Frequently Asked Questions

Do you ship in all weather?

No. For your spider’s safety, we only ship when temperatures are between 40°F and 100°F. If it’s too hot or too cold, your order will be held until conditions are safe.

What do I feed my spider?

At the stage we sell (instar 5–7), your spider will eat fruit flies every 2–3 days. As they grow, you can introduce small feeders like mini mealworms or appropriately sized crickets. Always feed prey smaller than your spider’s abdomen.

Do they bite?

Jumping spiders are generally very docile and would rather run or jump away than bite. While it’s possible, bites are extremely rare and usually only happen if the spider feels threatened.

Have you ever been bitten?

No! With proper handling and respect, bites are very unlikely.

How big do they get?

Most jumping spiders reach around ½ inch to ¾ inch (1–2 cm) in body length when fully grown, though size can vary slightly by species.

How long do they live?

• Females: usually live 2–3 years.

• Males: typically live about 1 year.

What do you mean when you say a spider is “instar”?

“Instar” refers to the growth stage between molts. Each time a spider molts, it enters a new instar. For example, “i5” means the spider has molted 5 times.

What does molting mean?

Molting is when a spider sheds its old exoskeleton to grow. Before molting, they may stop eating and stay hidden. The process itself takes about 30–45 minutes, and they are very vulnerable during this time.

How often must you pair a jumping spider?

Jumping spiders do not need to be paired regularly. Pairing (breeding) is only done once the female and male are mature adults and should only be attempted if you’re prepared to raise spiderlings.

Can I put two jumping spiders in the same location?

No. Jumping spiders are solitary and must always be housed separately. Keeping two together will almost always result in one eating the other.

What is sexual dimorphism?

Sexual dimorphism means that males and females of the same species look different. In jumping spiders, males are often smaller and more colorful, while females are larger and usually have rounder abdomens.