jumping spider 

At Avonturia de Vogelkelder you will be immersed in a world of fascinating jumping spiders. We have an extensive range of items for these small pets!

In our store we not only have various types of jumping spiders, but also a wide range of supplies for these little spiders. Such as suitable jumping spider terrariums, food and accessories to optimize the living environment of your jumping spider. Our reptile experts are ready to provide you with advice and answer all your questions about caring for jumping spiders. That is why we are the destination for lovers of these intriguing arachnids.

Whether you are just starting your jumping spider adventure, or are a passionate jumping spider expert looking for new challenges, Avonturia de Vogelkelder you will find everything you need. Come visit our store in The Hague and be enchanted by the wonderful world of jumping spiders!

What are Jumping Spiders?

Jumping spiders belong to the Salticidae family and are a large and diverse group of spiders known for their unique hunting behavior and striking appearance. These spiders can be found all over the world, ranging from tropical rainforests to arid deserts.

Jumping spiders are also known for their varied colors and patterns, which can range from brightly colored to well camouflaged. These striking colors and patterns can serve as camouflage to hide from predators, or as signals to attract potential mates.

What sets jumping spiders apart is their active hunting technique. Instead of weaving webs to catch prey, jumping spiders actively search for their prey. They have excellent eyesight and are able to detect movement at a remarkable distance. Once they have spotted prey, they approach it cautiously and with precision. At the right moment, they make a quick and powerful jump to overpower their prey.

Because of their interesting behavior, vibrant colors, and striking hunting techniques, jumping spiders are often a favorite subject for nature lovers, photographers, and spider enthusiasts eager to learn more about the diversity of the animal kingdom.

Characteristic appearance of Jumping spiders

Jumping spiders are known for their striking and distinctive appearance. They vary in size, but in general they are all relatively small, ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. They have a compact body that is well proportioned and stocky.

What makes jumping spiders truly unique are their striking, well-developed front eyes that are specifically aimed at detecting movement and detail. With a total of eight eyes, of which the front four eyes are larger and more prominent, these front middle eyes provide jumping spiders with excellent vision, allowing them to judge depth and detect rapid movements. These prominent eyes contribute to their almost curious expression and allow them to observe prey and potential dangers with remarkable clarity.

The variation in colors and patterns on their bodies makes jumping spiders even more intriguing; some species are beautifully brightly colored to stand out, while other species camouflage themselves perfectly with their surroundings. This diverse range of appearances reflects the wide variety of jumping spider species around the world.

Where can you find jumping spiders?

Jumping spiders are found all over the world and can be found in a variety of habitats. They are highly diverse and adaptable spider species that have adapted to different environments. Some common places you can encounter jumping spiders are:

Outside: Jumping spiders are often found in grasslands, gardens, forest edges, thickets and other natural environments. They can hide between leaves, branches and stones.

Within: Jumping spiders can also be found in and around buildings. They can hide in corners, along windowsills, under furniture and other hidden places.

Plants: Some jumping spiders have specialized in living on plants, such as leaves, flowers and shrubs. They prey on small insects that are on or near plants.

Trees: You can also find jumping spiders in trees, where they hide among leaves and branches and hunt for prey found in this environment.

Open fields: In open fields and meadows, jumping spiders can hide on the ground and among the grass as they hunt for prey found there.

How fast do jumping spiders grow?

The speed at which jumping spiders grow varies depending on several factors, including the species, environmental conditions, food availability and temperature. However, in general we can say that jumping spiders can grow quite quickly compared to some other spider species.

The growth of a jumping spider is characterized by several stages: egg, larva, young spider and adult spider.

In the early stages of their lives, such as the larval and juvenile spider stages, jumping spiders can grow relatively quickly, molting more frequently and increasing in size. As they mature, their growth rate often slows and the frequency of molting also decreases.

However, the exact growth rate can vary per jumping spider. Some jumping spider species can grow from egg to adult in just a few months, while others may take longer.

The molting of jumping spiders

Molting, also known as “skin shedding,” is an important feature of the growth process of jumping spiders and other arthropods. During a jumping spider's life, it goes through several stages of development, and with each stage there comes a time when it must shed its old outer skin, called the exoskeleton, and a new, larger exoskeleton emerges underneath.

Molting is an essential process because it allows the jumping spider to grow. The exoskeleton is sturdy and provides protection, but it also has a limited size. As the jumping spider grows and builds more body mass, the exoskeleton becomes too tight and restrictive. In order to grow, the jumping spider must get rid of it.

During molting, the jumping spider begins to release enzymes that weaken the connections between the old skin and the new exoskeleton. Then the old skin cracks or tears open and the jumping spider slowly pulls its body out of the old exoskeleton. The new exoskeleton underneath is softer and more flexible. Within a short time, this new exoskeleton hardens and becomes sturdy and protective.

Molting is a crucial part of the life cycle of jumping spiders because it allows them to continue growing and adapt to changing conditions. It can take several hours to days for the new exoskeleton to fully harden after molting. During this period, jumping spiders are often more vulnerable to predators and must hide well to protect themselves until their new exoskeleton has completely hardened.

How do jumping spiders hunt?

Jumping spiders hunt actively and with a remarkable strategy. They are known for their agility and speed when hunting, which sets their unique hunting technique apart from many other spider species.

When a jumping spider searches for prey, it moves carefully and cautiously toward its target. They rely heavily on their excellent vision, especially their large front eyes, to perceive movement and detail. Once they spot a potential prey animal, they begin to creep closer carefully and slowly.

When they are close enough to their prey and the moment is right, jumping spiders take advantage of their impressive jumping ability. They will lunge at their prey suddenly and with great force, which often comes as a surprise attack. This fast and unexpected behavior allows them to catch their prey before it has a chance to escape.

What do jumping spiders eat?

Jumping spiders are predatory hunters and their diet consists mainly of small insects and other invertebrates that they can catch. They feed on a variety of prey depending on their size and availability in their habitat.

Some common prey that jumping spiders can eat include flies, mosquitoes, aphids, small beetles and other small arthropods.

Reproduction in jumping spiders

1. Courtship: Before reproduction begins, jumping spiders often undergo a courtship ritual. This usually involves a series of behaviors, such as dancing, shaking or vibrating, to attract the attention of a potential partner. The courtship rituals vary depending on the species and can be observed in visual signals, web vibrations, or other methods of communication.
2. Mating: If the courtship ritual is successful, the male and female can proceed to mating. This often involves a complex interaction between the two sexes. The male produces sperm packets, also called semen or spermatozoa, which he transfers to the female. This is usually done through specific structures on the pedipalps of the male.
3. Egg deposition: After the female is fertilized, she can start producing eggs. Depending on the species, the female may deposit eggs in a special silk fabric to protect them. This silk can serve as a kind of cocoon or nest for the eggs. The female usually guards this egg sac and cares for the eggs until they hatch.
4. Hatching of the eggs: After a period of development, the eggs hatch and young jumping spiders, also called nymphs, appear. These nymphs resemble adult jumping spiders but are smaller and immature. They begin their own growth process and will molt and grow over time until they become adult jumping spiders.

Dancing jumping spiders; the unique moves of jumping spiders

Dancing is a way for jumping spiders to attract the attention of the opposite sex, especially male jumping spiders. With short, rhythmic movements and a unique style, they wave their legs in the air and tap their abdomen on the ground. It seems that they want to show that they want to be seen in their own unique way.

Some jumping spiders, like the striking peacock spider, take dancing to a whole new level. With their colorful and fan-shaped extensions, they perform seductive dance movements that female jumping spiders certainly cannot resist.

Keeping a jumping spider as a pet

Keeping a jumping spider as a pet offers a unique and fascinating experience. With a properly set up terrarium, the right temperature and humidity, and a varied diet of suitable insects, you can enjoy interacting with these little spiders. Keeping a Jumping Spider as a pet offers an opportunity to bring a little piece of nature into your home and enjoy their charm and unique qualities.

A suitable terrarium

You usually keep a jumping spider in a terrarium or another suitable housing and living environment. A terrarium is a specially designed glass container that provides a controlled environment for your jumping spider. The terrarium should be large enough to comfortably house your jumping spider and should be well ventilated to promote good air circulation.

When choosing a terrarium for your jumping spider, you should consider the size of the spider and the space required for exercise. For young jumping spiders, a smaller terrarium of 5x5x7cm is usually recommended, while adult spiders need a larger terrarium of 20x20x30cm.

The design of the living environment

In addition, it is important to furnish the terrarium with suitable plants, hiding places and climbing structures. This helps your jumping spider feel safe and comfortable in its habitat.

1. Substrate: Start with a suitable substrate on the bottom of the terrarium. You can choose substrates such as humus, coconut fiber or jungle bedding. A layer of substrate helps maintain proper humidity and provides a base for plants and shelters.
2. Plants: Add live plants to the terrarium to create a natural environment and provide hiding places for your jumping spider. Choose plants that are suitable for terrariums, such as small ferns, bromeliads, and other tropical plants. These plants also help maintain humidity.
3. Shelters: Place small hiding places in the terrarium where your jumping spider can hide. These can be small pieces of bark, leaves, cork bark and other natural materials. These shelters provide your jumping spider with a place to feel safe and rest.
4. Climbing options: Add climbing structures such as small branches or pieces of cork. Jumping spiders love to climb and explore, so these structures provide your pet with the opportunity to explore and exercise in their environment.

Temperature:

When setting up the terrarium, it is important to take the specific needs of your jumping spider species into account. Some species prefer higher humidity, while others prefer warmth. Monitor and regulate the temperature and humidity in the terrarium to meet the needs of your jumping spider species.

The optimal temperature for the terrarium is between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius. You can achieve this range by using a heat lamp, such as the 20-watt Lucky Reptile Halogen Sun Mini. Make sure you choose the right lamp for the size of your terrarium. It is advisable to regularly check the temperature using a reliable thermometer.

You may also consider keeping your jumping spider at room temperature, although this may reduce their activity somewhat. Regardless of the temperature chosen, measuring the temperature is essential to ensure that your jumping spider is comfortable and thrives in its habitat.

Humidity:

It is very important to keep a close eye on the humidity. An optimal humidity for jumping spiders is between 40% and 70%. It is wise to use a hygrometer to measure humidity so you can ensure it stays within the correct range. Maintaining proper humidity levels contributes to your jumping spider's well-being and helps create a comfortable environment.

Nutrition:

Providing proper nutrition and hydration for Jumping Spiders is critical to their health and well-being. Jumping spiders' diet includes a variety of insects depending on their age and size.

Juvenile Jumping Spiders feed on smaller insects such as fruit flies and micro crickets, while adults may eat larger prey such as curl flies, fruit flies, house flies and crickets.

It is recommended to feed jumping spiders approximately 3 to 4 insects per week, which corresponds to an every-other-day feeding schedule.

It is important to remove uneaten prey to avoid potentially dangerous situations during molting.