Heavy jumping spiders have a lot of great things going for them, especially when it comes to their physical features. Besides their size, this jumping spider species have a lot of hair; this makes them conspicuous and easy to identify. Because of their large size, they are also referred to as giant jumping spiders.
For those interested in learning all that there is to this brilliant jumping spider species, you’re welcome to read today’s post as it has all the information you are looking for and more.
Scientific name
As with most jumping spider species, the heavy jumping spider goes by the scientific name Hyllus diardi. Its hairy, large body makes it easy to identify.
Thanks to their large body size and incredible jumping skills, giant jumping spiders can hunt down prey with utmost precision. And because they are typically larger than other spider species, they can take on much larger prey.
Where does the heavy jumping spider come from?
The heavy jumping spider, or Hyllus diardi as it is scientifically called, is a genus of the spider family Salticidae. Most species of this spider are found in Madagascar and Africa. That said, they have also been spotted in Australia and North of India.
Although they have been spotted a couple of times in Greece and Iran, experts believe that they are introduced in this region.
Physical description and size
Given their hairy body and large size, it’s super easy to identify the giant jumping spider. To start with, the females are a lot bigger than their male counterparts as they measure between 0.39 to 0.59 inches.
While they aren’t as colorful as other jumping spider species, they feature distinct grayish to white shades.
Unlike other spiders with compound eyes, the giant jumping spider has enormous eyes that make it easy to spot and hunt down prey.
Distribution and habitat
Most heavy jumping spiders are found in mangrove vegetation and wastelands. This explains why they are popular in Africa and Asian countries like India, Singapore, Myanmar, China, Lao, Thailand, and Indonesia.
This species of spider thrives very well among foliage near mangrove swamps. So, if you’re looking to catch one, you should be looking across this region.
What do they eat?
Thanks to their impeccable eyesight and brilliant jumping skills, giant jumping spiders can hunt and fend for themselves in the wild. As capable carnivores, our furry friends eat almost any insect smaller than them. And because of their large size, they can take on bigger prey too.
Our spider friends will eat any feeder insects they come across, from mosquitoes to roaches to crickets to flies and more. Plus, they sometimes feed on smaller spiders too.
When bred in captivity, you have to make sure you provide them with their favorite prey as they can no longer hunt themselves. We doubt this should be a problem, especially considering you can easily get their food from pet stores close to you.
Heavy jumping spider temperament
Like most jumping spiders, the giant jumping spider is not aggressive. Thanks to its friendly nature, many exotic pet lovers are looking to breed the heavy spider in captivity.
Sure, their bite is painful, but they only bite when they feel threatened or handled roughly. So, if you handle them gently, you’ll not have any problem.
What is the lifespan of the heavy jumping spider?
Spiders generally have a short lifespan, and with the heavy jumping spider, things aren’t any different. In the wild, this species of jumping spider can live for 1 to 2 years. But when bred in captivity, they can live up to three years. Also, it is a known fact that females live longer than their male counterparts.
How often do they feed?
One unique thing that most species of spiders have in common is that they don’t overeat. This makes them super easy to care for and managed. For a juvie heavy jumping spider been raised in captivity, it’s okay to feed it once every 1 to 2 days. However, if you have a giant spider, you can limit feeding to once every 2 to 3 days.
Is it dangerous or venomous to humans?
Although spiders have a pretty scary reputation, our furry friends aren’t the monsters many believe them to be. As a matter of fact, our spider friends are super friendly and highly sought after by exotic pet lovers who want to keep them pets.
While they have venoms that can incapacitate their prey, they aren’t dangerous or poisonous to humans. So, should you ever end up getting bitten by heavy jumping spiders, you’ll only notice welt-like marks on your skin.
Frequently asked questions
Can you keep multiple spiders in a single tank?
Our furry friends are fierce rivals and will fight to the death if kept in the same terrarium or tank. This is why experts recommend keeping only one spider per tank.
If kept together for mating, please make sure you separate them after some time. Also, to distract them from cannibalizing each other, you can serve them their favorite prey.
What is the largest jumping spider?
While most spiders measure between 1 to 25 mm, the largest jumping spider ever recorded is the Hyulus giganteus. That said, there are other genera with relatively large species like the Philaeus, Phidippus, and the Plexippus.
Can you tame a jumping spider?
Although jumping spiders are generally friendly, they are by no means cuddly. If handled roughly or they ever feel threatened, our spider friends aren’t afraid to bite. While their bite may not cause any severe harm, you may end up with redness and irritations that will linger for a couple of days.
For those handling jumping spiders for the first time, we suggest you take things slow and never feel tempted to carry them until you are confident enough.
Conclusion
From their hairy body to their large size, the heavy jumping spider is one of the most unique spiders you’ll encounter. Although not very colorful like the elegant golden jumping spider, this one features unique grayish and white shades that make it conspicuous.
