White-Mustached Jumping Spider (Portia labiata)

What Are White-Mustached Jumping Spiders?

Portia labiata, commonly known as the White-Mustached Jumping Spider, is a species of spider belonging to the family Salticidae.

It has a muscular body with distinctive white hairs below its eyes which led to its common name.

It lives in tropical or subtropical regions such as Australia, parts of Asia, Central, and South America and has also been found in some parts of North America, although it is not native to that region.

It is an active hunter and is known to move quickly and exhibit impressive jumping capabilities, making it a popular subject of study for entomologists.

What Do White-Mustached Jumping Spiders Look Like?

Portia labiata can reach sizes of 1 centimeter in body length, making them quite small and lightweight.

The adult spider’s body is generally a reddish-brown color with light patches. In addition to the mustache, they have a distinctive set of black stripes on their abdomen.

They have eight eyes, two of which are highly sensitive and help them detect movement.

Benefits Of Using White-Mustached Jumping Spiders

Portia labiata is more than suitable for life in a vivarium! 

This species is known to be quite hardy and easy to care for, making them perfect for both novice and experienced hobbyists.

They are also comparably small when compared to most vivarium pets, but they are full of personality and fascinating to watch.

They can even keep the environment clean since they are natural predators and can help control insect populations.

The White-Mustached Jumping Spider is also less aggressive compared to other spiders, so it can easily cohabitate with other species in an enclosure.

Portia labiata Facts

The White-Mustached Jumper is a diurnal hunting spider with an average lifespan of a few years.

In the wild, they feed on small insects, such as flies and ants, and have a generally shy, calm temperament.

Breeding typically involves the male performing an elaborate courtship ritual for the female, after which she will lay anywhere from a few to several hundred eggs.

Habitat

Portia labiata is native to Southeastern Asia and commonly found in India, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

In ideal conditions, the White-Mustached Jumping Spider can be found anywhere from the forest floor to the canopy of the rainforest.

The spider prefers humid, warm areas that it can hide in, such as leaf litter, tree logs, and bark, or around rock formations.

Diet

Portia labiata is mostly insectivorous, known to feed on a variety of small insects like mites, beetles, and flies.

They have also been observed to eat other spiders, including other members of the Portia genus.

In the wild, these spiders are also known to forage for food on other creatures, such as millipedes, scorpions, and even small lizards.

They will also scavenge for food by stealing prey that other spiders have caught or killed.

Finally, they are also reported to eat some plant material, perhaps as a means of obtaining vitamins and minerals they may not get in other parts of their diet. 

Temperament

The White-Mustached Jumping Spider is a naturally curious creature that is not particularly hostile toward humans.

In fact, it can be quite friendly when handled carefully and has even been known to sit calmly on a human’s hand.

This spider also displays an interesting level of intelligence, as it is capable of learning quickly and can even recognize certain approaches which it has encountered before. 

When it comes to other animals, Portia labiata usually displays an inquisitive attitude and is not typically aggressive.

It favors smaller prey, such as insects, and will typically try to avoid larger animals, including other spiders.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a White-Mustached Jumping Spider is approximately 1-2 years.

Depending on environmental factors, they can live up to 3 years.

Throughout their lifespan, they go through several life stages. They begin as eggs that are then hatched into juveniles.

As the spider develops, it grows and molts several times, eventually reaching adulthood.

During the adult stage, they reach sexual maturity and are ready to reproduce.

Breeding

Portia labiata mate by way of courtship rituals, where the male will perform a highly elaborate dance to attract the female’s attention.

Females are usually reluctant to mate, so the male has to dance and vibrate with increasing intensity to convince her.

After mating, the female will lay her eggs in an area she feels is safe.

Typically, she will take several days to construct a sac of silk to encapsulate the eggs.

This sac is then attached to a secure surface and can produce up to hundreds of eggs in a single batch.

With the proper care and nutrition, the eggs will hatch in around four weeks, producing hundreds of tiny replicas of the parent spiders.

Where To Find White-Mustached Jumping Spiders

Finding Portia labiata in the wild can be a difficult task as these spiders are often found in camouflaged positions in their habitats.

When searching for them, you should keep an eye out for trees, rocks, and other objects they may hide under or around.

They have also been known to inhabit the sides of existing structures and buildings in more urban areas such as warehouses or parking lots. 

For those looking to buy or adopt White-Mustached Jumping Spiders, the best bet is to reach out to hobbyists who specialize in spiders and arachnids.

There are many reputable breeders of common and rare jumping spiders who can provide you with healthy and well-cared-for individuals for sale.

It can also be helpful to join an online community or forum of spider hobbyists to ask any questions you might have to get answers from experienced people.