🕷️ Bold Jumping Spider Care Guide
Introduction
The Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax) is one of the most widely recognized and beloved true spiders in the hobby. Known for its iridescent green chelicerae, fearless nature, and impressive leaps, this species has become a favorite for enthusiasts and beginners alike.
These spiders are curious, active, and alert, making them a joy to observe. Their vision-based hunting and engaging personalities have made Phidippus audax one of the most captivating arachnids to keep and study.
🌎 Natural Habitat
Native to North America, the Bold Jumping Spider can be found in grassy fields, gardens, woodlands, and even urban areas. They prefer sunny environments where they can hunt visually during the day.
Instead of spinning webs to catch prey, they create small silk retreats for resting, molting, or laying eggs. These retreats are often found beneath leaves, bark, or in crevices.
In captivity, their natural curiosity thrives when provided with a bright, enriched enclosure that encourages climbing and exploration.
🏡 Enclosure Setup
Phidippus audax is an arboreal, visually oriented hunter that appreciates space and structure.
Recommended enclosure size:
- Juveniles: 10 × 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 × 4 in)
- Adults: 20 × 20 × 30 cm (8 × 8 × 12 in)
Setup essentials:
- Substrate: Thin layer of dry coco fibre or soil — mainly to maintain humidity.
- Decor: Twigs, cork bark, artificial plants, and leaves for climbing and silk retreats.
- Lighting: Natural daylight or soft LED light — avoid direct sunlight or heat lamps.
- Ventilation: Excellent airflow with fine mesh lids or side vents is essential.
Jumping spiders are highly visual, so ensure good lighting and open visibility in the enclosure.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
The Bold Jumping Spider thrives in warm, temperate environments.
- Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Humidity: 50–65 %
- Misting: Light mist every 2–3 days on enclosure walls (not directly on the spider).
Ensure proper airflow to prevent mold buildup while maintaining moderate humidity levels.
🍴 Feeding
Bold Jumping Spiders are active, diurnal hunters with excellent eyesight.
Diet includes:
- Fruit flies (for spiderlings)
- Small crickets
- Roaches
- Mealworms or waxworms (occasional treat)
Feed 2–3 times per week, offering prey roughly half the spider’s body size. Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours.
Watching Phidippus audax stalk and pounce is one of the most rewarding parts of keeping this species — they often calculate distances before leaping onto their meal with precision.
⚖️ Growth & Molting
Before molting, a Bold Jumper will typically retreat into a silken nest and cease eating. This process can last several days to a week.
Key signs of pre-molt:
- Refusal of food
- Reduced activity
- Sealed silk retreat
Do not disturb during this time. After molting, wait 3–5 days before feeding again. Stable humidity and temperature help ensure successful molts.
⚠️ Temperament & Handling
The Bold Jumping Spider is named for its fearless and inquisitive behavior, not aggression. They rarely bite and often investigate their keeper with interest.
They can be gently handled, but always over a soft surface to avoid injury from falls. Most keepers find them fascinating observation pets rather than animals for frequent handling.
Their bright personalities and recognition of movement make them a favorite for interaction and photography.
🧬 Lifespan & Size
- Body length: 10–15 mm (0.4–0.6 in)
- Leg span: Up to 25 mm (1 in)
- Lifespan: Females 1.5–2 years, males around 1 year
Females are typically larger and more robust, while males are more active and display their iridescent mouthparts prominently.
🌿 Breeding Notes
Breeding Phidippus audax is achievable in captivity. Introduce a mature male into the female’s enclosure under supervision. If receptive, the female will engage in a vibrant courtship display involving leg waves and abdomen vibrations.
After mating, the female builds a silk retreat for egg-laying and guards her egg sac until spiderlings emerge. Once dispersed, young jumpers should be separated into small containers and fed fruit flies or pinhead crickets.
✅ Key Care Summary
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phidippus audax |
| Common Name | Bold Jumping Spider |
| Origin | North America |
| Category | Arboreal Active Hunter |
| Adult Size | 10–15 mm body, 25 mm leg span |
| Temperature | 22–28 °C (72–82 °F) |
| Humidity | 50–65 % |
| Temperament | Bold / Curious |
| Difficulty | Beginner Friendly |
| Handling | Gentle, with caution |
🔗 Related Guides
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