Phidippus Regius Care Guide: The Regal Jumping Spider

Researched and written by the ExoPetGuides editorial team with AI-assisted drafting. All husbandry parameters and veterinary references independently verified against peer-reviewed sources, including the Journal of Arachnology, published Phidippus regius care protocols from Josh’s Frogs and the Tarantula Collective, Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan), and institutional collection records.

Phidippus regius, the regal jumping spider, is the single most popular jumping spider species in the pet hobby. Native to the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and parts of Central America, it combines manageable size, a calm and curious temperament, wide morph availability, and straightforward husbandry into a package that works for first-time keepers and experienced hobbyists alike. This guide covers everything specific to P. regius care, from enclosure setup to breeding.

Taxonomy and Classification

Phidippus regius belongs to the family Salticidae, the largest family of spiders, with over 6,300 described species worldwide. Within Salticidae, it sits in the genus Phidippus, a group of about 60 species native to North and Central America, all characterized by relatively large body size, iridescent chelicerae, and bold coloration. The species was first described by German arachnologist Carl Ludwig Koch in 1846. The species name “regius” translates from Latin as “royal” or “regal,” a reference to its size and striking appearance compared to other North American jumping spiders (source: Animal Diversity Web).

Other commonly kept Phidippus species include P. audax (bold jumping spider), P. otiosus (canopy jumping spider), and P. johnsoni (Johnson jumping spider). Among these, P. regius is the largest, most widely bred in captivity, and most commonly available through online breeders and pet stores.

Geographic Range and Wild Habitat

In the wild, P. regius is found throughout the southeastern United States, with Florida as the core of its range. Populations extend north through Georgia and the Carolinas, west along the Gulf Coast to Mississippi, and south through the Florida Keys into the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, and other Caribbean islands. Introduced populations have been documented in parts of coastal Central America (source: BugGuide).

Within its range, P. regius occupies a variety of habitats: palm tree bark, wooden fences, building exteriors, citrus groves, and the edges of subtropical woodland. It is not a deep-forest spider. It prefers semi-open environments with sun exposure, vertical surfaces for hunting, and crevices for retreat construction. This preference for structures and human-adjacent habitats is part of why the species adapts so well to captivity, the enclosure mimics the kind of vertical, sheltered microhabitat it would naturally seek.

Seasonal behavior in wild populations varies by latitude. In central and southern Florida, P. regius remains active year-round. In the northern parts of its range (the Carolinas), activity slows during cooler months and spiders may enter a semi-dormant state in sheltered retreats until spring temperatures return.

Species Profile

P. regius is the largest commonly kept Phidippus species and one of the largest jumping spiders native to North America. Its size makes it easier to observe, feed, and handle than smaller species, which is a significant part of its appeal to new keepers (source: BugGuide).

Color Morphs and Identification

One of the most attractive aspects of P. regius for hobbyists is its range of captive-bred color morphs. Unlike many jumping spider species where appearance is fixed, selective breeding has produced distinct visual varieties.

Standard morph: Black cephalothorax and abdomen with white or cream markings. This is the wild-type coloration most commonly seen in Florida populations.

White (leucistic) morph: Predominantly white body with reduced dark markings. One of the most sought-after morphs, commanding premium prices.

Orange morph: Orange to peach coloration on the abdomen and sometimes the cephalothorax. Found in Caribbean populations and selectively bred in captivity.

Apricot morph: A paler, pastel variation of the orange morph. Less common and typically priced higher.

Males of all morphs display iridescent green or blue-green chelicerae (fangs/jaws), which are prominently used during courtship displays. Female chelicerae are less colorful but still visible. Sex can be distinguished from the sub-adult stage: males develop enlarged, bulbous pedipalps and often show more vivid chelicera coloration (source: Bantam Earth).

Enclosure Setup for P. regius

Enclosure Size and Type

Adult P. regius need a vertical enclosure measuring at least 4 x 4 x 7 inches. Front-opening acrylic or glass terrariums are preferred because they allow access without disturbing the spider’s retreat web, which is typically built near the top of the enclosure. Top-opening enclosures work but require reaching past the retreat to access the interior.

Slings (spiderlings) start in small deli cups (3 to 4 ounce) with ventilation holes punched in the lid and a small piece of crumpled paper towel for a retreat anchor. Upgrade to a larger container at each molt as the spider grows. Most keepers transition to the adult enclosure when the spider reaches the fourth or fifth instar.

Ventilation

Cross-ventilation is essential. Stagnant air promotes mold growth on prey remains and can stress the spider’s respiratory system. Enclosures with mesh panels on at least one side and either the top or opposite side provide adequate airflow while maintaining humidity. Avoid fully sealed containers even if you mist frequently (source: Josh’s Frogs).

Substrate

Use 1 to 2 cm of coconut fiber (coco coir) as a base substrate. Coco coir retains moisture for ambient humidity, resists mold better than peat, and is safe if accidentally ingested. Sphagnum moss placed in one corner creates a humidity gradient. Avoid sand, gravel, or vermiculite, which can clog the spider’s book lungs.

Decorations and Climbing Structures

P. regius is arboreal and needs vertical surfaces to climb and hunt from. Provide:

• Cork bark pieces (flat or round) positioned vertically against the enclosure walls
• Artificial vines or branches for climbing routes between surfaces
• Small silk or live plants (pothos cuttings work well in humid conditions) for additional anchoring and visual barrier
• A broad surface near the top (leaf, cork bark ledge) where the spider will likely build its primary retreat

Experienced keepers we work with find that providing multiple retreat options near the ceiling results in the spider choosing the one it prefers and using it consistently. The retreat location becomes the spider’s “home base” for resting, molting, and egg-laying.

Temperature

P. regius thrives at 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 28 degrees Celsius). This species tolerates a wider range than many exotics, but sustained temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit slow metabolism, reduce appetite, and increase the risk of molting complications. Temperatures above 88 degrees Fahrenheit cause heat stress and rapid dehydration.

Most homes provide adequate temperature without supplemental heating. If your room regularly drops below 70 degrees, a small heat mat placed on one exterior wall (not underneath the enclosure) with an adjustable thermostat provides a gentle warm zone. Never use heat lamps on a small enclosure; they overheat the air volume too quickly (source: The Tarantula Collective).

Humidity

Target 50 to 60 percent ambient humidity. Achieve this by misting one corner of the enclosure lightly every two to three days. The spider drinks from water droplets that form on the glass and plant surfaces. Avoid saturating the substrate or creating pooling water, which promotes bacterial and mold growth.

During premolt (when the spider stops eating and becomes less active), slightly increasing misting frequency to maintain humidity near the upper end of the range helps prevent stuck molts. Some keepers place a damp sphagnum moss pad near the retreat during premolt.

Feeding P. regius

Prey Items by Life Stage

The universal feeding rule for jumping spiders applies to regals: never offer prey larger than the spider’s abdomen. Oversized prey can injure the spider or cause enough stress to trigger a premolt fast.

Gut-Loading and Nutrition

Gut-loading feeder crickets with fresh carrot, sweet potato, or leafy greens 24 hours before offering them to your spider improves the nutritional profile of the prey. Fruit flies raised on commercial culture media are generally nutritionally adequate but less varied than gut-loaded crickets.

Rotating between two or three feeder types over the course of a month provides a broader nutritional profile than relying on a single species. For detailed feeder information, see our guide on what jumping spiders eat.

Feeding Behavior

P. regius is an active stalker-pouncer. When prey enters the enclosure, the spider will typically orient toward it (turning to face the prey with its large anterior median eyes), adopt a low stalking posture, slowly close the distance, and then launch in an explosive pounce. This hunting sequence can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes depending on the spider’s hunger level, the prey type, and the individual’s hunting style.

If your regal refuses food for more than a week outside of premolt, check temperature (too cold suppresses appetite), humidity (dehydration reduces feeding motivation), and prey size (too large triggers avoidance). A spider approaching senescence will also show declining prey interest, but this is a gradual process over weeks.

Handling P. regius

Regal jumping spiders are among the most handleable arachnid species. Many individuals become comfortable walking on their keeper’s hands within a few sessions.

Handling Technique

1. Open the enclosure and place your open hand flat in front of the spider’s current position.
2. Allow the spider to walk onto your hand at its own pace. Never grab, pinch, or scoop.
3. Keep your free hand available as a “bridge” if the spider walks toward the edge of your hand. Gently redirect by placing the second hand in front of it.
4. Handle over a soft surface (bed, carpet, couch cushion) to cushion any accidental falls.
5. Keep sessions short: one to three minutes initially, extending as the spider becomes more comfortable.

Reading Your Spider’s Behavior

A relaxed P. regius walks calmly, pauses to look at objects, and may “track” your face with its large forward-facing eyes by tilting its head. A stressed spider crouches low, raises its front legs in a threat posture, drops from your hand on a dragline, or repeatedly tries to jump away.

Vet-tech teams in the jumping spider community observe that the single biggest handling mistake new keepers make is persistence when the spider is displaying stress signals. If the spider crouches, raises legs, or tries to flee repeatedly, return it to the enclosure and try again in a day or two. Forced handling does not produce a calmer spider; it produces a more defensive one.

When Not to Handle

• During premolt (spider has stopped eating and is sluggish). Handling risks dysecdysis (stuck molt).
• Within 48 to 72 hours after a molt. The new exoskeleton is soft and vulnerable to damage.
• First week after acquisition. Let the spider acclimate to its new enclosure and build a retreat before introducing the additional stimulus of handling.
• If the spider is visibly carrying an egg sac. Gravid females should not be disturbed.

Molting in P. regius

Regal jumping spiders molt multiple times between hatching and adulthood. Slings molt every two to four weeks. Juveniles molt less frequently, and adults undergo their final molt to reach sexual maturity.

Premolt Signs

• Refusal to eat for several days to over a week
• Reduced activity, spending more time in the retreat
• Abdomen may appear darker or duller as the new exoskeleton develops beneath the old one
• Enclosure silk retreat may be reinforced or sealed with additional webbing

During the Molt

The spider seals itself inside its retreat and may take several hours to a full day to complete the molt. Do not disturb the retreat or attempt to observe the process. Remove all live feeder insects from the enclosure, as they can bite a vulnerable molting spider.

Post-Molt

The spider emerges with a soft, pale exoskeleton that hardens and darkens over 48 to 72 hours. Colors are often more vivid immediately after a molt. Do not offer food until the spider shows active interest in prey, typically two to four days post-molt. Do not handle until at least 72 hours after the molt.

Breeding P. regius

Breeding regal jumping spiders is popular among hobbyists, particularly those working with specific color morphs. It requires separate enclosures for the male and female, a brief supervised introduction, and preparation for large numbers of spiderlings.

Sexual Maturity and Breeding Readiness

Males reach sexual maturity after their final molt, identifiable by their fully developed bulbous pedipalps. Females typically mature one to two molts after males of the same age cohort. For the best breeding outcomes, pair the male within a few weeks of his final molt, while he is healthy and active. Males in the later stages of their post-maturity lifespan may be less vigorous in courtship and less successful at mating (source: The Tarantula Collective).

Both male and female should be well-fed in the weeks before pairing. A well-nourished female is less likely to attack the male during introduction, and a well-fed male has more energy for the extended courtship display.

Courtship Behavior

The male P. regius courtship dance is one of the most elaborate displays in the Salticidae family. Upon detecting the female (often by chemoreceptive cues on her silk), the male raises his front legs, displays his iridescent chelicerae by spreading them wide, and performs a rhythmic side-to-side body vibration. He advances slowly, pausing to repeat the display if the female does not move toward him. The entire courtship sequence can last anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour.

A receptive female remains stationary, lowers her body posture slightly, and allows the male to approach and mount. An unreceptive female raises her front legs in a threat posture, lunges, or actively retreats. If the female shows any aggression, remove the male immediately. You can attempt pairing again in three to five days after feeding the female.

Pairing

Introduce the male into the female’s enclosure (never the reverse). The male will begin courtship immediately if he detects the female, displaying his chelicerae, waving his front legs, and performing a species-specific body vibration dance. A receptive female will remain still and allow the male to approach. An unreceptive or hungry female may attack the male.

Watch the pairing continuously. Remove the male immediately after mating is complete or if the female shows aggression (lunging, threat posture). Male P. regius are frequently cannibalized during or after mating if not separated promptly (source: Exotics Source).

Egg Sac Timeline and Management

A successful mating produces an egg sac within two to four weeks. The female constructs a thicker silk retreat around the sac and guards it. During this period, do not disturb the retreat, move the enclosure, or attempt to handle the female. She may refuse food for part of this period, which is normal.

Egg sacs contain 50 to 200+ eggs depending on the female’s size, age, and nutritional condition. Incubation takes two to four weeks at normal room temperature (75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit). Lower temperatures extend the incubation period. The female may produce multiple egg sacs from a single mating, spaced several weeks apart.

Spiderling Rearing Stages

When spiderlings emerge from the egg sac, they remain clustered near the sac for the first one to three days while absorbing their remaining yolk reserves. After this initial period, they begin dispersing and will start hunting within days.

Separation timing is critical. Spiderlings should be separated into individual containers within three to five days of emergence. Cannibalism among siblings begins as soon as the spiderlings’ hunger exceeds their yolk reserves, typically by day three or four. Use small deli cups (2 to 4 ounce) with pinhole ventilation and a tiny piece of paper towel for a retreat anchor.

Feeding spiderlings: First and second instar spiderlings eat springtails and Drosophila melanogaster (wingless fruit flies). Offer food every one to two days. By the third instar, most spiderlings can take D. hydei (large fruit flies).

Raising a clutch of 100+ spiderlings requires significant feeder insect supplies (springtail and fruit fly cultures) and many small containers. Most hobby breeders sell or rehome the majority of a clutch, keeping a small number for their own collection.

A single female can produce two to four egg sacs over her lifetime if well-maintained and re-mated or if the initial mating was sufficient. Each successive clutch tends to be slightly smaller than the first.

Wild-Caught vs Captive-Bred P. regius

Because P. regius is abundant in the southeastern US, both wild-caught and captive-bred specimens are available. Each has distinct advantages and trade-offs.

Captive-Bred (Recommended)

Captive-bred spiders are the standard recommendation for most keepers. They are raised in controlled conditions, free from parasites and pathogens found in wild populations, and already accustomed to enclosure life. Captive-bred specimens are available in specific color morphs with known lineage, which matters for breeders targeting particular traits. Reputable breeders also provide approximate hatch dates and instar stage, so you know the spider’s age and expected remaining lifespan.

The main drawback is cost. Captive-bred morphs like leucistic or apricot can run $40 to $80 or more, while standard wild-type specimens cost $15 to $30 from breeders on platforms like MorphMarket.

Wild-Caught

Wild-caught P. regius are free if you live in the species’ native range and know where to look, palm trees, fence posts, and building exteriors in Florida are productive spots. Some keepers enjoy the experience of finding and collecting their own spider.

However, wild-caught specimens carry real risks. They may harbor internal parasites, mites, or bacterial infections not visible on inspection. Their age and reproductive history are unknown, so a wild-caught adult female may be near the end of her lifespan. Wild-caught spiders also tend to be more skittish during the initial acclimation period, having never encountered enclosure life or human handling.

If you do collect a wild P. regius, quarantine it in a clean, simple enclosure for at least two weeks before introducing it to your permanent collection. Watch for signs of parasites (mites on the body, abnormal feces, persistent lethargy) and treat the spider as potentially carrying pathogens until it has settled in and fed normally through several feeding cycles.

Legal note: P. regius is not protected under any US federal or state law, and collecting wild specimens in its native range is legal on private property with permission. Do not collect from state or national parks without verifying local regulations.

Common Health Issues in P. regius

Dehydration is the most frequent health issue. Signs include a shriveled, wrinkled abdomen and lethargy. A dehydrated spider may also stop eating even when prey is available. Increase misting frequency and ensure fresh water droplets are available on enclosure surfaces. In severe cases, place a damp cotton ball or sphagnum moss pad near the spider’s retreat to raise local humidity.

Dysecdysis (stuck molt) occurs when humidity is too low during premolt. If the spider appears stuck in its old exoskeleton, gently increase humidity by misting near (not directly on) the spider. Do not attempt to manually remove the old skin, pulling at shed exoskeleton can tear the soft new cuticle and cause fatal injuries.

Mites are small parasites introduced through contaminated substrate or feeder insects. White or reddish dots moving on the spider’s body or in the enclosure indicate a mite infestation. Quarantine the spider in a clean container with paper towel substrate and replace all enclosure contents. Grain mites from feeder cultures are the most common source; keeping feeders in sealed containers with fresh media reduces this risk.

Oral nematodes occasionally affect P. regius, particularly wild-caught specimens. Signs include visible thread-like worms near the chelicerae or in the oral cavity, reduced appetite, and lethargy. There is no established home treatment. Consult an exotic veterinarian if you suspect nematode infection.

Abdominal rupture can result from falls during handling or from impacts inside the enclosure. Even a fall from hand height (3 to 4 feet) onto a hard surface can rupture the abdomen. The hydraulic pressure system that powers jumping spider legs makes them particularly vulnerable to blunt impact. Always handle over soft surfaces and keep sessions short.

Fungal infections appear as cotton-like white patches on the body or legs, distinct from the normal white markings of the species. Fungal issues typically arise from chronically excessive humidity combined with poor ventilation. Improve airflow, reduce misting frequency, and quarantine the affected spider. Severe fungal infections are often fatal.

Senescence decline is the natural aging process, not a treatable illness. An aging P. regius gradually loses coordination, stops hunting actively, and may have difficulty climbing smooth surfaces. Females in their final months may produce one last egg sac before declining. There is no intervention for age-related decline; provide comfortable conditions and easy access to water.

If your spider shows symptoms that do not resolve with husbandry adjustments within 48 to 72 hours, consult an exotic-animal veterinarian. For a broader overview, see our jumping spider care guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Phidippus regius get?

Adult females reach 15 to 22 mm body length. Adult males are smaller at 12 to 18 mm. Size varies by individual genetics and nutrition during development. Females are consistently larger than males across all populations (source: BugGuide).

How long do regal jumping spiders live?

Females typically live 1.5 to 3 years in captivity. Males live 9 to 15 months after their final molt. The longest-documented regal was a female at the Bronx Zoo that lived four years and nine months. For detailed lifespan data, see our jumping spider lifespan guide.

What is the best morph for beginners?

Any morph of P. regius is equally suitable for beginners. Care requirements are identical across morphs. Standard (wild-type) morphs cost less and are the most widely available. Choose a morph based on visual preference, not a perceived care difference.

Can I house a male and female together?

No. Male and female P. regius should only be placed together for a brief, supervised breeding introduction. Permanent cohabitation results in one spider killing and eating the other. Always house each spider individually.

Do regal jumping spiders need UVB lighting?

P. regius does not require UVB lighting. They need ambient visible light to maintain a normal day/night cycle and to stimulate daytime hunting behavior, but a well-lit room or nearby desk lamp provides sufficient light. Avoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight, which overheats the small air volume.

How do I tell if my P. regius is male or female?

Males develop enlarged, bulbous pedipalps (the small appendages flanking the chelicerae) starting at the sub-adult stage. Males also tend to be smaller, more colorful on the chelicerae, and develop distinctive courtship markings. Females are larger, rounder in the abdomen, and have slender pedipalps. Reliable sexing is possible by the fourth or fifth instar in most individuals.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian – ideally an exotic-animal specialist – for any health concern about your pet. Care recommendations may vary based on species, individual animal, and local regulations.

Researched and written by the ExoPetGuides editorial team with AI-assisted drafting. All husbandry parameters and veterinary references independently verified against peer-reviewed sources.