The Phidippus regius also known as the royal jumping spider, is a truly fascinating species.

Here is a breeding sheet that I created to guide you in breeding these little creatures.

Classification

Order: Araneae

Family: Salticidae

Genus: Phidippus

Species: Phidippus regius

Description

• Origin : Eastern part of the United States of America, from Virginia to Florida, West Indies, Bahamas, Cuba and Jamaica

  • Females : Generally grey/beige, with some darker parts ranging to brown or even orange-red. The chelicerae are mauve, but in some strains they can also be green-blue.

  • Males : Generally identical, with a large black base, some white spots and/or white hair. Their chelicerae are blue-green. The males' front legs are more slender with more hair, and their abdomen is less thick than that of adult females.

Size

Male : Body about 1.2 to 1.9 cm, with legs measuring about 2.5 cm. The front legs are longer in the male, useful for courtship.

• Female : Body about 1.4 to 2 cm, with legs measuring about 2.5 cm. Females are more robust.

Life cycle

• Phidippus regius has an intermediate growth duration compared to other arthropods.

• The newborns remain in the cocoon for several weeks under the protection of the mother, then they undergo their first moult, begin to venture out and feed, before dispersing.

• The Male :

  • Performs approximately 7 moults over an average of 6 to 9 months.

  • Lives 6 to 12 months after imaginal molt.

  The Female :

  • Performs approximately 9 moults over an average of 7 to 12 months.

  • Lives 8 to 16 months after imaginal molt.

Breeding conditions : simple

• Temperature :

  • Day: 24-30°C

  • Night: 16-24°C

• Humidity :

  • Day: 50-80%

  • Night: 70-100%

  Terrarium :

  • A terrarium of 15x15x15 cm is a minimum for an adult individual.

  • Group breeding is not recommended due to their cannibalism.

Feel free to provide suitable shelter, such as artificial plants or bark, for your spiders to climb and feel comfortable. Happy breeding for your new adventure!