With professional experience and expertise in keeping and observing jumping spiders, I can confidently say the Regal jumping spider (Phidippus regius) is one of the most fascinating species in the United States and Caribbean. The adult male measure around 12 mm (0.47 in) and can range between 6–18 mm (0.24–0.71 in), while the female measure 15 mm (0.59 in) with a range of 7–22 mm (0.28–0.87 in).
Both have distinctive first pair of legs that are disproportionately larger, with black and white fringe, while the opisthosoma shows markings including a basal band, central triangular spot, and posterior oval spots. The chelicerae are large, iridescent green-blue-violet in males with a tubercle, while females may have scales, tufts of setae, pale brown, reddish brown, black fangs, or dark red chelicerae.
The Regal Jumping Spider is a remarkable pet spider and a perfect choice for beginners and experienced keepers. These active, intelligent, diurnal jumping spiders recognize movement, hunt with precision, and show curiosity, problem-solving, and playful interactions, making them fun to watch, cute, and rewarding.
Quick Species Snapshot: Regal Jumping Spider Overview
The Regal Jumping Spider (Phidippus regius) is a small arboreal species found in the Southeastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, extending northward to West Virginia, and also in the Caribbean. Males and females vary in size, typically ranging from 0.5″ to 0.9″ (1.2 cm–2.3 cm) and have a lifespan of about 1 year to 3 years, with females generally living longer. These spiders are generally curious, bold, sometimes skittish, and adapt well to beginner-friendly setups.
Known for their keen senses and alert behavior, this Regal Jumping Spider is highly active, using its sharp awareness to explore its environment. Found across the United States and the Caribbean, it thrives in arboreal spaces and is ideal for keepers looking for a compact, engaging pet spider. Its small size, approachable temperament, and simple care requirements make it a perfect introduction to the world of jumping spiders.
Natural Habitat & Behavior
The Regal Jumping Spider (Phidippus regius) is native to the southeastern United States, especially Florida, and also found in the West Indies and throughout the United States. It prefers warm, humid environments with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C–29°C) and humidity levels around 60%–80%. These conditions provide the ideal habitat for this arboreal species, allowing it to thrive in trees, shrubs, and other elevated spaces.
This spider is known for its excellent vision and agile jumping abilities, which it uses for hunting and navigating its environment. Dances and displays are often performed during interacting with potential mates or rivals, showcasing its bold and alert behavior. These known behaviors make the Regal Jumping Spider fascinating to observe and highlight its adaptability and intelligence in its natural habitat.
Why Jumping Spiders Make a Great First Pet Spider
Jumping spiders are excellent pets for both new owners and experienced owners. They are not dangerous, and their naturally curious and active nature makes them interesting to watch. These spiders are easy to handle, and their intelligence endears them to many keepers. Combined with their small statures and easy care requirements, they are a strong contender for one of the best pets available.
One of the main benefits of keeping jumping spiders is that they do not demand a long-term commitment, which is convenient for beginners or busy owners. However, this is also a drawback for those looking for a pet with a longer lifespan. Overall, their active behavior, intelligence, and simple care make them an ideal pet spider, offering a fun and rewarding experience for anyone entering the world of jumping spiders.
Regal Jumping Spider Care Guide
Keeping a Phidippus regius (Regal Jumping Spider) is rewarding for both new owners and experienced keepers. These jumping spiders are active, inquisitive, and intelligent, with big eyes, expressive eyes, and bold personalities that make playful interactions with their environment fascinating. Often called the puppy dogs of the arachnid world, they recognize movement, show curiosity about their surroundings, and associate their keeper with food and interaction. Unlike tarantulas, these spiders stalk, pounce, and hunt with precision, showing problem-solving, awareness, and advanced hunting techniques. Their diurnal habits and minimal space needs make them beginner-friendly, allowing keepers to observe behavior easily.
A proper setup uses arboreal enclosures with spiderlings, juveniles, and adult spiders like Tarantula Cribs Treehouse Mini, Coffin Crib Mini, or Treehouse Extra Small with substrate like Terra Aranea. Provide branches, cork bark, pipe cleaners, and plastic or live plants for enrichment, climbing, and hiding. Keep water available via mist or small dishes and maintain a slightly damp environment. Feeding Phidippus regius regularly, from 5th instar to sub-adult and mature spiders, keeps them healthy. These Regal jumping spiders are easy to care for, making keeping, feeding, and housing simple and enjoyable, a perfect start in the world of jumping spiders.
Conclusion
The Regal Jumping Spider (Phidippus regius) is one of the most fascinating and beginner-friendly jumping spiders you can keep. Known for their intelligence, curiosity, and playful nature, these spiders provide endless entertainment as they explore, hunt, and interact with their environment. Small in size but full of personality, they are easy to care for, requiring minimal space and a simple setup with branches, plants, and proper humidity.
Their bold yet approachable behavior makes them perfect for beginners and experienced keepers alike. Observing a jumping spider in action whether it’s stalking prey, performing a playful jump, or reacting to movement offers a unique insight into their advanced hunting skills and awareness. With proper care, a Regal Jumping Spider can thrive and live up to three years, making it a rewarding, low maintenance pet that adds curiosity and excitement to any home.
FAQS
What is the lifespan of a regal jumping spider?
The jumping spiders, including Phidippus regius, typically live around 1–3 years, which is relatively short compared to other arachnids. These spiders are small in size, usually maxing out at under an inch, making them easy to handle and suitable for beginner-friendly setups. Their compact range and manageable lifespan make them ideal for those starting in the world of pet spiders.
In contrast, tarantulas are much larger, with a size range from 2 inches up to a massive 11 inches, and they can live anywhere between 10 years to 30 years, depending on the species. Whereas tarantulas require long-term commitment, Phidippus regius offers a shorter, more interactive experience, perfect for owners seeking a small, engaging pet spider without the decades-long responsibility.
Why do jumping spiders wave at you?
Jumping spiders sometimes show interesting behavior, and one common action is when they wave their arms around in a little dance. This often happens when they are looking for a mate, using these movements as a natural way to communicate.
At other times, the spider may be attempting to look bigger when it sees you looking from above. This simple reaction helps them feel safer and more aware of what is happening around them.
Are Regal jumping spiders friendly?
Jumping spiders are one of the most intelligent spider species, making them excellent pets for both new and experienced keepers. Their curious nature and active daytime behaviour make them fun to observe, while their engaging personalities and gentle demeanor ensure they are among the friendliest spiders. They have little risk of being bitten if handled gently, which makes interacting with Phidippus regius safe and enjoyable.
Thanks to their predatory feeding response and awareness of their surroundings, these spiders are fascinating to watch while maintaining a calm and approachable presence. One of the best features of this spider species is how they combine intelligence, curiosity, and playfulness, making them a perfect addition to a keeper’s home without fear of harm.
Is it okay to touch a jumping spider?
Yes, it is generally safe to touch a jumping spider if you use patience and gentle handling. These spiders have bites that are not significant threat to most people, and they can become comfortable with interaction over time. Always approach them safely and avoid any sudden movements to keep both you and the spider calm.
To handle a jumping spider properly, avoid squeezing it and let it walk onto your hand naturally. You can have a catching cup ready in case it decides to jump unexpectedly. Using this careful method ensures the spider feels secure while allowing you to enjoy observing its behavior.