The ultimate jumping spider care guide
🕷️ Phidippus regius Care Guide (I4–I5)
🏠 Enclosure
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Size: 3x3x5 inch or small deli cup (4–8 oz)
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Must have:
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Vertical climbing space (important)
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Cork bark / fake leaves / mesh wall
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Tight lid with ventilation holes
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💡 They need height more than floor space
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
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Temp: 72–82°F
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Safe range: 68–85°F
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Humidity: 55–70%
💧 Light mist:
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2–3 times per week
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Only light droplets on walls
⚠️ Never keep it constantly wet → mold + sling stress
🍽️ Feeding (VERY important at I4–I5)
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Food:
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Flightless fruit flies (hydei preferred at I5)
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Schedule: every 1–2 days
Feeding rule:
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Always keep abdomen slightly round
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If flat → increase feeding
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If very swollen → skip feeding
🐛 Tip: remove uneaten prey within 24 hrs
💧 Water
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No bowl needed
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They drink droplets from mist or enclosure walls
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Always make sure they have access after misting
🧠 Behavior
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Very active hunters now
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Start showing strong eyesight tracking
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Begin building small hammocks more often
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Can be slightly skittish but curious
🧼 Cleaning
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Remove:
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dead flies
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mold
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old food waste
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🕸️ Molting (VERY IMPORTANT)
At I4–I5 they molt more frequently.
Signs:
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Stops eating
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Stays in hammock
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Less movement
DO:
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Leave completely alone
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Keep humidity slightly stable
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Wait 3–5 days after molt before feeding
DON’T:
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Don’t open enclosure
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Don’t spray heavily
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Don’t disturb hammock