Regal jumping spider

Phidippus regius is a jumping spider from the south-eastern United States and parts of the Caribbean. Published adult measurements are roughly 6–22 mm in body length, depending on sex and individual; that is not leg span. Colour or metallic-looking mouthparts alone cannot reliably identify or sex every juvenile.

Ask for hatch or moult history and the animal’s stage before purchase. Keeper lifespan estimates often span one to three years, but a mature animal of unknown age may have much less time remaining. You will need reliable live prey and someone who can care for a tiny spider without disturbing its silk retreat.

Keep one spider in a secure, ventilated vertical enclosure with connected climbing surfaces and sheltered silk anchors. Choose access that does not tear open a retreat near the top. Tiny juveniles need especially fine escape gaps and prey they can find; an adult enclosure specification does not automatically fit them.

Keeper guidance often describes about 20–24°C, but an exact species optimum has not been established here. Measure enclosure conditions before adding heat. A small container in direct sun can overheat quickly, so place it away from sunny windows and uncontrolled heaters.

This is a daytime visual hunter. Provide useful daytime illumination and darkness overnight, with shaded resting places. The evidence reviewed does not establish a species-specific UVB target. Do not add a strong reptile basking lamp to improve the view of your spider.

Offer small drinking droplets while keeping airflow and allowing drying between wettings. Do not flood the silk retreat or leave large trapped drops around spiderlings. Keeper humidity percentages are not proven requirements; usable droplets and a well-ventilated refuge matter more than sealing the container to reach one number.

Use cultured prey the spider can capture safely, from tiny fruit flies for small juveniles to suitable larger insects as it grows. Observe capture success and abdomen condition rather than using one timetable for every stage. Remove biting prey. A spider sealing itself inside silk may be preparing to moult; do not open the retreat or force food.

Silk is used for resting, moulting, egg protection and safety lines. Preserve sound retreats during cleaning. Handling is optional and creates escape or fall risks; for essential transfers, use a catch container or voluntary movement onto support. Keep any contact low and away from other pets, open windows and hazards.

Allow the new body to harden after moulting before feeding again. Repeated falls, grip failure, injuries or progressive loss of condition need experienced invertebrate advice. Do not peel away old cuticle. Mature males may feed and behave differently from juveniles, so assess the animal’s stage as well as its appetite.

Prefer documented captive-bred stock with a scientific identification and developmental history. Ask about mating history if buying a mature female: she may produce several egg sacs after purchase. Plan for contained offspring and specialist prey. Check current import requirements and never release a spider or egg sac outdoors.

Prepare stage-appropriate prey and secure housing before arrival. Check droplets, ventilation and escape gaps during routine care. Remove waste without damaging retreats, and record meals and moults. When the spider closes itself away for a moult, give it peace rather than repeatedly checking inside.