🕷️ Johnson’s Jumping Spider Care Guide
Introduction
The Johnson’s Jumping Spider (Phidippus johnsoni), also known as the Red-backed Jumping Spider, is one of the most visually striking and engaging members of the Salticidae family. Recognized by its bright red abdomen and iridescent green chelicerae, this spider is both charismatic and confident — a true favorite among jumping spider enthusiasts.
Native to western North America, Phidippus johnsoni is admired for its curiosity, intelligence, and calm temperament, making it a fantastic choice for both beginner and experienced arachnid keepers.
🌎 Natural Habitat
The Johnson’s Jumping Spider is native to dry, open habitats across the western United States and Canada. It thrives in areas such as grasslands, deserts, and forest edges, often seen on rocks, shrubs, and fences under bright sunlight.
Rather than using webs to trap prey, these spiders rely on keen vision and agility, constructing silk retreats for resting and molting. These retreats are usually tucked away under bark, stones, or human structures.
To replicate their environment in captivity, provide ample climbing space, bright light, and good ventilation — mimicking the warm, arid regions they naturally inhabit.
🏡 Enclosure Setup
As an active visual hunter, Phidippus johnsoni requires a well-lit, vertical enclosure that promotes exploration and silk retreat building.
Recommended enclosure size:
- Juveniles: 10 × 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 × 4 in)
- Adults: 20 × 20 × 30 cm (8 × 8 × 12 in)
Setup essentials:
- Substrate: A thin layer of dry coco fibre or soil — mainly to help balance humidity.
- Decor: Cork bark, twigs, fake or live plants, and rocks for climbing and anchoring silk retreats.
- Lighting: Bright, natural light or gentle LED illumination. Avoid direct heat lamps.
- Ventilation: Excellent — mesh lids or side vents prevent condensation and mold.
A bright, airy setup with secure vertical surfaces will keep your Johnson’s Jumper healthy and active.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
This species prefers warm, dry conditions similar to its native desert regions.
- Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Humidity: 40–60 %
- Misting: Lightly mist enclosure walls every 2–3 days for hydration — never spray the spider directly.
Avoid overly damp conditions, as Johnson’s Jumpers prefer a relatively dry habitat with good airflow.
🍴 Feeding
The Johnson’s Jumping Spider is a bold and enthusiastic hunter that thrives on a varied diet of small live prey.
Suitable foods include:
- Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster/hydei) for spiderlings
- Small crickets
- Roaches
- Mealworms or waxworms (as occasional treats)
Feed 2–3 times weekly, offering prey no larger than the spider’s body length. Their hunting style — a careful stalk followed by an acrobatic leap — makes feeding sessions fascinating to watch.
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent stress during resting or molting periods.
⚖️ Growth & Molting
Molting is an essential part of growth for Phidippus johnsoni. Before a molt, your spider will usually:
- Refuse food
- Construct a silk retreat
- Remain still and hidden for several days
Maintain stable temperature and humidity during this time, and avoid disturbing the enclosure. After a molt, wait 3–5 days before resuming feeding to allow the exoskeleton to harden.
⚠️ Temperament & Handling
Johnson’s Jumping Spiders are known for their confident yet calm demeanor. They are not aggressive and will often curiously observe movement nearby.
While capable of quick jumps, they rarely show defensive behavior. Handling can be done gently and safely over a soft surface to prevent injury from falls.
Their friendly and intelligent behavior makes them a delight to observe and photograph — many keepers find them to be among the most interactive spiders available.
🧬 Lifespan & Size
- Body length: 10–13 mm (0.4–0.5 in)
- Leg span: Around 20–25 mm (0.8–1 in)
- Lifespan: Females 1.5–2 years; males around 1 year
Females are slightly larger and more robust, while males are more active and display brighter colors during courtship.
🌿 Breeding Notes
Breeding Phidippus johnsoni can be rewarding when done carefully. Introduce a mature male into the female’s enclosure under supervision.
If the female is receptive, the male will perform a courtship dance, waving his forelegs and abdomen to signal his intentions. After mating, the female constructs a silk cocoon for her eggs, guarding it until spiderlings emerge.
Young jumpers should be housed individually once they disperse to prevent cannibalism.
✅ Key Care Summary
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phidippus johnsoni |
| Common Name | Johnson’s Jumping Spider / Red-backed Jumper |
| Origin | Western North America |
| Category | Arboreal Active Hunter |
| Adult Size | 10–13 mm body, 25 mm leg span |
| Temperature | 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) |
| Humidity | 40–60 % |
| Temperament | Bold / Calm |
| Difficulty | Beginner Friendly |
| Handling | Gentle, with caution |
🔗 Related Guides
- Regal Jumping Spider Care Guide
- Bold Jumping Spider Care Guide
- Jumping Spider Overview
- True Spider Care Guide
🎥 For More Arachnid Related Content
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