Jumping spiders are arguably the most charismatic members of the arachnid world. Unlike many of their cousins that wait passively for a meal to stumble into a sticky web, jumping spiders are active, visual hunters. They belong to the family Salticidae, which, as of early 2026, includes over 6,000 described species. Understanding what the jumping spider eats requires a look into their sophisticated hunting biology, their opportunistic nature in the wild, and the specific nutritional requirements they have when kept as pets.

The general diet of jumping spiders in the wild

In their natural habitats, jumping spiders are predominantly generalist carnivores. They are opportunistic, meaning they will attack almost any moving creature that fits within a specific size range. Their diet consists largely of small insects and other arthropods.

Common prey items for a wild jumping spider include:

  • Flies and Gnats: These are staples for many species. The quick movements of flies trigger the spider’s predatory instinct.
  • Moths and Butterflies: While flying, these are harder to catch, but jumping spiders often ambush them while they are resting on leaves or flowers.
  • Beetles and Weevils: Smaller, softer-bodied beetles are frequently consumed, though heavily armored species might be ignored.
  • Leafhoppers and Aphids: These are especially important for smaller jumping spider species or juveniles (often called spiderlings or "slings").
  • Other Spiders: Jumping spiders are known for araneophagy—eating other spiders. They may even prey on smaller individuals of their own species or hunt members of other spider families like crab spiders or orb weavers.

While most are strict carnivores, the diet can vary based on the specific ecosystem. A spider living in a Florida citrus grove will have access to different prey than one living in a suburban garden in California or a tropical forest in Southeast Asia.

How vision dictates what the jumping spider eats

The reason jumping spiders have such a varied diet is linked to their extraordinary vision. They possess eight eyes, with the anterior median (AM) eyes being the most prominent. These eyes are essentially biological telephoto lenses. They allow the spider to see in high resolution and even perceive colors, including the ultraviolet spectrum.

Because they can see detail and movement so clearly, they are not limited to "feeling" vibrations on a web. They can distinguish between a potential mate, a dangerous predator, and a nutritious meal from several inches away. This visual acuity allows them to target agile prey like flies or mosquitoes that other spiders might miss. They track their prey by rotating their retinas—a unique trait that gives them the ability to follow a moving insect without moving their entire cephalothorax. If an insect moves, the jumping spider’s eyes often appear to change color as the dark retina shifts behind the corneal lens.

The vegetarian outlier: Bagheera kiplingi

It is impossible to discuss what jumping spiders eat without mentioning the fascinating exception: Bagheera kiplingi. While 99.9% of Salticids are hunters, this specific species, found primarily in Central America, has a diet that is about 90% herbivorous.

They primarily consume "Beltian bodies," which are specialized nutrient-rich leaf tips produced by acacia trees. While they occasionally supplement this with the odd ant larva or nectar, their reliance on plant matter makes them unique in the spider world. This adaptation shows the incredible evolutionary flexibility of the jumping spider family.

Feeding jumping spiders in captivity

For those keeping jumping spiders as pets—such as the popular Phidippus regius (Regal Jumper) or Phidippus audax (Bold Jumper)—providing a balanced and safe diet is crucial for their longevity. In captivity, you become the provider of the ecosystem, and variety is often the key to a healthy spider.

Staple feeder insects

  1. Fruit Flies (Drosophila):

    • Drosophila melanogaster are ideal for tiny spiderlings.
    • Drosophila hydei are slightly larger and better for older juveniles.
    • They are easy to culture and generally safe as they cannot harm the spider.

  2. Crickets:

    • Crickets are highly nutritious and widely available.
    • Caution is required: Crickets have strong mandibles and can bite or even kill a molting or sleeping spider. It is generally recommended to never leave a live cricket in an enclosure unattended for more than an hour.

  3. Mealworms and Superworms:

    • These are larvae of darkling beetles. They are high in fat and protein.
    • They tend to burrow into the substrate, so they are best offered in a shallow feeding dish or held with soft-tipped tweezers.

  4. Flies (House flies and Bluebottles):

    • Many keepers consider these the "gold standard" for adult jumping spiders.
    • Flies stimulate the spider’s natural hunting behavior more than sedentary larvae do. You can purchase fly pupae and allow them to hatch inside or near the enclosure.

  5. Roaches (Dubia or Red Runners):

    • Roaches are incredibly hardy and have a high meat-to-shell ratio.
    • Small Dubia roaches are excellent for larger Phidippus species, though they have a habit of "playing dead," which might cause the spider to lose interest.

The rule of prey size

A common question is how big the prey should be. A general guideline is that the prey item should be no larger than 1.5 times the size of the spider’s body. Jumping spiders are brave and can take down insects larger than themselves due to their powerful front legs and venom, but oversized prey increases the risk of the spider being injured during the struggle.

Feeding frequency and signs of hunger

Jumping spiders do not need to eat every day. Their metabolism is relatively slow, and overfeeding can lead to obesity, which makes the spider lethargic and more prone to injury if it falls.

How often to feed

  • Spiderlings (Slings): Every 1–2 days. They are growing rapidly and have higher energy needs.
  • Juveniles: Every 2–3 days.
  • Adults: Every 3–5 days, or even once a week depending on the size of the last meal.

Reading the abdomen

The best way to determine if a jumping spider needs to eat is by looking at its abdomen (the opisthosoma).

  • Skinny/Shriveled: If the abdomen looks small or wrinkled compared to the front part of the body, the spider is hungry or dehydrated.
  • Oval/Balanced: This is the ideal state. The abdomen should be slightly wider than the cephalothorax.
  • Round/Bulbous: The spider is full. Do not offer more food. A very heavy abdomen can be dangerous if the spider loses its grip and falls.

The role of hydration and sugar

What a jumping spider "eats" isn't limited to solid protein. Hydration is equally important. In the wild, they drink dew drops from leaves or rain. In captivity, a fine mist sprayed on one side of the enclosure once a day provides necessary drinking water. Spiders drink the tiny droplets; they should never be given a deep water dish, as they can easily drown in even a small amount of standing water.

Some keepers also provide occasional "treats" in the form of organic honey water or nectar. In the wild, jumping spiders have been observed visiting extrafloral nectaries (sugar-producing glands on plants). While not a primary food source, these sugars provide a quick energy boost, especially for exhausted females after laying eggs or for spiders recovering from a difficult molt.

Why a jumping spider might stop eating

It can be alarming when a pet spider refuses food. However, this is often a natural behavior. The most common reasons include:

  1. Premolt: Before shedding their exoskeleton, spiders stop eating. They may spend days or even weeks inside a thick silk "pup tent." During this time, they are extremely vulnerable and should not be disturbed or offered food.
  2. Stress: Changes in environment, excessive handling, or incorrect temperatures can cause a spider to lose its appetite. 3. Age: Older spiders, particularly mature males, often focus more on finding a mate than on eating. Their appetite may dwindle as they reach the end of their natural life cycle.
  3. Fullness: Sometimes, the spider is simply not hungry. If it ignores a fly or pushes it away, remove the prey and try again in a day or two.

Dangerous foods to avoid

Not all insects are safe for jumping spiders. If you are catching wild prey or buying from a pet store, keep these risks in mind:

  • Ants: Most ants are dangerous. They are aggressive, hunt in swarms, and many species produce formic acid or have powerful stings that can kill a spider quickly.
  • Wasps and Bees: Their stingers and flight agility make them high-risk prey that can easily turn the tables on a spider.
  • Brightly Colored Insects: In nature, bright colors (aposematism) often signal toxicity. Avoid feeding your spider unknown wild-caught insects that are bright orange, red, or yellow.
  • Chemically Treated Prey: Never feed insects caught in areas where pesticides or fertilizers have been used. These toxins accumulate in the spider and are often fatal.

The ecological importance of jumping spider diets

From a broader perspective, what jumping spiders eat makes them vital components of our ecosystem. They act as natural pest control agents in gardens and agricultural fields. By preying on mosquitoes, flies, and crop-damaging leafhoppers, they help maintain the balance of insect populations.

Research has shown that in areas with healthy jumping spider populations, the need for chemical intervention in gardening can be reduced. Their active hunting style means they cover a lot of ground, patrolling plants and structures to keep nuisance insect numbers in check.

Summary of dietary needs

To keep a jumping spider healthy, whether in a garden or a terrarium, one must respect their nature as visual, precision hunters. They require high-protein insect prey, consistent but careful hydration, and a safe environment free from toxic chemicals. By observing the size and shape of their abdomen and understanding their molting cycles, you can provide a diet that supports their active lifestyle and fascinating behaviors.

Whether it’s a tiny gnat caught on a sunlit windowsill or a carefully selected bluebottle fly in a hobbyist’s enclosure, the meal is the fuel for one of nature’s most impressive displays of agility and intelligence. Watching a jumping spider calculate its leap and secure its prey is a window into a complex biological world that happens on a scale of mere millimeters.