Jumping spiders are quickly becoming popular among pet enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. These tiny, curious creatures offer a unique experience compared to traditional pets. As someone who has one myself, a male called Smolly, I can share firsthand just how rewarding it can be to care for a jumping spider.
I found Smolly when he was still a super small spiderling (a spiderling is a “puppy” of a spider, a baby spider to put it in easy words) headed straight into the net of another house spider living in one of the corners of our kitchen.
As you may understand, I don’t have arachnophobia so I am good with spiders helping me in the house to keep away wasps and other undesired guests.
But I saved Smolly from becoming prey and made him an enclosure where he immediately started drinking out of the droplets of water I sprayed in and snacked on some fruit flies.
Why Choose a Jumping Spider?
For one, jumping spiders are relatively easy to care for, making them a perfect pet for both beginners and those with a busy lifestyle. They don’t need the constant attention that cats or dogs require, yet they still provide interaction and amusement. These spiders are known for their energetic movements, expressive little faces, and their ability to jump up to 50 times their body length.
Their big, forward-facing eyes give them excellent vision, and you’ll often notice them tracking you or observing their environment. It’s this alertness and curiosity that makes them so engaging. My own spider tends to hop around its enclosure, peeking through the glass and following my movements – it’s like having a tiny, furry companion that’s constantly observing the world with fascination.
Setting Up Their Habitat
If you’re considering keeping a jumping spider as a pet, the first step is setting up the right habitat. A small enclosure, about 30×30 cm, is perfect, and it should have a secure lid to prevent escape. Jumping spiders are skilled explorers and can easily find their way out of enclosures that aren’t secure.
Inside the enclosure, you’ll need to create a space that mimics their natural environment. This includes branches, leaves, and some webbing material where they can rest or hide. These spiders are hunters, not web-spinners, so don’t expect intricate webs. They appreciate having vertical spaces to jump around and stalk prey, which makes decorating their space fun and creative.
Feeding and Care
Jumping spiders primarily eat live insects like flies, small crickets, or mealworms. One great thing about these spiders is their hunting behavior. Watching them patiently stalk and pounce on their prey is fascinating! It’s also worth mentioning that they don’t eat every day—feeding them about three times a week is usually enough.
When your tiny friend is still a spiderling you may want to feed him or her only fruitflies as it’s easier for them to hunt those flies. They also make flightless versions, so you will just need to catch them with a tweezer without squeezing them and drop them in the enclosure.
Watering is simple too; a light misting of the enclosure provides enough moisture for the spider to drink. They typically drink from water droplets rather than standing water. Ensuring that the enclosure has proper ventilation and humidity control is essential, as too much moisture can be harmful.
Remember that they will need moisture to molt, so as to “grow”. Failed molts come from a lack of proper moisture in the enclosure.
Interaction and Enjoyment
One of the most surprising things about keeping a jumping spider is how interactive they are. They recognize their owners, following your movements with those big eyes and even sometimes hopping onto your hand. While they aren’t exactly cuddly pets, they show curiosity and sometimes a surprising amount of boldness. Mine, for instance, often climbs onto my hand during feeding time as if it’s eager to explore.
If you’re squeamish about spiders, jumping spiders might just change your mind. They are small, usually no bigger than a fingernail, and their appearance is more cute than creepy, especially with their big, cartoon-like eyes. Plus, they are much less intimidating because they don’t pose any danger to humans. They are generally calm and rarely bite, and if they do, it’s harmless.
Final Thoughts
Jumping spiders are ideal pets for anyone looking for something a little different. They don’t require much space, are easy to care for, and offer endless fascination with their unique behaviors. Whether you’re a spider enthusiast or just curious about unusual pets, these little creatures can make a charming and low-maintenance companion.
Owning one has been a delightful experience for me, and if you’re considering it, I’m sure you’ll enjoy watching your little spider jump around and explore its tiny world!
The Wandering Cloud 