REGAL JUMPING SPIDER — “EVERGLADES”

Quick Care Guide

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

📏 SIZE

• Adults are approximately 1.5–2.2 cm body length.

• Females are generally larger than males.

• Spiderlings are tiny and require appropriately sized prey.

🏠 HOUSING

• Use a tall, well-ventilated enclosure with secure ventilation.

• Provide plenty of branches, twigs, cork and artificial/live foliage for climbing.

• Include elevated surfaces where the spider can build its silk retreat.

• Keep the enclosure secure — jumping spiders are excellent climbers and can escape through small gaps.

• Keep individually.

🌡️ TEMPERATURE

• Aim for approximately 22–27°C during the day.

• A slight drop at night is fine.

• Avoid prolonged temperatures above 28–30°C.

• Normal household temperatures are often suitable.

💡 LIGHTING

• Provide a normal 12-hour day/night cycle.

• Good natural or artificial daylight is useful because Regal Jumping Spiders are visual hunters.

• UVB is not essential, although low-level UVB can be provided.

• Avoid direct sunlight, which can overheat a small enclosure.

💧 HUMIDITY

• Aim for approximately 50–70% humidity.

• Lightly mist one area of the enclosure once daily or as required.

• Allow surfaces to dry between misting.

• Good ventilation is essential — avoid a constantly wet enclosure.

🍽️ FOOD

• Feed appropriately sized live insects.

• Suitable prey includes fruit flies, small flies, small crickets and appropriately sized roach nymphs.

• Offer food around 2–3 times per week, adjusting according to age and appetite.

• Prey should be smaller than, or around the size of, the spider's abdomen.

• Remove uneaten prey, particularly when the spider is preparing to moult.

🚰 WATER

• Jumping spiders generally drink water droplets from surfaces.

• Light misting provides their main source of hydration.

• Do not provide a deep water bowl — a small spider can easily drown.

• Always allow the enclosure to dry partially between misting.

🕷️ SHEDDING / MOULTING

• Jumping spiders moult several times as they grow.

• Signs include reduced appetite, inactivity and spending more time in their silk retreat.

• Never disturb or handle a spider that is moulting.

• Remove live prey if the spider appears to be preparing to moult.

• Ensure humidity and ventilation remain appropriate.

🤲 HANDLING

• They can often be gently hand-walked, but handling is optional.

• Allow the spider to climb onto your hand rather than picking it up.

• Keep handling close to the ground — a fall can cause serious injury.

• Avoid handling during moulting or immediately after a moult.

❤️ HEALTH

• Healthy spiders should be alert, active and responsive, with good coordination and grip.

• Refusing food for several days can be completely normal before moulting.

• Watch for persistent weakness, inability to climb, injuries or abnormal posture.

• A sudden lack of movement may indicate moulting — check carefully before disturbing the spider.

🧹 CLEANING

• Remove uneaten prey and waste regularly.

• Wipe dirty surfaces as required.

• Remove mouldy food or plant material.

• Avoid excessive cleaning that destroys silk retreats unnecessarily.

• Never disturb an occupied moulting retreat.

🏡 BEFORE YOU BRING YOUR ANIMAL HOME

✓ Set up the enclosure before bringing your spider home.
✓ Check temperature, ventilation and humidity.
✓ Add plenty of climbing surfaces and foliage.
✓ Create elevated areas for a silk retreat.
✓ Have appropriately sized live food ready.
✓ Prepare a suitable misting bottle.
✓ Make sure there are no escape gaps.
✓ Have a catch cup ready if the spider needs relocating.

⚠️ IMPORTANT BITS

• Do not house Regal Jumping Spiders together.

• They are visual hunters and benefit from good lighting and plenty of elevated perches.

• Never leave large or aggressive feeder insects with the spider.

• Never disturb a silk retreat during moulting.

• Avoid excessive humidity and poor ventilation.

• Jumping spiders are small and delicate — even a short fall can cause serious injury.

• The “Everglades” form is a locality/line designation; basic care is the same as for other Phidippus regius, although individual colour and pattern can vary.