Overview:
Adult Regal Jumping Spiders are vibrant, intelligent, and highly visual hunters. At this stage, they display full coloration and confidence in their environment — often watching movement outside their enclosure and interacting visually with keepers. They are diurnal and benefit from bright light and vertical climbing structures to explore.
Housing:
Adults should always be housed individually, as they are solitary and territorial. A 3-gallon or larger vertical enclosure is ideal for a single adult. The ZooMed 3-Gallon Creature Den Kit is highly recommended — it provides excellent airflow, humidity retention, and sufficient climbing space for an adult P. regius to build its web retreat and hunt naturally.
Habitat Setup
• Size: Minimum 3 gallons (8"x8"x12" or larger). • Orientation: Vertical is best — adults often web in the upper corners. • Substrate: 1–2 inches of coco fiber, sphagnum moss, or soil mix to maintain humidity. • Decor: Include cork bark, sticks, artificial or live plants, and secure web anchors near the top. • Lid: Escape-proof mesh for proper ventilation.
Temperature & Humidity
• Temperature: 72–82°F (comfortable at normal room temp). • Humidity: 50–70% with good cross-ventilation. • Misting: Lightly mist one side of the enclosure every 2–3 days to provide water droplets for drinking. Avoid excess moisture buildup.
Lighting
Adults thrive under bright ambient lighting to simulate daylight cycles. • Cycle: 12 hours light / 12 hours dark. • Type: Natural room light or LED lighting (no UVB required).
Avoid direct sunlight that can overheat the enclosure.
Feeding
Feed your adult P. regius twice per week with prey appropriately sized to its body length. Diet: Small crickets, blue bottle flies, or small dubia roaches.
Prey Size:
No larger than the spider’s body. Remove uneaten insects after 24 hours. Adults often eat less frequently than juveniles — skipping a meal occasionally is normal.
Behavior & Molting
Once adults have reached their final molt (ultimate molt), they will no longer shed. Females may construct a dense silk retreat or egg sac, while males remain more active and visible. During pre-molt or rest periods, avoid feeding and disturbances.
Handling
Adult Regal Jumpers can be handled carefully and often become inquisitive toward their keepers. • Handle close to the ground and over a soft surface. • Allow them to walk onto your hand — never grab or restrain. • Avoid handling during or immediately after a molt.
Cleaning & Maintenance
• Remove leftover prey remains weekly. • Change substrate every 2–3 months or as needed. • Maintain ventilation and cleanliness to avoid mold or mites.
Recommended Enclosure:
ZooMed 3-Gallon Creature Den Kit — perfectly sized for an adult Phidippus regius. It offers balanced humidity, cross-ventilation, and sufficient height for web-building and activity.