Researched and written by the ExoPetGuides editorial team with AI-assisted drafting. All species profiles independently verified against peer-reviewed sources, including the Journal of Arachnology, Animal Diversity Web (University of Michigan), BugGuide (Iowa State University), and published care protocols from institutional collections and established breeders.
Not all jumping spiders are equally suited to captive life. Species vary in size, temperament, environmental needs, availability, and how well they tolerate handling. This guide profiles the eight best jumping spider species for pet keepers, ranked by overall beginner-friendliness, and explains what makes each one distinct.
All eight species belong to the family Salticidae and share the core jumping spider traits: exceptional vision, active daytime hunting, silk retreat construction, and a curious disposition. Where they differ is in the details that matter when you are choosing your first, or next, spider.
1. Phidippus regius (Regal Jumping Spider)
Best for: First-time keepers, families, anyone who wants the most established pet species.
The regal jumping spider is the most widely kept and recommended jumping spider species in the hobby. Native to the southeastern United States and the Caribbean, P. regius combines manageable size, wide color variation, a calm temperament, and strong availability from captive breeders.
Size: Females reach 15 to 22 mm body length; males 12 to 18 mm. This makes regals among the largest Phidippus species and easy to observe without magnification.
Color morphs: Captive breeding has produced a range of morphs including standard gray/white, white (leucistic), orange, apricot, and patterned variants. Males display striking iridescent green chelicerae used in courtship. Females tend toward gray or white with distinctive facial markings.
Temperament: Regals are generally calm, curious, and tolerant of handling after an acclimation period. Individual personalities vary, but as a species they rank among the most handleable salticids. They are active hunters that display the full stalk-and-pounce sequence that makes jumping spiders so engaging to watch.
Husbandry: Temperature 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, humidity 50 to 60 percent, standard 4x4x7 inch arboreal enclosure. Diet of fruit flies (slings), small crickets, waxworms, and bottle flies (adults). Straightforward care with no specialized equipment requirements.
Lifespan: Females 1.5 to 3 years; males 9 to 15 months after maturity. The longest-documented regal was a female at the Bronx Zoo that lived four years and nine months (source: Jumping Spider Care).
Availability and price: Widely available year-round from numerous US breeders and some retail pet stores (PetSmart). Standard morphs: $15 to $40 for juveniles, $35 to $60 for sub-adult/adult females. Rare morphs: $60 to $100+.
For a species-specific deep dive, see our Phidippus regius care guide.
2. Phidippus audax (Bold Jumping Spider)
Best for: Keepers in North America who want a native species, budget-conscious first-timers.
The bold jumping spider is the most common jumping spider across the eastern and central United States. Its black body with white or cream markings and vivid iridescent green chelicerae make it immediately recognizable. It is as hardy and beginner-friendly as P. regius and typically costs less due to its abundance in the captive breeding market.
Size: Females 8 to 19 mm; males 6 to 15 mm. Slightly smaller on average than P. regius, but still large enough for easy observation.
Temperament: Bold and confident, true to their common name. P. audax individuals tend to be active explorers that readily investigate new objects and movement. Handling tolerance varies by individual but is generally good (source: Animal Diversity Web).
Husbandry: Identical to P. regius in temperature (72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit), humidity (50 to 60 percent), and enclosure requirements. Accepts the same feeder insects. No special considerations beyond standard jumping spider care.
Lifespan: 1 to 2 years; females occasionally reach 3 years. Males live significantly shorter lives than females.
Availability and price: Very widely available. Juveniles: $10 to $25. Sub-adult/adult females: $30 to $45. Often the least expensive captive-bred jumping spider on the market.
3. Hyllus diardi (Heavy Jumping Spider)
Best for: Experienced keepers who want a larger, subtropical species and can manage higher humidity demands.
The heavy jumping spider is a large, visually impressive species native to Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. At up to 25 mm body length, H. diardi is significantly larger than any Phidippus species and offers a substantially different keeping experience. However, its subtropical origin means it requires warmer temperatures and higher humidity than temperate species, making it less suitable for complete beginners.
Size: Females up to 20 to 25 mm; males slightly smaller. The largest commonly kept pet jumping spider.
Color and appearance: Orange, yellow, and black banding on legs and abdomen. Lighter cephalothorax with two white longitudinal stripes. Eye arrangement is distinctive, with eyes set in a more circular pattern than Phidippus species (source: Bantam Earth).
Temperament: Calm and slow-moving compared to Phidippus species, partly due to the temperature differential between their native habitat and typical room conditions. They are handleable but move with less of the quick curiosity that characterizes regals and bolds.
Husbandry: Temperature 78 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (warmer than Phidippus). Humidity 70 to 80 percent (significantly higher). Requires a larger enclosure (8x8x8 inches recommended), deeper substrate for humidity retention, a heat mat with thermostat, and often a full-spectrum light to stimulate feeding behavior. This species requires more investment in equipment and more attention to environmental parameters than beginner species.
Lifespan: 1 to 3 years. Females live longer, following the standard pattern. Full lifespan potential is only reached with consistent tropical-range conditions.
Availability and price: Less widely available than Phidippus species. Juveniles: $25 to $40. Adults: $45 to $70. Shipping can be more challenging due to the species’ sensitivity to temperature extremes during transit.
4. Phidippus otiosus (Canopy Jumping Spider)
Best for: Keepers who want a colorful alternative to regius or audax with similar care requirements.
The canopy jumping spider is a southeastern US native closely related to P. regius. It is less commonly sold than its cousins but has a loyal following among keepers who appreciate its distinct coloration and lively personality.
Size: Females 10 to 17 mm; males 8 to 13 mm. Moderately sized.
Color and appearance: Males are particularly striking, with orange to red faces, white lateral bands, and iridescent green chelicerae. Females are more subdued in brown and gray tones. The species shows more color variation than P. audax while being slightly smaller than P. regius.
Temperament: Active, curious, and generally handleable. Similar behavioral profile to other Phidippus species. Some keepers describe them as slightly more skittish than regals but more colorful than bolds.
Husbandry: Standard Phidippus parameters: 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, 50 to 60 percent humidity, standard arboreal enclosure. No special requirements beyond general jumping spider care.
Lifespan: 1 to 2 years, following the standard Phidippus pattern.
Availability and price: Moderately available. Juveniles: $15 to $30. Adults: $35 to $55. Found less frequently in retail stores, more commonly from online breeders and at expos.
5. Hasarius adansoni (Adanson House Jumper)
Best for: Experienced keepers who want a small, fast, cosmopolitan species. Not recommended as a first spider.
The Adanson house jumper is found worldwide in and around human dwellings. It is small, quick, and less handleable than Phidippus species, but its global availability and interesting hunting behavior have earned it a niche in the hobby.
Size: Females 6 to 9 mm; males 5 to 7 mm. This is a small spider that can be difficult to observe and handle without care.
Temperament: Quick and alert. Less inclined to sit calmly on a keeper’s hand than larger species. Better suited as an observation-only pet for keepers who enjoy watching hunting behavior without handling.
Husbandry: Temperature 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity 50 to 65 percent. Small enclosure sufficient (3x3x5 inches for adults). Diet limited to small fruit flies and micro-crickets due to body size.
Lifespan: 1 to 1.5 years. Shorter-lived than larger species.
Availability and price: Available from specialized breeders. Juveniles: $10 to $20. Adults: $20 to $35. Sometimes collected locally where populations are established.
6. Platycryptus undatus (Tan Jumping Spider)
Best for: US-based keepers interested in a commonly encountered native species, educational settings.
The tan jumping spider is one of the most frequently seen jumping spiders in North America, often found on exterior walls, fences, and tree trunks. Its flattened body profile distinguishes it from the rounder Phidippus species.
Size: 9 to 13 mm. Moderate size.
Color and appearance: Mottled brown and gray with a distinctive flattened, bark-like appearance that provides camouflage on tree surfaces. Less visually dramatic than Phidippus species but interesting for its cryptic coloration.
Temperament: Moderate handleability. Tends to be fast and prefers to hide rather than explore openly. Less interactive than Phidippus species in an enclosure setting.
Husbandry: Standard temperate jumping spider conditions. Appreciates enclosure elements that mimic bark surfaces (flat cork pieces).
Lifespan: 1 to 1.5 years.
Availability and price: Rarely sold by breeders. Most captive specimens are wild-caught. If purchasing, expect $15 to $30 from specialized sellers. More commonly kept by enthusiasts who catch their own.
7. Maratus spp. (Peacock Jumping Spiders)
Best for: Experienced keepers fascinated by courtship displays. Display-only species.
Peacock spiders are native to Australia and are famous for the males’ extraordinarily colorful abdominal flaps, which they raise and vibrate during elaborate courtship dances. Dozens of Maratus species have been described, many from viral videos of their dances. However, their suitability as pets is limited.
Size: 3 to 7 mm. Very small, requiring micro-feeders and careful handling is essentially impractical.
Temperament: Active and curious but far too small for handling. Strictly an observation species (source: Wikipedia – Jumping Spider).
Husbandry: Small enclosure (2x2x3 inches). Temperature 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity 50 to 60 percent. Diet of springtails and Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies only due to tiny body size.
Lifespan: 1 to 1.5 years.
Availability and price: Extremely limited in the US market due to Australian export restrictions. When available from captive-bred lines (mainly in Europe or Australia), prices range from $50 to $100+. Not recommended as a first jumping spider due to small size, limited availability, and observation-only handling profile.
8. Habronattus spp. (Paradise Jumping Spiders)
Best for: Keepers who want colorful North American native species with courtship displays approaching Maratus complexity.
The genus Habronattus includes over 100 species native to North and Central America. Males of many species display vivid reds, greens, and iridescent patches used in complex courtship dances. They are sometimes called “the Maratus of the Americas” for their visual displays, though they are more readily available.
Size: 5 to 10 mm. Small to moderate.
Color and appearance: Highly variable by species. Males can be brilliantly colored with facial tufts, leg ornaments, and abdominal markings. Females are more cryptic. The courtship displays of some Habronattus species rival Maratus for complexity and color.
Temperament: Quick and active. Smaller size makes handling difficult. Best as an observation species for keepers interested in courtship behavior.
Husbandry: Standard temperate conditions. Small enclosures. Diet of small fruit flies and micro-feeders. Requires good lighting to stimulate courtship displays.
Lifespan: 1 to 1.5 years.
Availability and price: Occasionally available from specialized invertebrate breeders and through wild collection. Prices vary widely ($15 to $50) depending on species and seller.
Species Comparison Summary
| Species | Size (mm) | Beginner Rating | Handleability | Lifespan | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P. regius | 12-22 | Excellent | High | 1.5-3 yr | $15-$100 |
| P. audax | 6-19 | Excellent | High | 1-2 yr | $10-$65 |
| H. diardi | 15-25 | Intermediate | Moderate | 1-3 yr | $25-$70 |
| P. otiosus | 8-17 | Good | Good | 1-2 yr | $15-$55 |
| H. adansoni | 5-9 | Intermediate | Low | 1-1.5 yr | $10-$35 |
| P. undatus | 9-13 | Intermediate | Moderate | 1-1.5 yr | $15-$30 |
| Maratus spp. | 3-7 | Advanced | None | 1-1.5 yr | $50-$100+ |
| Habronattus spp. | 5-10 | Intermediate | Low | 1-1.5 yr | $15-$50 |
In our keeper community, the overwhelming recommendation for a first jumping spider is Phidippus regius. Its combination of size, temperament, availability, and visual appeal makes it the strongest all-around choice. P. audax is an equally valid alternative for keepers who prefer a native North American species or want to spend less.
For a complete care walkthrough, see our jumping spider care guide. For pricing details on any species, see our jumping spider cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which jumping spider species is best for handling?
Phidippus regius and Phidippus audax are the most handleable species due to their larger size, calm temperament, and tolerance of human interaction. Individual variation exists within every species, but regals and bolds have the most consistent track record for comfortable handling across keeper reports.
Can I keep different species together?
No. All jumping spiders are solitary predators that will attack and eat other spiders, including members of their own species. Each spider must be housed individually regardless of species. The only time two spiders should share space is during a brief, supervised breeding introduction (source: Arachnoboards).
Are peacock spiders good first pets?
Peacock spiders (Maratus spp.) are not recommended for beginners. They are very small (3 to 7 mm), cannot be handled, have limited availability in the US due to Australian export restrictions, and require micro-feeder insects. They are best suited for experienced keepers who specifically want to observe courtship displays.
Do all jumping spider species need the same enclosure?
The basic enclosure design (vertical, ventilated, with climbing structures) applies to all species. However, species differ in size requirements, temperature, and humidity needs. Hyllus diardi requires a larger, warmer, and more humid enclosure than Phidippus species. Small species like Hasarius adansoni do well in smaller containers. Always match enclosure parameters to your specific species.
Which species has the most color variety?
Phidippus regius offers the widest range of captive-bred color morphs, including standard gray/white, leucistic white, orange, and apricot variants. For naturally occurring courtship colors, male Maratus and Habronattus species display the most vivid and varied colors, but these are fixed by species and cannot be selectively bred in the same way as P. regius morphs.
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.
