, active and able to climb and grip securely.
• Temporary refusal of food is normal around moulting.
• Persistent lethargy, poor grip or difficulty moving may indicate a problem.
• Avoid overheating, dehydration and excessive humidity.

🧹 CLEANING

• Remove dead insects and waste regularly.
• Clean contaminated areas carefully.
• Avoid unnecessarily destroying established silk hammocks.
• Use only chemical-free cleaning methods around the enclosure.

🏡 BEFORE YOU BRING YOUR ANIMAL HOME

✓ Secure vertical enclosure
✓ Excellent ventilation
✓ Climbing branches and foliage
✓ Suitable webbing/resting areas
✓ Temperature checked and stable
✓ Hygrometer installed
✓ Appropriate live food available
✓ Fine misting bottle prepared

⚠️ IMPORTANT BITS

• House Regal Jumping Spiders individually.
• Never disturb a spider preparing to moult or one that has recently moulted.
• They are excellent jumpers — keep the enclosure secure whenever it is opened.
• Avoid pesticides, aerosols, perfumes and household chemicals.
• Never leave large or aggressive prey in the enclosure.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
• The “Bahamas” locality does not require a fundamentally different care setup from other Phidippus regius.