Spiders have earned quite a bad reputation for being overly creepy and crawly. But guess what? Their fun and exciting nature have made them one of the most sought-after exotic pets.
We love these intelligent creatures because they are not dangerous and can entertaining you with superb hopping skills.
While it can be a challenging and fun expedition to hunt and catch our spider friends, keep in mind that removing jumping spiders from their natural habitat may not be the morally correct thing to do.
But just in case you still decide to hunt for jumping spiders, we encourage you to provide a fun and safe environment for them.
For those looking to get their hands dirty, here is how to catch a jumping spider.
Know what you’re looking for
To successfully capture a jumping spider, you need to know what they look like. To this end, you can take some time to get familiar with jumping spiders’ unique features. Here are some brilliant features of the jumping spider you should know.
- Jumping spiders have eight eyes. They have two large eyes along with two small eyes located on the face. They also have two similar pairs fixed just on top of their head.
- Jumping spiders feature bright colors. Some males’ have stripes or bands of vibrant jewel tones.
- They have fangs
- Can appear fuzzy or furry
Identify their natural habitat
Because jumping spiders are known to prey on common insects, it’s easy to find them in various environments. So, keep your eyes peeled every time you are out in your garden or taking a stroll in your yard.
From temperate forests to tropical jungles, our furry friends are known to live in many climates. That said, here are some exciting jumping spiders facts you should know.
- Unlike other traditional spiders, our fuzzy friends do not spin webs.
- Jumping spiders have a reputation for tracking their prey on foot, so always stay vigilant and look out for them walking or jumping in grass. Sometimes you can find them hopping from plant to plant.
Take a beating stick with you
Sometimes you may get lucky and spot our fuzzy friend as it crosses your path. That said, in most cases, you’ll have to make a deliberate attempt to track one down. Using a beating stick, you can easily urge our spider friends to give up their cover and jump out in the open.
Here is how to use a beating stick for hunting jumping spiders:
- A medium stick should get the job done, so take one with you when you are out hunting spiders.
- Use the medium stick to whack vegetation gently. For instance, when you pass through a clump of bushes, use the stick to strike the plants gently.
- The vibration should send any hidden spiders out in the open. But be careful not to hit too hard as you may end up hurting other animals hiding in the bushes.
Take a vial with you
You’ll always need something to keep your spider in once you catch one. To this end, you’ll not be wrong to take a vial with you when hunting. If you’re looking to capture more than one spider, you can take several vials with you. But please make sure it is at least 2 inches long. This way, your spider has plenty of room to roam around.
- Anything from a glass or plastic vial should do. Just ensure it comes with a lid.
- If you don’t have a vial, you can use a plastic container or a glass jar. Just ensure you have them thoroughly cleaned and dried before setting out to hunt for spiders.
Handle jumping spiders with care
Although our fuzzy friends are not thought to be dangerous, experts believe that these creatures’ venom needs to be thoroughly studied. In short, we are not entirely sure if these creatures are venomous or not; to this end, you should handle them with a bit of care.
When picking up a jumping spider from the wild, it will be wise to use the lid from the vial or jar to nudge the spider. Also, you can wear extra gloves for added protection.
Caring for a spider in captivity
Hunting jumping spiders mean taking them out of their natural habitat. Hence, you must ensure you provide a nice enclosure with enough space for them to run around.
If you’re looking to get your hands busy, you can make an excellent DIY enclosure or tank. And if not, you can easily shop for one online or check pet stores close to you for some options you think your spider friend will love.
While caring for a jumping spider in captivity, also make sure it feeds properly. In their natural habitat, they are used to hunting their prey, but since you’re now raising them in captivity, make sure you feed them what they love the most. Here, check out a list of food you can offer our furry friends.
- Crickets
- Flies
- Mealworms
- Roaches
Frequently asked questions
What are jumping spiders attracted to?
Jumping spiders are one of the smartest predators we have come across. Their impeccable hunting skills make it easy for them to catch their prey. If you see them in your house, they are most likely wandering around in search of prey.
Sometimes, jumping spiders are also attracted to the lovely ambient temperatures in your home, especially if it’s too cold or hot outside.
Can jumping spiders live together?
Because jumping spiders are vicious creatures, putting them together in a single tank is a huge no-no. If you have them in a single enclosure, they will most likely fight to the death.
How long do jumping spiders live for?
Our furry friends have a really short lifespan. While some species can survive only six months, some jumping spiders can thrive for almost three years. Also, keep in mind that female jumping spiders live longer than their male counterparts.
Conclusion
Catching a jumping spider can be quite tricky. But if you follow the tips highlighted in today’s post, you have nothing to worry about. In addition to successfully capturing a jumping spider, make sure it is properly cared for.
