Care guides

Everything we tell first-time keepers before they take a spider home. Ask us anything the guides don't cover.

Housing

Jumping spiders are climbers, so think tall rather than wide. A front-opening enclosure around 15 x 15 x 20 cm suits an adult, with mesh ventilation, climbing branches and silk plants to patrol.

Heat & light

Room temperature (20-26°C) is fine for most species, and a bright spot out of direct sun keeps them active and hunting. They are visual hunters — good light means a happy, curious spider.

Water & humidity

Jumpers drink from droplets. A light mist on one side of the enclosure every day or two gives them drink and keeps humidity comfortable — never soak the whole enclosure.

Feeding

Flightless fruit flies are the staple for slings and juveniles; adults graduate to micro crickets. Feed every 2-4 days and remove uneaten prey within 24 hours so nothing bothers a resting spider.

Moulting

A jumper about to moult seals itself into a thick silk hammock and may refuse food. Do not feed, do not disturb. Wait a few days after the moult before offering prey again.

Handling

Jumpers are the most interactive spiders you can keep, but falls can still hurt them. Let them hop onto a hand over a soft surface, keep sessions short, and never handle near a moult.

Not sure where to start?

The Complete Jumper Starter Kit pairs perfectly with a Bold Jumping Spider — the most forgiving combination we sell.

View starter kits