Introduction
They’re tiny acrobats with eight eyes and personalities that seem far too large for their small bodies. Bold Jumping Spiders, *Phidippus audax*, are becoming increasingly popular as pets, and for good reason. Their striking appearance, intelligent behavior, and relatively easy care requirements make them fascinating companions. But like any pet, understanding their dietary needs is paramount to ensuring a long, healthy, and stimulating life. This guide delves into the dietary world of the Bold Jumping Spider, exploring what they consume in their natural habitat and how to best replicate that diet in captivity. Providing the right nutrition is not just about keeping your spider alive; it’s about enabling them to thrive, showcasing their vibrant colors, and displaying their impressive hunting prowess.
The Natural Diet of Bold Jumping Spiders
Bold Jumping Spiders are primarily insectivores, meaning their diet consists almost entirely of insects. In the wild, these miniature predators are opportunistic hunters, meaning they will prey on a variety of insects that cross their path. Their diet is dictated by location and seasonal availability. They are commonly found throughout North America, often in fields, meadows, and even suburban gardens. The key factor in their natural diet is the ability to subdue and consume their prey.
In the Wild
In their natural habitat, the *Phidippus audax* will typically hunt a diverse array of small insects. Flies are a staple food source, especially smaller species that are easily overpowered. Small moths, drawn to light at night, often become victims of the jumping spider’s impressive hunting skills. Caterpillars, though potentially larger than other prey, are also consumed, providing a substantial meal. Interestingly, Bold Jumping Spiders are also known to eat other spiders, adding a degree of cannibalism to their dietary habits. This is especially common when resources are scarce.
Their hunting strategy is a testament to their remarkable eyesight and agility. Bold Jumping Spiders possess some of the most advanced vision among invertebrates. They use their multiple eyes to detect movement and accurately judge distances, allowing them to execute precise jumps onto their unsuspecting prey. Rather than spinning webs to ensnare insects, they rely on ambush tactics. They stalk their prey carefully, using their exceptional vision to pinpoint the perfect moment to strike. With a powerful leap, they pounce on their target, injecting venom to subdue it. The prey is then consumed at their leisure.
The size of the prey is crucial. Bold Jumping Spiders typically target insects that are similar in size to their own body or slightly larger. Attempting to tackle prey that is too large or too powerful can be dangerous, potentially resulting in injury or even death for the spider. Spiderlings, or baby spiders, require even smaller prey such as fruit flies and pinhead crickets.
Seasonal variations also influence their diet. During the warmer months, when insect populations are abundant, they have access to a wider range of prey. In the colder months, when insects become scarce, their feeding may decrease, and they may rely on stored energy reserves. Some studies suggest they enter a state of reduced activity during periods of extreme cold.
Prey Avoidance
While Bold Jumping Spiders are skilled hunters, they aren’t invincible. There are certain types of insects they tend to avoid. Poisonous or dangerous insects, such as stinging wasps or brightly colored insects known to be toxic, are generally avoided to prevent potential harm. They will also avoid prey too large to take on to prevent unnecessary risk.
Feeding Bold Jumping Spiders in Captivity
Replicating the natural diet of a Bold Jumping Spider in captivity is essential for their well-being. While they are relatively adaptable, providing them with appropriate food sources and a proper feeding schedule will contribute to their health, longevity, and overall quality of life. The key is to understand their dietary needs and cater to their hunting instincts.
Ideal Food Sources
The most ideal food sources for captive Bold Jumping Spiders are live insects. Live prey stimulates their natural hunting behavior, providing enrichment and exercise. Feeding dead insects removes this stimulation and reduces their overall activity levels. Several insects are appropriate for feeding Bold Jumping Spiders in captivity:
- Fruit flies are a staple food source for spiderlings. These tiny flies are easily manageable for young spiders and provide the necessary nutrients for growth. Wingless varieties are often preferred as they cannot escape the enclosure.
- Crickets are another excellent food option, especially as the spider grows larger. Crickets come in various sizes, so you can select a size appropriate for your spider. Ensure the crickets are not too large, as they can overwhelm the spider.
- Mealworms can be offered as an occasional treat, but they should not be the primary food source due to their high-fat content. Regular consumption of mealworms can lead to obesity and other health problems.
- Roaches, such as dubia roaches, are a highly nutritious option. They are relatively easy to breed and maintain, making them a convenient and reliable food source. However, some people are averse to keeping roaches in their homes.
- Blue bottle flies are another great option.
The practice of gut loading is highly recommended. Gut loading involves feeding the feeder insects a nutritious diet before offering them to your spider. This enhances the nutritional value of the insects and ensures that your spider is receiving a well-rounded diet. You can gut-load feeder insects with fruits, vegetables, or commercial gut-loading diets available at pet stores. The better you feed the feeder insect, the more nutritious it will be for your spider.
Feeding Schedule & Amounts
Determining the appropriate feeding schedule and amount is important. Spiderlings typically require more frequent feeding than adults. Spiderlings should be fed every one to two days, while adults can be fed every two to three days. The amount of food to offer will depend on the size of the prey and the size of the spider. A general guideline is to offer prey that is approximately the same size as the spider’s abdomen. Monitor your spider’s abdomen size to gauge whether they are eating enough. A plump abdomen indicates a well-fed spider, while a shrunken abdomen indicates that they may be underfed.
Providing Water
Providing water is essential for maintaining hydration, especially during molting. Bold Jumping Spiders can obtain moisture from their prey, but it is still important to provide them with a water source. You can mist the enclosure lightly with water once or twice a day, or you can offer a water droplet on a cotton swab or small dish. Be sure to use dechlorinated water.
Foods to Avoid
It’s best to avoid certain foods. Wild-caught insects should be avoided as they may carry pesticides or parasites that can harm your spider. Insects that are too large or powerful should also be avoided as they can potentially injure the spider. Processed foods are not suitable for Bold Jumping Spiders.
Troubleshooting Feeding Issues
Even with the best care, Bold Jumping Spiders may occasionally experience feeding issues. Understanding the potential causes and solutions can help you address these problems effectively.
Refusal to Eat
Refusal to eat is a common issue. There are several reasons why a Bold Jumping Spider may refuse to eat, including molting, stress, temperature, humidity, and prey size. Molting is a natural process in which spiders shed their exoskeletons. During this time, they may stop eating for several days or even weeks. Stress can also cause a spider to lose its appetite. Stress can be caused by changes in the environment, handling, or the presence of other spiders. Inappropriate temperature or humidity levels can also affect a spider’s appetite. If the enclosure is too cold or too dry, the spider may become lethargic and refuse to eat. Offering prey that is too large can also deter a spider from eating.
If your spider refuses to eat, there are several steps you can take. Make sure the enclosure is within the appropriate temperature and humidity range for the species. Offer different types of prey to see if the spider has a preference. Be patient and avoid handling the spider excessively, as this can increase stress. Sometimes, a spider just needs time to adjust to its environment or complete the molting process.
Signs of a Healthy Diet
Recognizing the signs of a healthy diet is crucial for ensuring your Bold Jumping Spider’s well-being. A plump abdomen is a clear indication that the spider is well-fed. Regular molting is a sign of healthy growth and development. Active behavior is another sign of a healthy spider. A healthy spider will be alert, responsive, and actively hunting prey. Bright colors are another sign.
Signs of an Unhealthy Diet
Conversely, recognizing the signs of an unhealthy diet is also essential. A wrinkled abdomen indicates that the spider is underfed. Lack of molting can be a sign of malnutrition or other health problems. Sluggish behavior is another sign of an unhealthy spider. An unhealthy spider will be inactive, unresponsive, and may show little interest in hunting. Dull colors can also be a sign of unhealthy spider.
Conclusion
Providing a proper diet for your Bold Jumping Spider is not just about keeping them alive; it’s about enabling them to thrive and showcase their remarkable abilities. By understanding their natural diet, replicating it in captivity, and addressing any feeding issues that may arise, you can ensure that your spider lives a long, healthy, and enriching life. Remember that responsible pet ownership includes providing proper nutrition. Continue to research, observe your spider’s behavior, and adapt your care practices as needed. Watching these amazing creatures hunt, explore, and interact with their environment is a reward in itself, a testament to the joy of sharing your life with a Bold Jumping Spider.
