Jumping spiders are captivating creatures known for their curious behavior, small size, and impressive jumping ability. If you’re considering adopting one as a beginner, you may have questions about where to find them, how to care for them, and important factors to consider before your purchase.
This guide will cover everything you need to know, from the best places to buy a jumping spider to tips on keeping your new pet happy and healthy, whether you choose to shop online, at local pet stores, or from breeders.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Jumping Spiders
2. Key Considerations Before Buying a Jumping Spider
3. Where to Buy a Jumping Spider
4. How to Choose the Right Jumping Spider
5. How to Care for Your Jumping Spider
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
7. Conclusion
8. FAQs
Introduction to Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders, or Salticidae, are part of one of the largest spider families, with over 5,000 known species. These small but mighty creatures are known for their excellent vision (thanks to their four pairs of eyes), their ability to leap several times their body length, and their quirky, often endearing behavior.
Why Are Jumping Spiders Great Pets for Beginners?
Jumping spiders make excellent pets for first-timers for several reasons:
- Small Size: Most jumping spiders are less than 2 cm long, making them easy to house and care for.
- Low Maintenance: They don't need constant attention and thrive on a simple diet of small insects.
- Engaging Personality: Unlike many other spiders, jumping spiders are known to be curious and interactive. They often appear to "stare" at their owners and may even respond to movement in their environment.
- Non-Aggressive: While any animal can bite if provoked, jumping spiders are generally peaceful and prefer to stay out of reach unless disturbed.
Key Considerations Before Buying a Jumping Spider
Before buying your first jumping spider, there are a few things you should consider to ensure you're fully prepared.
1. Understanding the Needs of Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders may be low-maintenance, but they still require some basic care:
- Enclosure: They need a small, well-ventilated enclosure. A 5-10 gallon tank works perfectly for one or two spiders.
- Diet: Jumping spiders are carnivores and require live food like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, or small moths.
- Humidity & Temperature: They thrive in environments with moderate humidity (around 50-60%) and temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C).
2. Choosing the Right Species for Beginners
Not all species of jumping spiders are ideal for beginners. Some are more resilient and easier to care for than others. Here are a few beginner-friendly species:
- Phidippus audax (Bold Jumping Spider): The most commonly found species in pet stores, it’s known for its distinct black and white markings.
- Salticus scenicus (Zebra Jumping Spider): This species is easy to care for and has an attractive, striped pattern.
- Marpissa muscosa (Moss Jumping Spider): A hardy species that adapts well to captivity and has a gentle temperament.
3. Ethical Considerations: Captive-Bred vs. Wild-Caught
It’s always better to opt for a captive-bred jumping spider rather than one that’s wild-caught. Wild spiders can carry diseases, and parasites, and may struggle to adapt to captivity. Captive-bred spiders are generally healthier, and easier to care for, and their sale doesn’t contribute to environmental harm.
Where to Buy a Jumping Spider
Finding a jumping spider for your collection can be done through several avenues. Let’s explore some of the most reliable options.
| Purchase Option | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Stores & Reptile Shops | Convenient, can inspect the spider in person | Limited species selection, may not be captive-bred |
| Online Retailers | Wide variety, detailed seller info, and care guides | Risk of shipping stress or injury, potential delays |
| Arachnid Breeders | High-quality, captive-bred spiders, expert advice | More expensive, and may require more research |
| Specialized Forums & Groups | Connect directly with hobbyists or breeders | Unverified sources, less formal than other options |
Few Recommended Sources
- Crawlmart: Offers a variety of jumping spiders, including exotic species. Crawlmart Jumping Spiders
- Arthropods Canada: Another reliable Canadian breeder with a wide selection of jumping spiders. Arthropods Canada
- Backwater Reptiles: Specializes in Regal jumping spiders with a live arrival guarantee, catering to U.S. customers. Backwater Reptiles
- MorphMarket: Connects buyers with global breeders offering diverse spider species, including juveniles ideal for beginners. MorphMarket
- Maple Phidippus: A Canadian breeder known for healthy, captive-bred jumping spiders. Maple Phidippus
- Spider Source: Provides high-quality jumping spiders. Spider Source
How to Choose the Right Jumping Spider
When buying a jumping spider, it’s essential to select one that’s healthy and well-suited to your experience level. Here are some things to look for:
1. Health & Vitality
- Clear Eyes: Healthy jumping spiders have bright, clear eyes. If the eyes appear cloudy or damaged, avoid purchasing that spider.
- Active Behavior: The spider should be lively and curious. If the spider is lethargic or hiding in one corner, it could indicate health issues.
- Proper Limbs: Ensure that the spider has all its limbs. Missing legs could suggest poor care or injury.
2. Reputation of the Seller
- Check reviews and testimonials to make sure the seller is reputable. A good breeder or seller will be transparent about the spider's lineage and care history.
3. Species-Specific Needs
Make sure the species you’re purchasing is suitable for beginners. Species like Phidippus audax and Salticus scenicus are ideal for beginners due to their resilience and ease of care.
How to Care for Your Jumping Spider
Caring for a jumping spider is fairly simple, but it’s important to get the basics right. Here’s a quick rundown:
1. Setting Up the Enclosure
- Size: A small enclosure (about 5-10 gallons) is adequate for one spider. Glass jars, small terrariums, or plastic containers work well.
- Ventilation: Ensure there are small air holes or a mesh lid for proper airflow.
- Climbing Structures: Include twigs, leaves, or cork bark for climbing, as jumping spiders love to jump and climb.
2. Diet
- Feed Live Insects: Jumping spiders are carnivores and need live food like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, and small moths.
- Frequency: Feed your spider once or twice a week. Overfeeding can lead to health problems.
3. Humidity & Temperature
- Maintain a temperature range of 70-80°F (21-27°C) and moderate humidity (50-60%). A simple spray of water every few days will suffice to maintain the right humidity levels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though jumping spiders are relatively easy to care for, beginners often make a few common mistakes. Here’s what to avoid:
- Overcrowding the Enclosure: Jumping spiders are solitary creatures. Never keep multiple spiders together in one enclosure.
- Improper Feeding: Avoid feeding spiders insects that are too large or hard to catch. Always offer prey that is appropriately sized.
- Wrong Humidity Levels: Too much or too little humidity can lead to dehydration or mold growth in the enclosure.
Conclusion
Jumping spiders make great pets and are easy to care for, especially for beginners. You can find a healthy, captive-bred spider if you do some research. Whether you buy from a pet store, online, or from a breeder, make sure to choose a trustworthy source.
Now that you have this information, go find your new jumping spider companion. Happy spider hunting!
FAQs About Buying a Jumping Spider
1. Are Jumping Spiders Dangerous to Humans?
No, jumping spiders are not dangerous to humans. They may bite if threatened, but their bites are not venomous to humans and usually result in minimal swelling or irritation.
2. How Much Do Jumping Spiders Cost?
Jumping spiders generally cost between $10-$50, depending on the species, breeder, and quality. Some rare species or particularly high-quality spiders may cost more.
3. Can I Handle a Jumping Spider?
Yes, you can handle a jumping spider gently. However, it's important to avoid startling the spider. Use a soft surface, like your hand, to let the spider crawl onto you, rather than grabbing it.
0 Comments