Jumping Spider
Posted by Louis Mao on March 23, 2006
Q: Hi,
I have some jumping spider pets at home. They are the large ones call (Phidippus). One of them laid eggs and they hatched 2 weeks ago. Now I have about 60 little baby jumpers running in a jar. They are all around 2mm in lenght and looked so cute. What should I feed them? What is the ideal temperature for them to live?
Habitat: forest/open woods
State: California
Habitat: forest/open woods
A: Lucky you! Jumping spiders are really interesting and definitely "cute" spiders - should make great pets. I can't imagine how you're going to feed the babies. If I'm not mistaken, I believe these spiders regularly balloon as babies. This means they will release some silk on a windy day and allow the wind to carry them aloft to a new location. I'd take your babies outside, leave the jar open and on its side and allow them to balloon away. I know this may make you a bit sad but it will be best for the spiders. Not sure of their ideal temperature but they certainly should do just fine at room temperature. Of course, the warmer they're kept, the more food they'll need. Thanks for your question.
John Wiessinger ( March 24, 2006)