Elegant Golden Jumping Spider (Chrysilla lauta)

What Do Elegant Golden Jumping Spiders Look Like?

Chrysilla lauta, or the Elegant Golden Jumping spider, is known for its vibrant and attractive multi-coloring.

These spiders generally range from 3 – 9 mm in size, making them one of the smallest arachnids in the world.

They have eight legs, eight eyes, and a short, slender abdomen.

The exoskeleton of the Chrysilla lauta has a dense and fine layer of black, white, and yellow hairs.

 Along the back of their legs, there is a distinctive arrangement of alternating yellow and black colored bands and spots.

This gives them their classic gold and black coloring which is both attractive and unique.

Benefits Of Using Elegant Golden Jumping Spider

The Elegant Golden Jumping Spider is an ideal inhabitant for many vivarium types.

Often referred to as “house spiders”, they require a minimal amount of maintenance and can help by eating pests.

In addition, they are quite entertaining, as they are often quite active, jumping to and from various surfaces.

Most notably, Chrysilla lauta are incredibly beautiful, their distinct golden color and pattern offering a unique visual appeal to any enclosure.

Furthermore, they are known to form unique bonds with their owners, making them an excellent companion for any hobbyist.

Chrysilla lauta Facts

The Chrysilla lauta is recognized for its large eyes and beautiful color markings.

They are generally small, and the male’s body length is slightly smaller than that of a female.

These spiders are naturally found in tropical environments, and feed on ants and other small insects.

They have a lifespan of one to three years and are considered very low maintenance.

This makes them incredibly easy to care for, as long as you provide them with the correct environment and diet.

Habitat

Chrysilla lauta is native to Southeast Asia, specifically India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and China.

They are found in tropical forests, often near streams and rivers, and can be spotted in leaf litter or on branches and foliage. 

This species is considered a wandering spider, meaning it does not remain in one particular space, but instead roams and hunts for prey in its territory.

These spiders have adapted to their natural environment and can survive in different climates, provided the environment meets their needs.

They require temperatures between 74 – 85 F and humidity levels of around 60%.

They can also be found in urban areas, surviving even in homes and gardens.

Diet

In their natural habitat, Elegant Golden Jumping Spiders feed mainly on small insects such as flies and moths.

They prefer freshly killed prey, so they hunt using their quick reflexes and exceptional vision to locate their food.

 The ideal food size should not exceed the size of the spider itself.

Temperament

Chrysilla lauta is usually quite shy around humans and other animals.

They will usually try to hide when they are disturbed or feel threatened.

However, with the right kind of slow and gentle handling, they can become quite tame and approachable.

It is recommended that owners start handling their spiders by using small tweezers or toothpicks and avoid attempting to pick them up directly with their hands.

This can be a great way to help them become more comfortable with human contact.

When it comes to other animals, these spiders are generally quite peaceful and do not tend to become aggressive.

However, they can become territorial when threatened or when they feel the need to defend their territory.

It is best to keep them away from larger animals such as cats, dogs, and birds as they may try to attack them.

Lifespan

The life span of a Chrysilla lauta can last anywhere from one to three years.

Adult females typically live slightly longer than males.

During their lives, they will go through different phases, typically beginning with a pre-sexual phase.

During this stage, the spider will start to build its web, which it will use to capture insects and other small prey.

Once reaching adulthood, the spider will enter the reproductive phase, during which males will search for females to mate with and then create egg sacs.

After a few weeks, the eggs will hatch and baby spiders will emerge.

The newly hatched spiders will then molt, gaining strength and size to reach their full adult size.

After reaching adulthood and the reproductive phase, the spiders’ lifespan will start to shorten.

Breeding

Elegant Golden Jumping Spiders reproduce through courtship.

Male spiders will often approach a female, signaling their readiness to mate by displaying courtship behavior.

This includes rhythmic drumming and waving of the front legs.

If the female is interested, the male will then position himself appropriately to allow the female to grasp him with her palps.

He will then inseminate her, and the mating process is complete.

Females lay their eggs individually in cells, each of which is shaped like a ball and made of silk.

Once the eggs are fertilized, she attaches the cell to a leaf or other stable surface.

The eggs will then incubate for two to three weeks before the spiders hatch.

At this point, the spiderlings can take care of themselves, so the mother doesn’t need to provide additional care.

Where To Find Elegant Golden Jumping Spiders

Finding an Elegant Golden Jumping Spider for sale can be quite a challenge as they are a rare species.

The colors, shapes, and sizes of these spiders vary so it is helpful to do some research before purchasing one to ensure you get the right size and color combination.

Your best bet to find Chrysilla lauta for sale is to check with a reputable reptile breeder or dealer.

If you are looking to find an Elegant Golden Jumper in the wild, you’ll have to travel to Southeast Asia or the islands of The Philippines.

They like hot and humid climates and can be found in tall grasses or shrubs.

They are primarily an arboreal species so look for ones up high.

When searching for one in the wild, use caution as the spiders can jump several feet high and can bite if they feel threatened.