If you are looking for “the monk” of arachnids, consider adopting a Himalayan jumping spider!
This fascinating creature has an unmistakable appearance, unmistakable behaviors, and bold personality—and can make a great pet if you know what to expect and how to care for it.
This Euophrys omnisuperstes guide will cover the setup requirements, diet and handling tips, and joint health problems to help you develop a lifelong bond with your pet jumping spider!
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Himalayan Jumping Spider |
| Family Name | Salticidae |
| Scientific Name | Euophrys omnisuperstes |
| Use | Pets |
| Temperament | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan | 1 to 2 Years |
| Diet | Insectivore |
| Adult Size | about 5mm |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallons |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Hardness | Moderate to Hard |
| Temperature | 70-75°F |
What Are Himalayan Jumping Spiders?
Himalayan jumping spiders are arachnids belonging to the family Salticidae, commonly known as jumping spiders.
They get their common name from their native habitat—they are commonly found in the Himalayas, though they can be found throughout Europe and parts of Africa as well.
Himalayan jumping spiders are docile, alert, and active, making them popular as pets.
Thanks to their bold personality and intelligence, they are some of the most entertaining spiders to care for.
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What Do Himalayan Jumping Spiders Look Like?
Euophrys omnisuperstes are quite small, ranging from 4 to 5mm long, and can range in color from dark brown to black.
They have a peculiar body shape which consists of two large, prominent eyes at the front of their head and several smaller eyes arrayed around the sides and back of their head.
Most Himalayan jumping spiders also have two large, striped forelegs for climbing and jumping.
The pattern on the backs of their abdomens is unique to each spider, often resembling desert landscapes or mountains, giving the illusion that they are wearing a suit of armor.
Benefits Of Using Himalayan Jumping Spiders
Euophrys omnisuperstes are a popular choice in vivariums due to their unique appearance and entertaining behavior.
Not only are they fascinating to watch, but they are also relatively easy to care for and require minimal space to thrive.
These spiders feed on fruit flies, moths, and other small insects, making them extremely easy and cheap eaters to feed.
They are also relatively inactive and will happily settle in an environment as long as provided with various hiding places and substrates.
The presence of these spiders in a tank is also beneficial for its other inhabitants as they work to control certain pest populations.
Himalayan Jumping Spider Facts
Euophrys omnisuperstes are small spiders with hunched bodies, characteristic of the jumping spider family, and like other jumping spiders, sport jumping legs that are used for pouncing on their prey.
They have a unique oval shape and bright coloring and generally have a calm personality.
They have a relatively short lifespan and eat a variety of small insects.
They’re solitary creatures who rarely interact with others and do not breed easily in captivity.
Habitat
Euophrys omnisuperstes originate from the Himalayan mountain range in areas including India and Tibet.
Like most spiders, they live in areas rich in foliage and lush humid, and relatively warmer climates.
They tend to spin their webs within or on the edges of low-lying vegetation, both above or below the ground, often lurking in hiding places until they can find their prey.
Their color palette works very well as camouflage that blends into their native surroundings.
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Diet
In their natural habitat, Himalayan jumping spiders follow an opportunistic diet, meaning they’ll take what’s available to them.
This often includes other small insects, like flies, moths, and ants. The spiders are also known to eat other invertebrates, like mollusks.
These spiders have incredible vision and use it to identify potential food sources.
They’ll also make use of webs built by other spiders and proper hiding spots to ambush their prey.
Temperament
Euophrys omnisuperstes are known for their bold personalities.
They are active and curious arachnids that can recognize their owners and be easily tamed.
They often move around when handled, but after some time they can become used to human interaction and make great pet companions.
This species of spider is not aggressive towards humans and other animals, so they get along well with other pets.
Adequate hiding spaces in their enclosure ensure that they feel safe and come out to explore when they’re in the mood.
As long as the habitat is not overcrowded, having other friendly pets can be beneficial for their mental well-being, enriching their lives and allowing them to live in peace.
Lifespan
Himalayan jumping spiders have a shorter-than-average lifespan of around one to two years.
Unfazed by their limited lifetimes, these critters exhibit complex behaviors and impressive physical adaptations.
The life cycle of Euophrys omnisuperstes consists of an egg, spiderling, and adult stage.
They begin their journey as eggs, usually laid in webbing by the mother. Once the eggs hatch, several dozen small spiderlings emerge in search of sustenance.
As they grow and mature, they shed their exoskeleton several times until they reach their full potential.
Finally, once they reach maturity, they can begin to reproduce themselves and form long-term relationships.
Breeding
E. omnisuperstes mate through a sophisticated courtship ritual.
The male of the species will emit a series of courtship signals, including tapping, wagging, and flicking its front legs, tiptoeing, and swaying.
If the female is receptive to the advances, the male will then produce a spermatophore that the female can take in and transfer to her body.
The female Himalayan jumping spider will produce egg sacs containing anywhere from 15 to 100 eggs, depending on the individual.
After laying the eggs, the mother spider will stay to guard the eggs against predators, wrapping them in silk for protection against the elements.
After two weeks of incubation, the spiderlings will emerge, and molt four or five times before reaching sexual maturity.
At this point, the spider is almost fully grown and will only molt twice a year.
Where To Find Himalayan Jumping Spiders
Native to the Himalayas, Euophrys omnisuperstes can typically be found living in moist, shaded regions.
These spiders prefer thick vegetation and humid climates but can typically be found in gardens, wood piles, and even in sheds and garages.
Himalayan Jumping Spiders can sometimes be found for sale in pet stores and specialty spider outlets.
However, if you plan to purchase one, be sure to check the conditions of the store and the spider itself to ensure good health and humane treatment.
Himalayan Jumping Spider Care
To care for Himalayan Jumping Spiders, you must provide them with a comfortable enclosure, as well as a temperature-controlled environment.
Additionally, you’ll need to feed them a diet rich in proteins, give them ample opportunity to explore, and ensure they avoid potentially hazardous items or interactions.
Regularly inspect your pet for health problems, and take the necessary steps to address any issues that arise.
Tank Requirements
When creating an ideal environment for Euophrys omnisuperstes, it is important to consider the size and type of tank, temperature, pH, and hardness of the water as well as terrarium substrate, lighting, and decorations.
The ideal tank for a Himalayan jumping spider should be at least 5 gallons in size and should be a terrarium with a screened top.
The optimal temperature for the tank should be between 70-75F and relative humidity of 75-80%.
The water should have a pH of 6-7.5 and a hardness of 5-20 dH.
As far as substrate goes, a 2-3 inch layer of natural coco fiber soil and sand is ideal.
The terrarium light should be provided by an LED source and the tank should contain several hiding spots and decorations to help provide enrichment and comfort.
What Do Himalayan Jumping Spiders Eat?
Feeding your Himalayan jumping spider is an important part of ensuring its health and well-being.
The best diet for your pet spider will include a combination of live and dead food items.
Live food such as small insects or worms will mimic the diet of its natural environment and provide it with much-needed nutrition.
You can also provide your spider with a variety of dead food items such as pieces of fruit, nut meats, and small amounts of prepared foods.
Here is a list of food items you can feed your Spider:
- Small insects (e.g. flies, crickets, moths, caterpillars, etc.)
- Small worms (e.g. earthworms, mealworms, etc.)
- Pieces of fruit (e.g. apples, melons, grapes, etc.)
- Nut meats (e.g. peanut pieces, walnut pieces, etc.)
- Small amounts of prepared foods (e.g. canned meat, birdseed, etc.)
When it comes to feeding Euophrys omnisuperstes, it’s essential to remember to provide food items that aren’t too large for it to consume.
This means that you should divide up larger food items into smaller pieces and feed them to your spider one at a time.
It’s also important to avoid overfeeding your spider as this can lead to health problems.
Stick to giving it a few small food items at a time, and remove any uneaten food scraps after an hour or so.
Now that you know the basics of feeding your Himalayan jumper, you can keep your pet healthy!
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 Himalayan Jumping Spiders
Himalayan jumping spiders are usually solitary creatures and do not require tank mates at all.
However, if you do choose to introduce tank mates, there are some non-invasive invertebrates that you can add that don’t pose any risk of danger to the jumping spider.
For example, you can add Isopods, springtails, and snails as they share similar habitat requirements and will serve as a food source for your spider.
In addition, they will not compete with the jumping spider as they won’t be after any of the same resources or hunting goals.
In addition, stick insects and mantises may be added to help control the insect population in the tank, though size and temperament will dictate what pets you can introduce.
Conclusion
Euophrys omnisuperstes can make an interesting addition to many enclosures and can be cared for with some basic knowledge and thoughtfulness.
To create the best home for your new pet, consider setting up the perfect tank, providing a nutritious diet, and learning how to interact with and handle them safely.
With this comprehensive care guide, you have all the information you need to make sure your Himalayan jumping spider has a long, happy, and healthy life.
Create the ideal habitat for your arachnids with our species-specific soil mixes and Spider Enclosure Kits. These products provide everything you need for a thriving spider habitat.
