Jumping Spider Diet & Feeding Guide
- Ajinkya Chopade
- 9 hours ago
- 6 min read
Understanding the jumping spider diet is one of the biggest worries for new keepers. Many people bring home a cute little jumping spider but have no idea what to feed it, how much to feed it, or how often to feed it. The good news is that jumping spiders are very simple to care for as long as you follow the right feeding routine. With proper prey, correct feeding frequency, and safe feeding habits, your spider will stay active and healthy and live a long life.
1. What Do Jumping Spiders Eat Naturally?
In the wild, jumping spiders survive by hunting small insects. They do not spin webs to catch prey. Instead, they are active hunters who use their strong eyesight to find moving prey and pounce on it. Their natural diet mainly includes flies, especially house flies and small field flies. These are their favourites because they move a lot and are easy for the spider to track.
Small insects like young crickets, tiny roach nymphs, and soft-bodied larvae also form part of their normal diet. Occasionally, jumping spiders may eat other small arthropods such as tiny moths. In nature, they always choose prey that is easy to overpower and safe to swallow.
Jumping spiders depend heavily on movement because movement triggers their hunting instinct. That is why live prey is extremely important even in captivity. Offering a diet that looks similar to their natural food is the best way to keep them healthy and strong.
2. Feeding Frequency
Feeding frequency changes based on the spider’s age and size. Baby spiders, called slings, need more frequent feeding because they grow very quickly and have tiny stomachs. Juveniles need a steady routine, while adults can go longer between meals.
Slings usually eat every day or every other day. They do best with very small and soft prey, especially fruit flies. Because their bodies are tiny, they cannot hold large meals, so frequent small feedings work best.
Juvenile jumping spiders grow fast and become more active, so they usually eat every two to three days. They can handle slightly bigger prey, like larger fruit flies, small crickets, or small roach nymphs.
Adult jumping spiders can be fed less often because they do not grow as quickly. Many keepers feed adults every five to seven days. Some adults even prefer eating once every week, especially females after laying eggs or spiders kept in cooler weather. If your adult looks plump, you can wait longer between feedings. If it looks slightly flat or is very active at the front of the enclosure, you can offer prey sooner.
Hunger signs are easy to recognise. A spider that is hungry will often come to the front of the enclosure, watch your movements carefully, and become more alert. A well-fed spider usually has a round abdomen, while a hungry spider may have a flat or slightly wrinkled abdomen.
However, do not confuse hunger with molting behaviour. When a spider is close to molting, it may stop eating for several days. During this time, do not offer live prey because it may harm the soft molting spider.
3. Best Feeder Insects
The jumping spider diet can include many safe feeder insects. The key is choosing prey that is the right size and easy for the spider to catch. The best and most commonly used feeder insects are fruit flies. They are perfect for slings and young spiders because they are soft, harmless, and move enough to trigger natural hunting behaviour. Both melanogaster and hydei fruit flies are commonly used, depending on the spider’s size.
Crickets are another good option for juveniles and adults. They offer good nutrition occasionally, but it must be in small amounts. Large crickets can bite and injure the spider. Roaches are one of the healthiest feeder insects. Small Dubia roach nymphs, or lateralis roaches, are ideal because they are soft, nutritious, and easy to catch.
Moths are enjoyable treats for jumping spiders because they flutter. Many keepers notice that spiders get excited when they see a moth. However, moths should be occasional only because they are hard to handle and may escape easily. Other insects, like small mealworms or waxworms, can be used, but only as rare treats. Mealworms have strong jaws and hard bodies, and waxworms are very fatty, so these should not be a regular part of the diet.
A varied diet is important for good health. Feeding only one insect type for too long can reduce nutrition. Offering different prey over time keeps your spider excited and helps copy its natural hunting experience.
4. Safe Feeding Practices
Safe feeding practices are extremely important. The first rule is prey size. The prey should never be larger than the spider’s body. Smaller prey is always safer. While jumping spiders can sometimes tackle larger prey, this increases the risk of injury or stress.
Always use live prey because jumping spiders rely on movement to hunt. Dead prey is usually ignored. After putting prey inside the enclosure, watch your spider for a few minutes. If it does not want to eat, remove the insect after some time. Leaving prey inside is dangerous. Crickets or worms may bite the spider, especially during molting. Even harmless insects can cause stress if they keep crawling around.
Avoid wild-caught insects. Outdoor bugs may carry pesticides, parasites, or chemicals that can harm your spider. Always use feeder insects from clean cultures.
When using insects like mealworms, many keepers crush the head lightly before offering to prevent bites. This keeps the prey fresh but safe. Always make sure the enclosure does not get crowded with insects. Feeding one insect at a time is usually enough.
5. Hydration Tips
Jumping spiders do not drink from bowls. They drink from water droplets. That is why hydration comes from gentle misting. Lightly mist one side of the enclosure, so droplets form. Do not spray directly on your spider.
Mist once a day or every few days, depending on your room’s humidity. Good hydration helps maintain the spider’s body condition and supports healthy molting. If the enclosure becomes too wet, mold can grow, so good ventilation is important. A balance of humidity, clean air, and fresh droplets keeps your spider comfortable.
A varied and well-balanced jumping spider diet is the key to good health, fast growth, and a long lifespan. Feeding the right prey size, offering live insects, and following a proper feeding routine make care simple and stress-free. With clean hydration, safe feeding practices, and gentle observation, your spider will stay active and happy.
Feeding time is also fun because you get to watch your spider’s natural hunting behaviour. When you accurately provide the correct food, your jumping spider rewards you with bright eyes, curious movements, and energetic jumps for many months or even years.
FAQ: Jumping Spider Diet & Feeding Guide
1. What is the best food for a jumping spider?
The best foods for jumping spiders are small live insects like fruit flies, houseflies, crickets, roaches, and moths. These mimic their natural diet and help maintain healthy growth and activity. Always choose feeder insects that are fresh, safe, and pesticide-free.
2. How often should I feed my jumping spider?
Feeding depends on age. Slings need food every 1–2 days, juveniles every 2–3 days, and adults every 3–4 days. If your spider is active, alert, and exploring a lot, it may be hungry. A well-fed spider often refuses food or hides after eating.
3. How big should the feeder insect be?
Always follow the rule: Prey should be smaller than your spider’s body (not including legs). Large prey can cause stress, injury, or refusal to hunt. Offering small prey often is safer and closer to their natural hunting style.
4. Do jumping spiders need water?
Yes. Even though they get moisture from food, they still need hydration. Provide tiny water droplets on the enclosure wall 2–3 times a week. Never keep a water dish, as spiders can drown. Light misting helps them drink safely.
5. What should I do if my spider doesn’t eat?
If your spider refuses food, it may be full, stressed, or preparing to molt. During pre-molt, they often stop eating completely. Remove uneaten insects within a few hours to avoid harming the spider. If refusal continues for many days, check humidity, temperature, and enclosure cleanliness.
6. Can I feed my jumping spider wild-caught insects?
You can, but it is not recommended because wild insects may carry pesticides, parasites, or harmful bacteria. It’s safer to use store-bought feeder insects or home-grown cultures like fruit flies and mealworms.
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