She's a mother!

[Adam]

Hey all,

About a month ago I caught a neat spider outside, she was eating a bug and was in the fold of a folding lawn chair. She looks like a jumping spider, all black with shades of dark green. I observed her jumping to attack pinhead crickets, so I figure that's what she is. But guess what? This morning, when I looked in the container I have her in, there are like 20 tiny little spiders! I have no idea what to do, but I'm a little freaked out. I have taken her from her natural environment, but I'm hoping that I can provide her and her kids a safe home until they grow up. Any tips about how I should take care of them?? Should I separate them from the mother? What can I feed them? Should I just let them go? Do any of you want one? ;) Thank you ahead of time for any insight into being a spider dad. :)

[Invert Nerd]

great find adam. it might possibly be Phidippus audax(bold jumping spider). they are the most common jumping spider around. they do great at room temp, little or no substrate, and a stick or something to use for climbing. as for the little ones I would get some of those little plastic deli containers, and separate them out. petco usually stocks friut flies. I have three bold jumpers 2 female and one male!! i cought him today! they are all over the place around here. good luck with them. if you have and other questions i would be glad to answer them for ya. peace

[Adam]

Thanks for the tips! I was actually considering the fruit flies, I just wasn't sure if there is anything special I should feed them. I'll separate them out and we'll see how they feel about that. I'll post updates for future reading/searches :)