Jumping Spiders: Captive Care, New Species ( and Video-Watching-Tendencies!)

[bronxzoofrank]

Hi All,

Anyone else interested in keeping or observing jumping spiders?
As a bug-hunting child, I was once startled to come upon a housefly that appeared to be walking on its hind legs. Closer inspection revealed that the unfortunate insect was being carried in a head-up position by a Jumping Spider. I was aware that a variety of these brilliantly-colored little beasts inhabited my Bronx neighborhood, and became interested in how they managed to capture such elusive prey without a web. I began reading and collecting, and was soon fascinated by their keen eyesight and cat-like stalking techniques. They would follow my finger, leap on a feathers pulled by a string, and even display to a mirrors.
I’ve recently learned that biologists are showing videos to Jumping Spiders in an attempt to learn more about their remarkable eyes (which allow for forward, backward, an sideways vision simultaneously), and that a new ant-mimicking Jumping Spider with enormous fangs has turned up in Borneo. I’ll highlight this new information below, and review their natural history and captive care.
Read article here Jumping Spiders - Captive Care, New Species and a Surprise (They Watch Videos!) That Reptile Blog
Comments and questions appreciated. As I do not place notices here each time I post a new article on That Reptile Blog, you may wish to check in periodically or subscribe; you can do so here That Reptile Blog. Please also check out my posts on Twitter http://bitly.com/JP27Nj.

Thanks, Frank
My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with That Pet Place welcomes Zoologist/Herpetologist Frank Indiviglio to That Reptile Blog | That Reptile Blog That Reptile Blog
Face Book Frank Indiviglio | Facebook

 

[Fatal_S]

I love jumpers. I promised my g/f we would get some. They're just so darn cute. Great article!

 

[bronxzoofrank]

I love jumpers. I promised my g/f we would get some. They're just so darn cute. Great article!

Thanks for the kind words; glad you enjoyed. Yes, there is something special and quite "unspiderlike" about them; many interesting species in most habitats; a large Fla species is sometimes offered by one dealer in warmer weather, let me know if you need info, best, Frank

 

[Sierra Vaquera]

Jumping spiders

Thanks for the kind words; glad you enjoyed. Yes, there is something special and quite "unspiderlike" about them; many interesting species in most habitats; a large Fla species is sometimes offered by one dealer in warmer weather, let me know if you need info, best, Frank

Hi,
I've been looking for jumping spiders for sale for a long time now. I've also heard that this year was one of the worst years for collecting them. Is this why they are so hard to purchase? If you have any information on breeders or sellers would you tell me?
Thank you,
Sierra

 

[bronxzoofrank]

Hi,
I've been looking for jumping spiders for sale for a long time now. I've also heard that this year was one of the worst years for collecting them. Is this why they are so hard to purchase? If you have any information on breeders or sellers would you tell me?
Thank you,
Sierra

Hi,

Hatari Invertebrates is listing regal Jumping Spiders now. Also, keep an eye on the Glades Herp list...they sometimes carry local (Florida) species.

These are the only suppliers I know of who carry jumping spiders on occasion...very sporadic; there isn't much interest in general, unfortunately, so not much time is spent collecting or breeding them. Please let me know how all goes, enjoy, Frank