Feeding Basics

Proper nutrition is one of the most important aspects of successful jumping spider husbandry. A healthy feeding routine supports growth, successful molts, reproduction, longevity, and overall well-being.

While jumping spiders are enthusiastic hunters, feeding isn't simply about offering prey whenever your spider appears hungry. Understanding prey size, feeding frequency, and normal feeding behaviors will help you provide appropriate care throughout every stage of your spider's life.

What Do Jumping Spiders Eat?

Jumping spiders are active visual predators that feed on live insects.

Common feeder insects include:

  • Fruit flies

  • Bottle flies

  • House flies

  • Small roaches

  • Mealworms

  • Bean beetles

  • Other appropriately sized feeders

Live prey stimulates natural hunting behavior and provides valuable enrichment.

Choosing the Right Prey Size

A good rule of thumb is:

Offer prey that is approximately the same size as the spider's abdomen or smaller.

Prey that is too large can:

  • Stress the spider

  • Increase injury risk

  • Cause feeding hesitation

When in doubt, choose a slightly smaller feeder.

Feeding Spiderlings

Young spiderlings have small appetites but require frequent access to appropriately sized prey.

Recommended Feeders

  • Melanogaster fruit flies

  • Hydei fruit flies (for larger spiderlings)

Feeding Frequency

Every 2–3 days, depending on age and feeding response.

Growing spiderlings should have regular access to food without becoming overfed.

Feeding Juveniles

As spiders grow, they become capable of hunting larger prey items.

Recommended Feeders

  • Large fruit flies

  • Bottle flies

  • Small roaches

  • Small mealworms

Feeding Frequency

Every 3–5 days.

Monitor abdomen size rather than relying solely on a schedule.

Feeding Adults

Adult jumping spiders typically eat less frequently than growing juveniles.

Recommended Feeders

  • Bottle flies

  • House flies

  • Small roaches

  • Mealworms

  • Other appropriately sized insects

Feeding Frequency

Every 5–7 days is often sufficient for healthy adults.

Individual feeding schedules may vary.

Understanding Abdomen Size

A spider's abdomen is one of the best indicators of feeding needs.

Thin Abdomen

Your spider may be hungry and ready for a meal.

Moderately Rounded Abdomen

Typically indicates good body condition.

Very Large Abdomen

Your spider likely does not need additional food immediately.

Overfeeding can create unnecessary complications during molting and may reduce activity levels.

Hydration Matters Too

Many new keepers mistake dehydration for hunger.

Jumping spiders require:

  • Regular access to water droplets

  • Appropriate humidity

  • Consistent hydration opportunities

Always ensure hydration needs are being met alongside feeding.

Feeding During Premolt

One of the most important skills a keeper can learn is recognizing premolt behavior.

Common signs include:

  • Refusing food

  • Reduced activity

  • Increased time in silk retreats

  • Darkening coloration

  • Building a thicker hammock

Do Not Force Feed

A spider preparing to molt may refuse food for days or even weeks.

This is normal.

Remove uneaten prey and allow the spider to molt undisturbed.

Feeding After a Molt

Freshly molted spiders are extremely vulnerable.

Wait until:

  • The spider has fully hardened

  • Activity levels return to normal

  • Fangs have darkened appropriately

Only then should feeding resume.

Common Feeding Mistakes

Feeding Too Frequently

More food does not always equal a healthier spider.

Offering Oversized Prey

Large prey items can create unnecessary risk.

Leaving Prey During Molting

Feeder insects can injure vulnerable spiders.

Ignoring Hydration

Water is just as important as food.

Panicking Over Short Fasts

Many jumping spiders occasionally skip meals.

This is often completely normal.

When a Spider Refuses Food

A feeding refusal does not automatically indicate a problem.

Possible reasons include:

  • Premolt

  • Recent feeding

  • Stress from relocation

  • Seasonal behavior changes

  • Environmental conditions

Observe the spider's overall condition before assuming something is wrong.

Tiny Coven Recommendation

Focus on the spider, not the schedule.

Every jumping spider is an individual with its own feeding habits and preferences. Learning to observe body condition, behavior, and activity levels will help you become a more confident keeper than simply following a calendar.

A well-fed spider is not the one that eats the most.

It's the one that receives the right prey, at the right time, in the right amount.