Regal Jumping Spider “Everglade” Care Guide
Phidippus regius
SIZE
• Adult: approx. 1.5–2.5 cm body length
• Lifespan: usually 1–2 years
HOUSING
• Small arboreal enclosure with good ventilation
• Adult minimum: approx. 20 × 20 × 30 cm
• Height is more important than floor space
• Provide twigs, cork, foliage and plenty of climbing surfaces
• Keep the enclosure secure — jumping spiders are excellent escape artists
TEMPERATURE
• Day: 22–27°C
• Night: 18–22°C
• Avoid temperatures above 30°C
LIGHTING
• Low-level UVB 2–5% can be beneficial
• Provide a natural day/night cycle
• Good lighting helps encourage normal activity and hunting
HUMIDITY
• Aim for around 50–70%
• Lightly mist one side of the enclosure as required
• Allow surfaces to dry between misting
• Good ventilation is essential
FOOD
• Offer appropriately sized live insects such as fruit flies, small flies, micro crickets and small roaches
• Juveniles require smaller prey
• Remove uneaten prey, especially before moulting
WATER
• They usually drink water droplets from misting
• Lightly mist the enclosure rather than using a deep water bowl
• Never leave the enclosure soaking wet
SHEDDING
• A jumping spider may become less active and stop feeding before moulting
• Provide adequate humidity and leave it completely undisturbed
• Never attempt to handle a spider during a moult
HANDLING
• Can become tame with gentle interaction
• Allow the spider to walk onto your hand rather than grabbing it
• Handle close to the ground to prevent injury from falls
• Avoid handling during premoult or immediately after moulting
HEALTH
• Watch for lethargy, dehydration, difficulty climbing or abnormal movement
• Falls can cause serious injuries
• Good ventilation helps prevent mould and respiratory problems
• Ensure prey is appropriately sized
CLEANING
• Remove uneaten prey and waste regularly
• Clean visible mould or heavily soiled areas
• Avoid destroying the spider's silk retreat/sac unnecessarily
• Full cleans should be minimal
BEFORE YOU BRING YOUR ANIMAL HOME
✓ Secure ventilated enclosure
✓ Branches, cork & foliage
✓ Suitable lighting
✓ Thermometer/hygrometer
✓ Misting bottle
✓ Live feeder insects
✓ Small catch cup
✓ Safe, stable climbing surfaces
IMPORTANT BITS
• Excellent climbers and jumpers — keep the enclosure secure
• Provide lots of elevated hiding and resting places
• Never grab or squeeze the spider
• Keep away from excessive heat and direct sunlight
• Do not disturb a moulting spider
• Avoid large prey that could injure a small spider
