Phidippus Regius- Regal Jumping Spider

Regal Jumping Spider

Housing

• Enclosure: A small, secure container such as a plastic cup, acrylic display box, or small terrarium with cross ventilation is ideal for a young Phidippus regius. They prefer more vertical space for climbing, so a taller enclosure is better than a wide one. Include plenty of anchor points like twigs, cork bark, and artificial plants for webbing and resting.

• Substrate: A thin layer of substrate such as coconut fiber or paper towel is sufficient since Regal Jumpers rarely burrow. The main focus should be climbing and web-building space rather than deep substrate.

• Humidity: Maintain humidity around 50–60%. A very light mist every few days is enough—just one side of the enclosure so the spider can choose its preferred area. Avoid heavy misting as these spiders do not like overly damp conditions.

• Temperature: A range of 22–27°C (72–80°F) is ideal. Normal room temperature is generally fine, but slightly warmer temperatures can encourage activity and healthy appetite.

Feeding

• Diet: Feed small prey items such as fruit flies, small crickets, or tiny roaches for slings, and larger crickets or flies for adults. Offer food every 2–3 days for slings and about twice a week for adults. Prey should be no larger than the spider’s body.

• Water: These spiders get most of their hydration from their food, but a light misting on enclosure walls or leaves will provide water droplets for them to drink.

General Care

• Molting: Regal Jumpers will stop eating and hide in a thick silk nest when preparing to molt. Leave them undisturbed and do not feed until several days after the molt when their fangs have hardened.

• Handling: They are one of the more handleable spider species due to their curious nature, but handling should still be gentle and done over a soft surface to prevent injury if they jump.

Social Needs

• Phidippus regius are solitary and should be kept alone. They are territorial and may cannibalize each other if housed together.