If tarantulas are too big for you and you really want a unique spider as a pet, then you should consider the Twin-flagged Jumping Spider!
These active and engaging pet jumping spiders are like bite-sized tarantulas, and if provided with the right environment and nutrition, they can thrive in captivity.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to properly care for Anasaitis canosa so that you can enjoy its spunky little personality to its full potential.
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Twin-Flagged Jumping Spider |
| Family Name | Salticidae |
| Scientific Name | Anasaitis canosa |
| Use | Pets |
| Temperament | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan | Up to 2 Years |
| Diet | Insectivore |
| Adult Size | 0.4 - 0.7 cm |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Minimum Tank Size | 1 Gallon |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Temperature | 68-75°F |
What Are Twin-flagged Jumping Spiders?
Twin-flagged Jumping Spiders, also known as Anasaitis canosa, are a species of spiders belonging to the Salticidae family.
They are commonly found in the tropics of America and in Southern Brazil and can grow up to a few millimeters in size.
Their name comes from the unique “twin flags” pattern that can be found on the abdomen.
While the color of these spiders can vary in color, they are all marked with line markings on either side of the abdomen which creates a “flag” pattern.
They make for lively and curious pets and are relatively easy to care for.
What Do Twin-flagged Jumping Spiders Look Like?
Anasaitis canosa has a distinct, flattened appearance and is usually brown or grey in color.
They are relatively small in size, usually ranging between 0.4–0.7 cm (4–7 mm).
Their anatomy consists of eight eyes, two of them being large and prominent, these eyes have silver reflectors and a gold-colored patch underneath.
Additionally, they have a pale stripe running sideways on the edge of the abdomen.
Another notable feature of the Anasaitis canosa is its large pair of front legs.
At the tip of these front legs, they have black/brown stripes which makes for a unique feature of these spiders.
Benefits Of Using Twin-flagged Jumping Spiders
Twin-flagged Jumping Spiders are a great addition to many different kinds of vivariums, especially desert-themed enclosures.
They have bright colors and interesting patterns, which give any enclosure a unique, visually stimulating look.
Anasaitis canosa is also incredibly active and interactive, often walking around the enclosure and displaying impressive jumping stunts.
Furthermore, they are quite calm and non-aggressive compared to other spider species, meaning that they can even be handled with a bit of skill.
They can also be kept with other spider species in a communal tank since they are not territorial predators.
Finally, they are relatively long-lived when provided with the right conditions and nutrition.
Twin-flagged Jumping Spider Facts
Twin-flagged Jumping Spiders are native to Central and South America and grow to be a few millimeters in length.
They have an outgoing and active temperament and feed mainly on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates in their natural environment.
Additionally, the webs released by the micro jumper are often wide and thin which contrasts this arachnid from other spider species.
Finally, what makes the Anasaitis canosa truly unique is its jumping prowess.
They often leap long distances when spotting prey, with some reports citing jumping distances of up to five times their body length.
They can even move sideways and upside-down on flat surfaces such as glass or walls.
Habitat
Twin-flagged Jumping Spiders are a species of spider native to the southeastern parts of the United States, ranging from the Florida panhandle to Maryland and Virginia.
They are most commonly found in partially shaded, moist environments, and often inhabit woodlands, thickets, and other areas of high vegetation.
They are also found in some urban areas, as well as buildings and other structures.
Anasaitis canosa is most active during the day, with its peak activity period taking place in the early morning hours before the midday heat sets in.
Diet
In the wild, Anasaitis canosa feeds primarily on insects and other invertebrates, including flies, small beetles, and caterpillars.
They use their large eyes to locate and identify prey in the surrounding environment, and their strong legs help them quickly snatch their intended meal.
Unlike their popular relatives, the Jumping Spiders, Anasaitis canosa are able to catch prey in the water, which makes them uniquely adapted to aquatic environments.
They use their silk to create a safety line should they need to quickly retreat from their prey or danger.
Additionally, they rarely scavenge for food and instead primarily hunt for their own meals.
Temperament
Twin-flagged Jumping Spiders are usually quite docile and easy-going.
Although they can passively defend themselves by biting if disturbed, they’re not known to be aggressive when it comes to humans or other animals.
In fact, they are known to be quite curious and may even come out of their hiding places just to observe their surroundings.
Anasaitis canosa can make a wonderful pet in the right environment as they’re generally shy and unassuming.
When it comes to other animals, these spiders can get along pretty well with bigger spiders such as tarantulas or other jumping spiders, as long as they’re not too aggressive.
They may also get along well with certain geckos and lizards if they’re calm enough, though this varies from individual to individual.
To ensure compatibility, you should always monitor and supervise the interactions between Anasaitis canosa and other animals.
Lifespan
Twin-flagged Jumping Spiders are active and vibrant arachnids that typically have a relatively short lifespan.
In captivity, they will typically survive for a year or two but can live a bit longer in the wild.
They are typically slower-growing and may take up to 6 months or more before they reach full size.
The life cycle of Anasaitis canosa is fairly typical of spiders and begins with courtship and mating.
The female will lay spider-egg sacs, and once the eggs have hatched, baby spiders emerge.
After molting several times, the spider will reach maturity. For male spiders, sexual maturity is typically reached at about the 6th instar.
The female spiders, however, will continue molting for several more cycles before becoming mature.
Breeding
Twin-flagged Jumping Spiders are viviparous – the female will carry her eggs in a silken sac and the babies will emerge from within the sac as small, fully-formed spiderlings.
Males and females can reach reproductive maturity in about 4 to 6 months.
It’s important to carefully select mates for your spider – you should aim to select healthy specimens with similar color patterns so that you can ensure that the offspring will have strong genes.
When it comes time to mate, the male will approach the female and attempt to groom her, followed by the ritual of vibrating or “drumming” on the web they reside in.
The female will then lay her eggs in the web and guard them until the spiderlings hatch.
After that point, the female will often abandon the babies and their destiny is up to the spiderlings, who must find food and fight off potential predators on their own.
Where To Find Twin-flagged Jumping Spiders
Twin-flagged Jumping Spiders can be found in the wild in tropical, subtropical, and temperate habitats.
They can also be found in human dwellings, where they hunt for food like small insects and other spiders.
They are often found in moist, shady areas, or inhabiting plants or tree bark.
If you prefer to buy your Anasaitis canosa from a breeder or pet store, you can often find them for sale online.
If buying from a breeder, you should ask questions about the spider’s age, health, diet, and other care-related topics before you commit to purchasing.
Make sure to purchase only captive-bred or collected spiders, and avoid wild-caught specimens as they may not be used to captivity and may not adjust easily to their new environment.
Twin-flagged Jumping Spider Care
To care for Twin-flagged Jumping Spiders, provide them with appropriate tank size and substrate, as well as proper temperature and humidity levels.
Feed them a proper diet of nutritious food sources, and if you’re interested in breeding them, identify the sex and select a breeding partner.
Tank Requirements
When picking out your Anasaitis canosa home, it is important to choose the right tank type, substrate, and other tank decorations for the spider’s needs.
Vivariums made of glass or plastic are ideal for this species and should be relatively tall, with a minimum size of 1 gallon for one spider.
If opting for a paludarium, the ideal pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5, and the water should be soft to medium in hardness.
The temperature within the tank should be kept between 68°F and 75°F, and good quality, the nutrient-rich substrate should be used to ensure the spider’s comfort.
The terrarium substrate should also be kept slightly damp, but not soggy. Lastly, natural light or low-wattage terrarium lighting should be used.
What Do Twin-flagged Jumping Spiders Eat?
Feeding your Twin-flagged Jumping Spider can be a challenging but rewarding experience.
Anasaitis canosa prefers smaller prey, such as tiny crickets, flies, moths, aphids, and other small insects.
You should also feed them a variety of different food sources to ensure they get the proper nutrition.
When you provide food for your spider, it is vital to make sure that the food item is no bigger than the spider itself to avoid any potential turn down of offerings.
When feeding your Anasaitis canosa, here is a list of food sources you can provide:
• Crickets
• Flies
• Moths
• Aphids
• Other small insects
• Mealworms
• Waxworms
• Some types of fruit flies
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 Twin-flagged Jumping Spiders
When selecting tankmates for your Anasaitis canosa, you should try to choose animals that are similarly sized and have similar needs.
Keeping tankmates that are too large or aggressive could put your jumping spider at risk of becoming injured or stressed.
You should also pick tankmates that are not aggressive hunters because they could potentially eat your Twin-flagged Jumping Spider.
Good tankmates for Anasaitis canosa include other invertebrate groups, such as snails, springtails, and isopods.
These animals are small and slow-moving and tend not to be aggressive hunters, making them suitable for tankmates.
Many of these animals also have beneficial qualities such as cleaning up debris and eating mold and mildew, which helps to maintain the tank environment.
Additionally, they can add another interesting dimension to your pet’s enclosure.
Conclusion
Overall, the Twin-flagged Jumping Spider is an incredibly fascinating pet to keep.
Not only are they full of personality, but they can also be very rewarding to care for if given the proper environment and nutrition.
If you follow the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your Anasaitis canosa will live a healthy and happy life.
Frequently Asked Questions
The twin-flagged jumping spider is not considered to be venomous to humans. Jumping spiders, in general, have venom glands that they use to immobilize their prey, but their venom is not harmful to humans.
Twin Flagged Jumping Spiders can grow up to 0.4-0.7 cm in size.
Twin-flagged jumping spiders can be fascinating pets for those with a keen interest in spiders.
The twin-flagged jumping spider is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in regions such as Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. It can also be found in other parts of North America, including Texas and Mexico.