Scientific Name: Phidippus regius
Common Name: Regal Jumping Spider
Origin: Southeastern United States, parts of the Caribbean
Classification: Salticidae (Jumping Spider family)
Lifestyle: Arboreal, Terrestrial (found on plants, rocks, and structures)
Appearance:
Medium-sized jumping spider, usually black or dark brown with white or cream markings on the abdomen and around the eyes.
Males are more colorful, often showing red-orange chelicerae (fangs) and some bright accents.
Females are more muted in color but larger and bulkier, with a leg span up to 1.5 inches.
Large, forward-facing eyes characteristic of jumping spiders, providing excellent vision for hunting.
Temperament:
Curious and bold—will often approach the glass of its enclosure or jump toward movements.
Generally non-aggressive, though they can bite if threatened, but bites are not dangerous to humans.
Known for their active hunting style, stalking and pouncing on prey much like a cat.
A good species for handling, though not all individuals will enjoy it.
Enclosure Tips:
Requires a small to medium-sized enclosure with plenty of vertical surfaces for climbing.
Provide plants, branches, or cork bark for climbing and hiding.
Moderate humidity (50–60%) and a temperature of 70–80°F (21–27°C) work well.
A small water dish or misting will help with humidity, but jumping spiders do not require constant moisture.
Diet:
Carnivorous and a voracious predator, feeding on small insects like crickets, fruit flies, and other small arthropods.
Occasionally, they may be seen stalking and capturing prey much larger than themselves.
Notes:
One of the most popular jumping spider species in the hobby due to its boldness, beauty, and active nature.
Phidippus regius can exhibit playful behaviors and is known for its intelligence in terms of problem-solving and hunting.
Commonly kept as a pet due to its interactive nature and ease of care.