Regal Jumping Spider Care Guide (Phidippus Regius)

A simple, professional overview with a touch of charm for new keepers

Species Overview

The Regal Jumping Spider (*Phidippus regius*) is a friendly, curious, and highly intelligent species known for its big, expressive eyes and bold personality. Small size, low maintenance, and tons of character.

Enclosure Setup

Enclosure Size

  • Juveniles: 4x4x4 inch enclosure  
  • Adults: 6x6x6 to 8x8x8 inch enclosure  

Jumpers prefer vertical space. They build hammocks high up and watch the world like tiny landlords.

Enclosure Type

  • Clear acrylic or plastic enclosures  
  • Fine mesh ventilation on at least two sides  
  • Front, top, or side opening (avoid large gaps, jumpers are escape artists)

Temperature & Humidity

Temperature
- Ideal range: 72–82°F  
- Avoid temps above 85°F  

They do well at normal room temperature, no special heating required unless your home is chilly.

Humidity
- 50%–70%  
- Mist lightly 1–2 times per day  
(Do not soak the enclosure; droplets should be small enough for them to drink.)

A water bowl isn’t necessary, jumpers drink from condensation. In fact, they can drown in bowls

Substrate & Decor

Substrate
Paper towel or thin layer of soil/coco fiber  
They don’t burrow; substrate is mostly for humidity control.

Decor

  • Cork bark  
  • Twigs and branches  
  • Fake plants  
  • Anchor points for webbing  

Jumpers appreciate clutter and multiple perches, they like to “look important.” (Which they absolutely are)

Feeding

Diet
Small, appropriately sized live insects:  

  • Fruit flies for slings  
  • Pinhead to small crickets  
  • Small roaches  
  • Blue bottle or housefly spikes (favorite for adults)

Feeding Schedule

  • Slings: Every 1–2 days  
  • Juveniles: Every 2–3 days  
  • Adults: Every 3–4 days  

Always remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.

Water & Hydration
Misting provides drinking droplets.  
Do not spray directly on the spider, that’s rude and stressful.

Behavior & Handling

  • Regal jumping spiders are:
  • Curious  
  • Bold  
  • Surprisingly social toward humans  
  • Very expressive for their size

Handling tips:

  • Let them come to you; never grab  
  • Handle over a table or surface in case they jump  
  • Short sessions only, they have tiny attention spans

Cleaning

  • Remove old boluses (food waste) weekly  
  • Light misting keeps the environment fresh  
  • Replace substrate every 2–4 weeks  

Molting

Signs of molting:

  • Refusing food  
  • Sealing themselves in their web hammock  
  • Reduced movement

Do **not** disturb or feed during molts. The spider will emerge when ready.

Common Issues

 Not Eating

Usually due to:

  • Upcoming molt  
  • Stress  
  • Prey too large  
  • Temps too low  

Dry Environment
Low humidity can cause failed molts. Maintain regular misting.

Escaping
They are tiny acrobats. Always check ventilation holes and latches.

With proper care, Regal Jumping Spiders typically live 1–2 years, with females living longer than males.