You won’t believe what people are buying for pets: “They fall in love with their little personalities”

When it comes to pets, dogs, cats, fish and birds (parrots, budgies and chickens) are the most popular non-human members of the family according to most metrics. But there has always been a market for exotic pets and one creature in particular has found itself as a new entry in the pet charts - the regal jumping spider, or Phidippus regius by its Latin name.

As pets, these tiny arthropods have a lot going for them - they are brightly colored, surprisingly sociable and curious, and best of all, are quiet, discreet and low-maintenance, making them ideal furry friends - at least for some.

Sociable pets that dance and jump

Males tend to be smaller (measuring 12 mm, around half an inch on average) but are visually more vibrant, sporting iridescent hues - from fiery reds to electric blues. Females meanwhile are larger and often display elegant patterns and subtle tones. Their vivid appearance sets them apart from common house spiders and makes them appear more like tiny living jewels rather than creepy crawlies.

Regal jumpers are graceful, energetic and acrobatic - possessing an ability to leap several times its body length (between three and 38, depending on the species). They have excellent eyesight and a curious nature, watching them explore its habitat is like observing a miniature predator in action.

Even for those who might have a fear of spiders, these fun critters might well change your mind. They are surprisingly approachable. Their small size and inquisitive behavior make them less intimidating and more endearing—an ideal gateway into the world of arachnids.

Watching them hunt, leap, and navigate their environment is endlessly entertaining, and some owners will swear that their pet spiders even even recognize them.

If you have several jumpers, you might get to see them perform intricate mating dances. Males perform elaborate courtship rituals to impress females which is a fascinating spectacle to behold.

Easy to care for on a budget

Dogs, cats and reptiles require daily attention, care and and costly setups (food, litter boxes, toys...etc) but regal jumping spiders are low on maintenance and simple to care for.

All they require is a well-ventilated terrarium with a few hiding spots, the right bioactive substrate which needs to be kept slightly humid. They are not big eaters. They thrive on live prey like fruit flies, cockroaches, or mealworms (NB: not dried worms)—affordable and easy to source. Feeding them every 2–5 days is more than enough. They’ll need fresh water too - but a few drops on the sides of their enclosure is all they need.

How much do jumping spiders cost?

A single spider can range from $30 up to around $100. There are many breeders online who can ship them - for example, PetSmart or specialist sellers listed on eBay.

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