Keeping jumping spiders?

[ScottySalticid]

I caught a tiny jumping spider(I think Habronattus coecatus, but I'll post pics later to make sure) and was wondering if I should keep it or let it go and obtain a P. audax instead(though I don't know how I'd go about finding one in South Jersey!). I'd really like a jumper for my small but growing collection!

[ScottySalticid]

Also, any tips on how to photograph these guys safely without them running off/jumping away? I'm a little worried about opening my plastic container he's in right now!

[ErgoProxy]

Salticidae (Jumping Spiders) are fairly easy to keep in small containers that you would keep spiderling or juvenile tarantulas in. You can add some peat on the bottom to retain a bit of moister or just a paper towel or nothing at all and use a moist cotton ball for water. If it is a larger jumper like Phidippus spp. then I would just lightly mist part of the larger container you have it in.

Food items will depend on the size of the spider but pinhead/small crickets work well for Phidippus and for smaller species wingless fruit flies (easier for you to work with the wingless ones than winged ones).

They are fairly easy to keep but not too long lived. Usually a year or perhaps a bit more for some of the Phidippus spp.

Photographing? Well there is the old trick of putting it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to chill it down some and then quickly snapping of some photos of the torpid spider. Otherwise keeping it occupied by staring at your moving and can work too, but the spider may still move. It's MOST FUN when they actually jump on the filter/lens!

[Widowman10]

you should totally get an audax lycosa. they are amazing! i find feeding them different things than just crix are fun. i love to feed my jumpers flies, they always give a pretty sweet show, stalking and pouncing and whatnot. plus, they are huge! you can see them staring and calculating their moves!

[ScottySalticid]

idk how to find audax though! that's the problem! This thing is very small and can sit on a penny with lots of room to spare!

[ErgoProxy]

To find them head out to really any open field with moderately tall vegetation and either sweep-net the vegetation a bit or use the "beating sheet" technique on the bushes (and other such vegetation). Even fields in the middle of a city (overgrown "lots" that have returned to their natural state) may contain some.

Do it slow (the sweeping) and you won't injure the spiders. Just watch out for bees, wasps, hornets when opening the net....let them fly out first before taking a good look inside :}

[ScottySalticid]

they can be found in NJ right?

[ErgoProxy]

Yup...that species is widely distributed in the US...Just not on the West Coast (for the most part) nor parts of the upper "plains" states...

[ScottySalticid]

Yup...that species is widely distributed in the US...Just not on the West Coast (for the most part) nor parts of the upper "plains" states...

come to think of it, I do remember having a large audax following me when I was sitting on the bleachers at a soccer game when I was a little kid. I stepped on it because it was really creeping me out. I was 7 feet away and it was STILL following me! It even started to climb up the bleachers after me! Sadly I didn't know better as a kid.

[ZergFront]

Spiders and insects I've learned can't climb up walls with a little Crisco on them. I've been able to catch a really quick wolf spider and leave the lid open. Just don't glob it on. :-)

I've had luck with my jumpers so far with a moistened sponge or cotton swab for water, screen or pantyhose for ventilation and fruit flies (you can leave a slice of apple in a jar outside to lure them). Or stun flies outside with a flyswatter. X-D

[Motzo]

It's easier to find spiders on the walls of buildings, or along fences. They like to hunt vertically, it gives them the drop on their prey.

I have had trouble finding a P. Audax around my house, the best method is to search thoroughly, then go to other places. If there isn't an audax on the fence in your back yard, chances are there still won't be any a week later.

Also, most jumping spiders are shy. When you walk, many will see you and move out of your line of sight or hide in their web purses. Try moving slowly and smoothly, any sharp jerky movements are sure to catch their eye.

For photography, I would sit the camera in one area and shoo the spider towards the stationary camera. The movement of your hands when you activate the camera will likely cause it to follow the motion, allowing you to receive a decent shot of the little guy's face.

[ErgoProxy]

For photography, I would sit the camera in one area and shoo the spider towards the stationary camera. The movement of your hands when you activate the camera will likely cause it to follow the motion, allowing you to receive a decent shot of the little guy's face.

Or wave around a couple of fingers to get its attention. Depending on your working distance though, don't be surprised if it suddenly "disappears" only for you to realize/discover its walking around on your lens filter! :wall:

[Pacmaster]

you should totally get an audax lycosa. they are amazing! i find feeding them different things than just crix are fun. i love to feed my jumpers flies, they always give a pretty sweet show, stalking and pouncing and whatnot. plus, they are huge! you can see them staring and calculating their moves!

Seriously, its kinda scary how they watch me sometimes . . .