Jumping Spider - Phidippus regius "White" Bahama

The stage at which the spiders are sold is between L3 and L5. Please note, they are still very small (a few mm in size) and feed on fruit flies.
 

Information

Phidippus regius "White Bahama" is a jumping spider from North America and the Caribbean, this species comes from the Bahamas. Just before molting, they climb into their web and stay there until the process is complete. These animals are hunters and catch their food without problems. It is always a spectacle to watch them. Suitable prey animals include fruit flies, houseflies, or small crickets. Anything not eaten within a day should be removed from the terrarium. We feed and water young spiders every 3 days and adult spiders once a week. Humidity should be 70% with good ventilation. We spray some water in a corner; this is sufficient, and it is better to spray sparingly than too much. The animals absorb water droplets as needed and thus quench their thirst.

Appearance

The female and male are approximately 3-4 cm in size, including their legs. The female has a larger abdomen, but the male has slightly longer legs. The male's color is always the same, black speckled with white with green chelicerae, in contrast to the female's, which varies from light white-beige to dark brown or even solid black.

Behavior

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

Food

Adult regius eat curly-wing 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 a molt or sleep. Be vigilant about this. Young regius eat fruit flies, curly-wing flies, or micro crickets. The regius can handle prey that is as large as themselves. They drink from spray water; make sure it is fresh and not too cold.
We advise not to spray too much; they like dryness. A few drops that they can take/get themselves are sufficient. And fruit flies are initially the best food source.
 

Environmental requirements

A jumping spider's enclosure should be approximately 5x5x7cm with good ventilation. Eventually, a terrarium of 20x20x30 can be suitable for adult spiders. Humidity should be between 40 and 70% with an ideal temperature of 26-28 degrees. It is important that the spider can drink a few drops every few days; 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 place at room temperature is also possible, though they may be somewhat less active. The desired temperature is 24-30°C during the day, a minimum of 14°C at night.

Group housing

Jumping spiders cannot be housed together due to cannibalism.