Regal Jumping Spider (Phidippus regius)

What Are Regal Jumping Spiders?

Phidippus regius is part of the Salticidae family and is commonly known as the Regal Jumping Spider or Royal Jumping Spider.

Their scientific name “regius” is derived from the Latin word for ‘royal’ or ‘regal’.

Regal Jumping Spiders have very unique black, gray, red, and white patterns and are known for their bright red eyes.

They are one of the most recognized jumping spider species and are found throughout much of the United States.

These spiders primarily live in wooded areas and garden habitats where they hunt other arthropods for food.

What Do Regal Jumping Spiders Look Like?

The Regal Jumping Spider is a compact species of spider that is very comparable to most arachnids of the same species.

Measuring an average size of .6 to 2 cm in diameter, its body is usually a light brown color and its abdomen can vary in shade from grey to yellow to green.

It has short, stout legs and its head is typically a darker shade than the rest of its body.

It has two distinct large eyes, with the front pair appearing black, and the posterior pair a light brown color.

Phidippus regius also has a total of eight eyes that are spread across its head.

It has prominent chelicerae, or fangs, that look like a pair of pincers.

Its entire body is covered in small hairs and its abdomen has fat rounded bumps.

Benefits Of Using Regal Jumping Spiders

If you’re looking for a trendy, visually appealing addition to your vivarium, look no further than Regal Jumping Spiders!

As a smaller species of spider, these jumping spiders are able to thrive in warm and semi-humid environments and have a remarkable ability to jump.

These eye-catching creatures do not require much maintenance.

Phidippus regius is relatively active and alert, making them very interesting pets to watch!

They are also not generally aggressive, so you can observe them in their enclosure with minimal risk to yourself and other inhabitants of the enclosure.

Adding Regal Jumping Spiders to your set-up is sure to be a rewarding experience!

Regal Jumping Spider Facts

Phidippus regius are fascinating arachnids known for their bold colors and playful and docile demeanors.

A typical adult only reaches a few centimeters in size and has a lifespan of a few years when cared for properly.

They eat a variety of live prey and can be bred in captivity with some patience.

Their bright coloration also makes them a favorite among enthusiasts.

Providing them with special enrichments such as artificial plants and mini decorations to keep their personality vibrant.

Habitat

Phidippus regius is a species of miniature arachnid, native to North America.

Their natural habitats can be found throughout some parts of the United States and Mexico, typically in forests, grasslands, and deserts.

They have powerful vision and use their distinctive webs to catch prey where they can be seen dangling and spinning intricate webs.

Diet

These arachnids feed primarily on small insects such as flies, beetles, and moths found in humid meadows, fields, and gardens.

Regal Jumping spiders have excellent vision and are skilled predators, using their forelegs to rapidly capture their prey.

Interestingly, they have even been observed using their vision to learn more complex behavior.

For example, learning to recognize individual prey types and how to avoid predators.

They also demonstrate a preference for certain prey and will attempt to only capture these preferred species.

Temperament

Despite their intimidating appearance, Phidippus regius is generally docile and cautious around humans.

They are a timid species, so it is best to give them plenty of space and to avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could frighten them.

With proper socialization, they can become comfortable with being handled.

Additionally, since these spiders are solitary, it is best to keep them isolated from other insects or animals.

Lifespan

The typical lifespan of a Regal Jumping Spider is about a year or two.

Females outlive males, as the larger female can survive up to 30 months, while the smaller male typically lives less than a year.

During this brief life cycle, these spiders go through five life stages.

These stages include egg sac, spiderlings, juvenile, adult, and egg-laying adult.

Each stage consists of notable changes in physical appearance.

Once the female has reached the adult stage, she will start spinning a silk egg sac, which can contain up to several hundred eggs.

The eggs within the sac can take up to three weeks to mature, depending on external factors such as humidity and temperature.

Spiderlings emerge from the egg sac after maturation and undergo several molts before reaching maturity.

During the juvenile phase, they will become more colorful as they reach their regal adult coloring.

Breeding

Royal Jumping Spiders reproduce by mating during the spring and summer months.

The breeding ritual involves a complex courtship ritual where the male spins a web, vibrates it, and attempts to convince the female of his suitability.

They will then copulate and the female will deposit her eggs in a liquid web material that she produces from her spinnerets.

After a few weeks, the eggs will hatch and the young spiders will disperse on their own.

The female will typically guard the eggs until they hatch.

She also exhibits maternal behavior by tending to the eggs and protecting them from potential predators.

Where To Find Regal Jumping Spiders

Phidippus regius are a small, striking species of jumping spiders found in a variety of landscapes throughout the United States.

With their bright colors and unique behavior, they make captivating pets for the arachnid enthusiast.

If you’re looking to find a Regal Jumping Spider of your own, they can be located in the wild or purchased from a pet store or breeder. 

In the wild, these jumping spiders can be found in gardens, fields, and woodlands.

Look closely for them in areas of tall grass or on the trunks of trees.

Although some may be hard to spot, they usually reveal themselves with bright colors and eyes that shine like jewels. 

If purchasing a Royal Jumping Spider from a pet store or breeder, make sure to ask questions about its origin and quality of care.

Look for spiders that are alert, active, and have good coloring.

Avoid purchasing any spiders with swollen eyes, signs of infection, or other visible ailments.