Catching and Caring for a Jumping Spider: A Comprehensive Guide

Jumping spiders, with their large, forward-facing eyes and captivating hunting behaviors, are fascinating creatures. Their diminutive size and vibrant colors make them appealing to many, and the idea of keeping one as a pet can be quite tempting. However, before you embark on this journey, it’s crucial to understand the responsibilities involved in providing a proper and enriching environment for these tiny arachnids. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of ethically catching a jumping spider and ensuring its well-being in captivity.

Ethical Considerations Before You Begin

Before we delve into the “how-to,” let’s address the ethical considerations. Jumping spiders are wild animals, and removing them from their natural habitat can disrupt the local ecosystem. Therefore, it’s vital to consider the following:

• Legality: Check local laws and regulations regarding the capture and keeping of invertebrates. Some areas might have restrictions on taking certain species from the wild.
• Impact on the Ecosystem: Jumping spiders play a role in their environment, primarily as predators of small insects. Consider the impact of removing a spider on the local insect population.
• Species Identification: It’s essential to identify the species you’re capturing. Some species are more delicate and have specific needs than others. If you’re unsure, it’s best to observe rather than capture.
• Intentions: Do you have the necessary time, resources, and commitment to provide adequate care for a jumping spider? If you’re simply curious or want a short-term pet, it might be more humane to observe the spider in its natural habitat.

If, after considering these factors, you decide to proceed, please do so responsibly and with the spider’s best interests in mind.

Finding a Jumping Spider

Jumping spiders are commonly found in various environments. Here are some places you might encounter them:

• Gardens and Backyards: They often bask on leaves, fences, walls, and under rocks. Look for areas with plenty of sunlight and potential prey.
• Wood Piles and Sheds: These areas provide shelter and attract insects, making them ideal hunting grounds for jumping spiders.
• Window Sills and Walls: Jumping spiders are often seen exploring around homes, searching for prey or basking in the sun.
• Park and Nature Trails: These provide a habitat where you can see them in their natural state.

When to Look: The best time to find jumping spiders is during the day, particularly in the morning or afternoon when they are most active. They are less active during the night or in colder weather.

Catching a Jumping Spider: A Step-by-Step Guide

Capturing a jumping spider requires patience and a delicate approach. Here’s a detailed method to minimize stress for the spider:

Tools You’ll Need:

• A Clear Container: A small, clear plastic container with a lid. A deli container, a small travel soap container, or a small Tupperware works well. Make sure it has air holes!
• A Small, Soft Paintbrush: This is used to gently guide the spider into the container.
• Water Spray Bottle (Optional): A spray of water can sometimes help encourage a spider to move if it’s being stubborn.

The Capture Process:

1. Approach Slowly and Calmly: Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the spider. Observe it for a moment to assess its position and plan your capture strategy.
2. Prepare the Container: Place the open container near the spider, ideally at a 45-degree angle to its path, so it can move inside rather than having to be pushed in.
3. Gently Guide with the Paintbrush: Use the soft paintbrush to gently nudge the spider towards the open container. Never touch the spider directly with the brush; instead, use it to direct it from the area just behind it, or from the side. Aim to encourage it to walk in on its own volition.
4. Patience is Key: If the spider is hesitant, avoid forcing it. Wait for it to move naturally and try again. Don’t give chase if it jumps away; keep a gentle eye on where it lands and approach it again when it settles.
5. Water Spray (If Necessary): If the spider is being particularly stubborn, a very light mist of water (away from the spider’s face, so it’s only from the back or side) can sometimes encourage movement. Don’t overdo it as it will upset them if you spray them directly.
6. Secure the Lid: Once the spider is inside, quickly and carefully place the lid on the container. Ensure the lid is secure but has enough ventilation holes. If the container you are using does not have holes, then use a small pin or needle to poke them. Never use large holes that the spider might escape through.
7. Avoid Handling: Resist the urge to handle the spider at this stage. It’s best to leave it undisturbed for a while after capturing it. Handling a spider should only be done by those who are well-versed in how to do so with safety for both human and spider.

Preparing the Jumping Spider’s Habitat

Now that you have successfully captured your jumping spider, it’s crucial to prepare a suitable habitat for it. Here’s what you’ll need:

Enclosure

• Size: Jumping spiders don’t require a large enclosure. A small container, like a modified clear plastic storage container or a small glass terrarium is perfectly adequate. A container 6 inches x 6 inches x 6 inches is adequate for most species but something a little taller can be used if you have some height to add decor that your spider can climb on. The size will be dependent upon the species you are housing.
• Material: Clear plastic or glass is ideal for easy viewing. Ensure it’s free of any chemical residues.
• Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent mold growth and maintain proper air quality. The container should have several small air holes. These can be made with a pin, needle or a small drill.
• Secure Lid: The lid should fit securely to prevent escape. Jumping spiders are incredibly agile and can squeeze through tiny gaps.

Substrate

• Coco Fiber: Coco fiber is a popular choice for substrate because it retains moisture well and is safe for spiders.
• Peat Moss: Peat moss is another option, but make sure it’s organic and free of any added chemicals or fertilizers.
• Paper Towels (Temporary): Paper towels can be used for very small juveniles or temporarily while you are setting up their habitat.
• Avoid: Avoid using soil from your garden or areas where pesticides may have been used. Avoid loose sand as this can get stuck in the spider’s feet and impede its ability to move.
• Layering: A thin layer of substrate, about an inch or two deep, is sufficient.

Hides and Enrichment

• Artificial Foliage: Provide artificial leaves, plants, or vines that the spider can use for climbing, hiding, and creating a web retreat.
• Cork Bark: Small pieces of cork bark are excellent for climbing and hiding.
• Small Branches: Thin, cleaned twigs can provide natural climbing opportunities. Be sure the branches are sourced from areas free of pesticide, and that they are baked to kill any hitchhiking insects before adding them to the tank.
• Avoid Sharp Objects: Make sure all objects are smooth and don’t pose a risk of injury to the spider.
• Variety: A variety of hides and climbing opportunities will encourage the spider to explore and engage in natural behaviors.

Temperature and Humidity

• Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 70-80°F (21-27°C). Avoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight, as this can overheat the habitat. An ambient room temperature is usually adequate and using a heat lamp is rarely necessary.
• Humidity: Jumping spiders need a slightly humid environment, ideally around 60-70%. You can achieve this by lightly misting the enclosure once or twice a day. The frequency will depend upon the ventilation in the enclosure and how quickly the substrate dries out. Aim for a substrate that is moist but not waterlogged, and avoid pooling water as this will harbor bacteria.
• Monitoring: Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor the temperature and humidity levels in the enclosure.

Water

• Water Droplets: Jumping spiders drink water droplets from surfaces, rather than from an open source such as a water bowl.
• Misting: The daily misting of the enclosure not only keeps the humidity levels optimal but also provides a source of drinking water.
• Avoid Water Bowls: Avoid water bowls as the spider can drown in them.
• Check Humidity: If your substrate dries out quickly, or if the enclosure has very good ventilation, then you may need to mist twice a day to ensure the spider always has access to moisture.

Feeding Your Jumping Spider

Jumping spiders are insectivores, meaning they primarily eat insects. Here’s how to feed them properly:

Types of Prey

• Live Insects: Live insects such as fruit flies, small crickets, and mealworms are the best options.
• Size of Prey: The size of the insect should not be larger than the spider’s abdomen.
• Variety: A varied diet is best. Offer different types of insects to ensure the spider gets all the necessary nutrients.
• Avoid: Avoid feeding insects caught outside as they may carry pesticides or parasites. Never give any species of ant as food as some ants have dangerous chemicals that are harmful to the spider.
• Gut Loading: Gut loading insects before feeding them to your spider is recommended. This means feeding the insects a nutritious diet before they are given as food to the spider, which means the spider is getting more nutritional value from the insect.

Feeding Frequency

• Juveniles: Juvenile spiders should be fed more frequently, around every other day, or daily depending upon the age and size.
• Adults: Adult spiders can be fed every 2-3 days, sometimes less frequently.
• Monitor: Monitor the spider’s abdomen size. It should be slightly rounded, but not overly large. If the spider’s abdomen seems overly large, decrease the frequency of feeding.

How to Feed

1. Introduce Live Prey: Release a small insect into the enclosure.
2. Observe: Watch the spider hunt. Jumping spiders are fascinating to observe as they stalk and pounce on their prey.
3. Remove Leftovers: If the spider doesn’t eat the insect within 24 hours, remove it from the enclosure to avoid potential problems such as the prey eating the spider’s molt.

Maintaining Your Jumping Spider’s Habitat

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your jumping spider happy and healthy.

Cleaning

• Spot Cleaning: Regularly remove dead insects, uneaten prey, and any waste from the enclosure.
• Full Cleaning: Every 1-2 months, do a thorough cleaning of the entire enclosure. Remove the spider and all objects, clean the enclosure with warm, soapy water (avoid harsh chemicals), rinse thoroughly, and replace the substrate and decor.
• Avoid Chemicals: Do not use chemicals or disinfectants that can harm your spider. Clean the enclosure with hot soapy water and rinse with clean water.
• Allow to Dry: Allow the enclosure to fully dry before returning the spider, this helps ensure no residual moisture encourages mold.

Observation

• Regular Observation: Observe your spider daily. Look for any signs of illness or injury such as lethargy, difficulty molting, or loss of appetite.
• Molt Check: When your spider is getting ready to molt, it will stop eating, become more lethargic and retreat to a safe place to construct its molt sac.
• Avoid Disturbing: Avoid disturbing the spider when you can see that it is molting. This process can take some time and is important to the spider’s development. Wait until the spider is fully hardened after the molt, before beginning to feed again. The molt sac is often left hanging in the enclosure so do not mistake this for the spider having escaped.

Handling Jumping Spiders

Handling jumping spiders should be done with caution and should not be a frequent activity. It’s important to understand their temperament before attempting to handle them.

Precautions

• Gentle Handling: If you must handle your spider, do so very gently.
• Short Sessions: Keep handling sessions short to avoid stressing the spider.
• Flat Surface: When handling, keep the spider close to a flat surface so it can easily walk onto it.
• Never Force: Never force the spider to move. Always allow it to move of its own volition.
• Wash Hands: Wash your hands before and after handling to prevent transferring any oils or bacteria to the spider.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Even with the best care, sometimes problems can arise. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

• Refusal to Eat: This can be due to various factors, such as stress, an impending molt, or the insect being too large. Try offering smaller insects or wait for a few days before offering again.
• Dehydration: If the spider appears sluggish and shrunken, this may be a sign of dehydration. Ensure that you are misting the enclosure regularly and the spider has access to water.
• Mold Growth: If mold is growing in the enclosure, increase ventilation, reduce the amount of misting, and replace the substrate.
• Escape: Jumping spiders are very good at escaping. Check for any gaps in the enclosure and always make sure the lid is very secure.
• Injury: If the spider appears injured, or has lost a leg, remove it from the main enclosure and place in a ‘hospital’ enclosure where it can be kept isolated. Monitor it until it molts again, when the limb will grow back. It is important to ensure that it is safe during this time as it will be more vulnerable until the limb grows back and strengthens.

Releasing a Jumping Spider

If you decide that you can no longer care for your jumping spider or you simply prefer it to be back in its natural environment, then make sure that it is a good time to do so.

Conditions

• Time of year: Ensure that it is the right time of the year and that temperatures are suitable for the spider. Do not release it during the winter or if temperatures are likely to drop too low.
• Location: Return the spider back to its original habitat if possible and make sure that there is plenty of cover and places for it to hide.
• Observe: Keep an eye on the spider to ensure that it is moving around and actively hunting.

Conclusion

Keeping a jumping spider as a pet can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering a unique glimpse into the world of these fascinating creatures. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your spider is happy, healthy, and thriving in its captive environment. Remember that responsible pet ownership involves commitment, dedication, and a genuine love for the animals under your care.