Data sheet jumping spider
German name:
jumping spider
Scientific name:
Phidippus regius
Origin:
USA, Bahamas, West Indies
Body length:
1.5cm – 2cm
age expectation:
up to 2 years
Behave
Lining:
insectivore
Behave:
trusting, interested
Number:
single keeping
Difficulty level:
Beginner Photographed by David E. Hill, Hill Phidippus regius 01, CC BY 3.0
There are different types from jumping spiders. In this country, the Phidippus regius is considered a favorite for keeping in the home terrarium. It is one of the largest specimens of the jumping spider family. Their homeland is the eastern states of the USA, the Bahamas and the West Indies. It finds its habitat on meadow landscapes, on the edges of forests and on trees, but also on house walls.
The body measures about 1.5 to 2.0 cm. The shape is stocky and short-legged. The coloring varies from grey-brown, orange-red, pink to black and white. They are characteristic expressive eyes with the strong eyesight. Two large pairs of eyes are on the front forehead and two other small pairs on the head end. The Retinas are mobile and can be moved in different directions. This gives the spider the ability, as if by a wide angle to see without having to move your head. She has everything in view!
Photographed by David E. Hill, Hill Phidippus regius 02, CC BY 3.0
The arthropod is diurnal and has rapid movements. He catches the prey without net a. If he discovers a prey animal, he lies in wait for it, jumps attack it and paralyze it with a targeted bite. Before each jump, he attaches a thread to the ground. With this he can rappel down and get to safety in case of danger.
acquisition and maintenance
To avoid stress and cannibalism, jumping spiders are always individually to keep. Our animals come from our own and responsible breeding. All are vigorous and free from parasites and diseases.
So that the spider feels comfortable in its new home from day one, the temperatures should be checked for a few days before moving in.
Terrarium requirements
The minimum dimensions are 20 cm long x 20 cm deep x 20 cm wide. The substrate consists of special terrarium substrate or potting soil or coconut humus. The substrate is laid out over the entire floor and a few centimeters high. To keep it moist, spray it with fresh water every day.
A jumping spider climbs and runs gladly. To do this, she needs sufficient opportunities from, for example, bamboo poles or cork oak branches. It’s nice if she can also sit on the cork attached to the pool walls. A not too big, robust and non-poisonous plant improves the climate in the terrarium.
the right ones temperatures are between about 26 to 27 ° Celsius, with the upper area being warmer. It is helpful to attach a fluorescent tube or a small light spot, each with 18 watts. The humidity is 70 to 75%. This can be easily regulated by spraying the inside of the pool with a little water every day. Don’t get the spider wet! The drops serve as a source of water for the animal. A good one is also important air circulation by means of openings at the bottom of the basin. Permanently installed measuring devices such as thermometers and moisture meters help to control the climate.
To prevent the spider from jumping out of the terrarium, an air-permeable cover (e.g. fleece) should be attached. The correct location is calm, dry, not too sunny and drafty.
gender differences
The females are larger than the males and their dress has different color variations. The biting tools (chelicerae) can appear both violet and greenish. In contrast, the males only show a black and white coloration. However, their chelicerae are purple to greenish.
feed and nutrition
The food consists of huntable live food. Juveniles eat fruit flies and silverfish. Adult specimens like various arthropods such as house flies and house crickets.
There should always be a flat container with fresh water on the floor.
acclimatization and handling
After purchase, the jumping spider should be placed directly in the species-appropriate terrarium come. After a little rest and acclimatization, she will definitely show up at feeding time.
Of course she owns it too poison. Although bites are unlikely, they are harmless and hardly painful. As long as the animal is treated with care and doesn’t feel threatened, it stays harmless and trusting.
If you want, you can offspring to plan. To do this, an adult male is placed in a terrarium with a sexually mature female. The mating is mostly peaceful and begins with a kind of dance. The male moves his arms, taps his legs and slowly approaches the female.
After fertilization, the female builds one cocoon. The spiders that have hatched are to be taken out of the tank and separated. The female may build more cocoons. Mating can occur 2 to 3 times.
With good care, the roommate has a life expectancy of 2 years.