Do you have a passion for exotic spiders? If so, the Emerald Jumping Spider might be worth taking a closer look at!
These small, colorful spiders have unique personalities and can pique your interest with their jumping skills.
They do have specific needs when it comes to their care, but if you can provide these types of pet jumping spiders with the perfect environment they will thrive.
In this Paraphidippus aurantius guide, you’ll learn what these spiders need to survive and why they make such amazing pets.
Let’s dive right in and explore these incredible creatures!
Characteristics: | |
---|---|
Common Name | Emerald Jumping Spider |
Family Name | Salticidae |
Scientific Name | Paraphidippus aurantius |
Use | Pets |
Temperament | Non-aggressive |
Lifespan | 1 to 2 Years |
Diet | Insectivore |
Adult Size | up to 12mm |
Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
Care Level | Moderate |
Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallons |
pH | 6.5-8.0 |
Hardness | Moderate |
Temperature | 70-80°F |
Table Of Contents:
ToggleWhat Are Emerald Jumping Spiders?
Emerald Jumping Spiders, scientifically known as Paraphidippus aurantius, are small, arachnids common in the southern United States.
They belong to the Family Salticidae and are mostly known for their vibrant hue.
The common name, Emerald Jumping Spider, literally originates from their unique coloring, which often features emerald green stripes or patterns along their bodies.
This fun-loving species of spider is also characterized by its hopping, and jumping abilities, and is often found curiously exploring its habitats.
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What Do Emerald Jumping Spiders Look Like?
Paraphidippus aurantius measure up to 12 mm and are recognizable for their vibrant electric green coloration.
These spiders have a triangular-shaped head, with black clypeal markings and dark spots along the sides of their abdomen.
They have two large compound eyes, a streamlined abdomen, and four pairs of legs that they use to navigate their environment and capture prey.
These spiders come in a variety of colors, such as black, silver, and brown. Some spiders may also have a unique metallic purple hue that is rarely seen in nature.
Benefits Of Using Emerald Jumping Spiders
Emerald Jumping Spiders make a great addition to any vivarium.
Not only are these critters low maintenance and easy to care for, but they bring a unique flavor to the habitat.
These miniature spiders move quickly, jump great distances, and keep your other inhabitants active and engaged.
Due to their small size, Paraphidippus aurantius rarely consumes the food sources of other species and is even beneficial in controlling insect pests.
They also provide fascinating visual interest to the terrarium with their bright emerald coloring, adding to the aesthetic of the micro-ecosystem.
Finally, they can also be handled, allowing you to safely appreciate their beauty up close.
Whether used alone or as part of a larger bio-active setup, Emerald Jumping Spiders are an excellent inhabitant that provides a great balance of functionality and entertainment.
Emerald Jumping Spider Facts
The Emerald Jumping Spider is a vibrant arachnid native to North America.
They have a varied diet that includes live prey such as insects, worms, and larvae.
These spiders tend to be gentle and docile and have a lifespan ranging from one to three years.
If properly cared for, they reproduce easily and can produce many egg sacs.
Habitat
Paraphidippus aurantius is native to the southern areas of the United States and parts of Mexico.
They are typically found in dry areas with plenty of sunlight, such as sandy dunes and chaparral shrublands.
They prefer regions with temperatures that range between 70°F and 80°F and that are not too humid.
In the wild, they feed on insects, particularly flies, and make burrows in sand or soil.
If looking for a more permanent habitat, Emerald Jumping Spiders often choose areas under rocks or logs where they can hide and avoid predators.
Humans polluting the environment has negatively impacted their natural habitats, leading to a decline in their populations.
Conservation efforts to protect these spiders have put them back on the rise, making them an ever-popular species among hobbyists and researchers alike.
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Diet
In the wild, Emerald Jumping Spiders are mostly insectivorous, meaning they will feed on a variety of insects, such as flies and moths.
They are also equipped with large pedipalps to grasp and subdue their prey.
They also display a type of trial-and-error learning, usually using one of their front legs to explore the environment and discover potential prey.
As generalists, they are opportunistic eaters and can sometimes feed on fruits or plants.
Emerald Jumping Spiders will rarely drink from standing water, so it is important to provide ample humidity in their environment.
This can be achieved through frequent misting.
Temperament
Paraphidippus aurantius is known to be quite timid around humans and other animals.
While these spiders don’t typically bite humans, they will jump away when threatened or startled.
I recommend not handling your Emerald Jumping Spider too frequently as this can cause excessive stress and fear.
These spiders can develop relationships with their owners over time and will eventually become comfortable around human hands.
With consistent, gentle handling and patience, you can eventually establish a trusting relationship with your jumping spider.
It is important to note that Emerald Jumping Spiders are not usually comfortable around other animals.
These spiders can become very aggressive when threatened and can attack other smaller animals in their cage.
If you plan to keep other animals near your Emerald Jumper, make sure that the animals are unable to access the spider’s favored hiding spot.
Provide plenty of hiding spaces for your spider and adequate ventilation to ensure that it feels comfortable and secure in its environment.
Lifespan
Paraphidippus aurantius has a relatively short lifespan when compared to other arachnids.
Typically, these spiders live for 1-2 years in the wild and may survive up to 5 years in captivity with proper care.
To reach their peak in life expectancy, they must pass through several stages of life: egg, spiderling, juvenile, and adult.
In their egg stage, Emerald Jumping Spiders lay between 20-50 eggs.
The eggs are housed inside a fluffy silk balloon called an ‘egg sac.’
After 10-14 days, the eggs hatch, and the tiny spiderlings emerge from their egg sac.
The spiderlings take about two months to reach full maturity, during which time they molt several times.
When they reach the adult stage, Emerald Jumpers reach their average maximum size and can begin reproducing.
Breeding
The mating process for Paraphidippus aurantius begins in the spring and summer months when males have reached maturity.
During this time, they will wander in search of females.
When they find one, they will perform several courtship behaviors, such as flicking their third pair of legs and waving their palps in front of the female, to establish dominance.
If the female accepts the advances, she will attach a sperm pouch, known as the spermatheca, to the male and allow him to deposit his sperm.
Once the male has finished depositing the sperm in the spermatheca, the female will carefully fashion an egg sac.
The egg sac is composed of silk and is filled with proteins and proteins from male sperm as well.
These proteins act as nourishment for the fertilized eggs.
After emerging, the spiderlings then disperse in search of food and shelter.
Where To Find Emerald Jumping Spiders
Finding Emerald Jumping Spiders can be a challenging process, as they are not always regularly available in pet stores.
However, there are a few ways that you can go about locating these spiders.
If you are looking for a wild-caught specimen, you can try searching in and around wooded areas with ample underbrush, especially in the southeastern United States.
If you are not interested in looking in the wild, there are a few other routes you can consider.
You can often purchase Paraphidippus aurantius from online suppliers who are experienced in shipping spiders safely.
Other enthusiasts may be willing to trade or sell spiders but be sure to ask plenty of questions before you commit to any purchase.
Lastly, many of the larger Reptile Shows offer a wide variety of spiders for sale, making them a great option for those looking for more information about obtaining these types of jumping spiders in person.
Emerald Jumping Spider Care
To care for Paraphidippus aurantius, you’ll need to provide them with the correct temperature and humidity level, and an appropriately sized secure cage.
Several small factors to also consider are a good terrarium substrate, other accessories, regular feedings, and a clean environment.
Check regularly for invasive pests, cuts, and fatigue for their health and provide plenty of enrichment activities for optimal behavior.
Tank Requirements
Ensuring your Emerald Jumping Spiders have the right tank setup is essential to their well-being.
It is best to provide them with a closed-top terrarium that is spacious enough for them to jump and explore with plenty of hiding spaces.
The substrate should be slightly damp coco fiber soil with an accumulation of peat moss, leaf litter, and wood chips.
The ideal pH level for water should be between 6.5 and 8.0 and the hardness should be at least 5 dGH.
For terrarium lighting, an LED bulb that emits light no more than 18 inches away from the web will help the spiders create a web line.
The ideal temperatures for these spiders should range between 70-80°F.
What Do Emerald Jumping Spiders Eat?
When it comes to feeding your Emerald Jumper, there are a few important things that you need to consider.
First and foremost, you want to ensure that you are feeding your pet a varied, nutritionally balanced diet that contains the proper protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
This can be achieved by feeding a mix of live prey items.
Here are some suitable items you can feed Paraphidippus aurantius:
- Moths
- Crickets
- Cockroaches
- Grasshoppers
- Mealworms
- Silkworms
- Waxworms
- Mealworms
When it comes to living prey items, you should keep in mind that an overabundance of insects, like crickets, can overwhelm smaller spiders.
To be on the safe side, individually offer a variety of prey.
Be careful not to overfeed your spider as obesity is a thing.
If you notice that your spider appears bloated or lethargic, stop feeding immediately and reevaluate the nutrition of your pet’s diet.
If you’re looking for a more detailed approach to feeding these critters, be sure to check out my ultimate DIY jumping spider food guide. I give a more in-depth explanation of the best foods and my favorite recipe.
Best Tankmates For Emerald Jumping Spiders
When it comes to the best tankmates for Emerald Jumping Spiders, it is important to choose companions that will not harm the spiders.
This eliminates any other spiders or invertebrates that would compete for resources like centipedes.
Good options for suitable tankmates include the basic clean-up crew critters like springtails, snails, isopods, or even millipedes.
All of these species have similar temperature and humidity requirements as Emerald Jumping Spiders and can provide a stimulating environment for these predatorial arachnids to hunt.
Additionally, these types of inhabitants are beneficial to the overall health of the tank and make the enclosure bioactive.
Either way, whatever tankmates you choose, be sure to monitor them regularly and provide plenty of hiding places for the Paraphidippus aurantius to retreat to.
Conclusion
The Emerald Jumping Spider is an delightful pet. Not only are these spiders fascinating to look at but they possess unique personalities that can liven up any home.
So long as you keep up with the basics we’ve shared here, your spider will have a healthy and interactive bioscape in no time.
With the right care, you’ll be able to enjoy the company of Paraphidippus aurantius for many months – even years – to come. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced keeper, these spiders are worth the extra effort.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, Emerald jumping spiders are not considered poisonous to humans. While they do possess venom, it is typically not harmful to humans.
Emerald jumping spiders can grow up to 12mm in length.
Like most spiders, emerald jumping spiders are capable of biting if they feel threatened or cornered. However, they are generally not aggressive toward humans and would rather retreat or jump away when confronted.
Emerald jumping spiders feed on small insects, spiders, and other arthropods.