Jumping Spider - Phidippus regius Apalachicola

The spiders are sold at a stage between L3 and L7.
 

Information

The Apalachicola jumping spiders are found in the Southeastern United States. These spiders are known for their agility and active behavior. They grow to about 2 to 2.5 cm and can live for 1.5 years. These spiders do make a web, but they don't always use it to catch their prey, unlike other spiders. The Apalachicola hunts its prey, which is very entertaining to watch.

Did you know?
Apalachicola is a place in the American state of Florida, and it's presumed the spider was discovered there and named after this location.

Appearance

The color of the Apalachicola jumping spider is black with white, and the amount of black and white can vary per spider. The female spider is often brightly colored and has much less black on the cephalothorax than the males. The males are predominantly black with some white spots.

Behavior

Jumping spiders are true hunters. When offered a fly or cricket, they will quickly go hunting and catch their prey with a jump. They are active during the day, making them often clearly visible. At night, they sleep in a self-made cocoon or hide under a small plant.

Food

Adult regius spiders eat curly-winged flies, houseflies, crickets, or other small insects. A cricket that is not eaten must be removed from the enclosure, as it can disturb or even kill the spider during molting or sleep. Be aware of this. Young regius spiders eat fruit flies, curly-winged flies, or micro crickets. Regius spiders can handle prey as large as themselves. They drink from spray water; make sure it's fresh and not too cold.
We advise not to spray too much, as they prefer dryness. A few drops that they can access themselves are sufficient. And fruit flies are initially the best food source.
 

Environmental requirements

The enclosure for a jumping spider should be approximately 5x5x7cm with good ventilation. Eventually, a terrarium of 20x20x30cm can be suitable for adult spiders. The humidity should be between 40 and 70% with an ideal temperature of 26-28 degrees Celsius. It's important that the spider can drink something every few days (a droplet); much more is not necessary.
Heating can be done with a lamp; do not use a heating mat from below (due to the risk of dehydration). Placing the enclosure in a bright spot at room temperature is also possible, though they may be slightly less active.

Group housing

Jumping spiders cannot be housed together due to cannibalism.