Bold Jumping Spider
Phidippus audax
The Phidippus audax, famous as 'Bold Jumping Spider'. Along with the P. regius, it is the most bred jumping spider in the world. More compact, stocky and omnipresent on the North American continent compared to the regius, it stands out for its invariably Black base coloration, decorated with white (or orange in juveniles) spots and stripes and spectacular metallic Emerald Green iridescent chelicerae. True to its name ('audax'), it is an intrepid and diurnal predator that does not hesitate to study the keeper's fingers or to jump on prey much larger than itself. Shares the same care, the very short longevity and the extreme visual intelligence of its Florida cousin.
Umgebung
Terrestrisch
Luftfeuchtigkeit
40 - 60 %
Tagestemperatur
21 - 28 °C
Nachttemperatur
18 - 21 °C
Artbeschreibung
Geographic Origin and Habitat: This recovery makes no geographic-origin or habitat statement beyond the cited facts above.
Taxonomy and Genetics: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy lists Phidippus audax (Hentz, 1845) at species rank. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy places Phidippus audax in the order Araneae, family Salticidae and genus Phidippus. This recovery makes no genetic statement beyond the cited facts above.
Behaviour and Habits: This recovery makes no behavioural statement beyond the cited facts above.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: This recovery makes no morphological or sex-comparison statement beyond the cited facts above.
Pflege, Zucht und Mitbewohner
Terrarium Setup: Animal Diversity Web reports grasslands, prairies and open woodlands as natural habitats. This is natural-history context, not a captive setup protocol.
Lighting and Heating: The source reports daytime hunting. This is field behaviour, not a captive lighting or heating parameter.
Humidity and Hydration: The source does not establish captive humidity or hydration parameters.
Feeding and Supplementation: Animal Diversity Web describes jumping spiders as carnivorous predators of insects and other spiders. This is field-diet context, not a captive feeding or supplementation protocol.
Compatibility and Coexistence: Animal Diversity Web reports solitary daytime hunting. This is behaviour, not captive grouping guidance.
Health and Common Diseases: The source does not establish captive health, handling, or veterinary protocols.
Geografische Herkunft und Verbreitung
Diese Art stammt aus: Nord America (Praterie, campi agricoli, muri e abitazioni in tutto il Nord America).
Ursprung
Nordamerika
Profil der terrestrischen Wirbellosen
- Diät
- Insectivore
- Phidippus audax requires a diet rich in live invertebrate prey, relying on its keen senses and agility to hunt. Common feeder choices include small crickets, fruit flies for spiderlings, and appropriately sized roaches. Their fast metabolism sometimes necessitates more frequent feeding schedules depending on their specific size and age. Hydration is also crucial, often obtained from the moisture in their prey or a fine mist. Uneaten prey should be promptly removed to prevent enclosure contamination.
- Erwachsenengröße
- 1.3 cm
- Lebensstil/Mikrohabitat
- Arboreal
- The lifestyle of Phidippus audax demands a carefully structured environment that caters to its specific terrestrial or arboreal nature. Owners must ensure a proper temperature gradient, allowing the animal to thermoregulate as needed. Their enclosures should offer multiple hides and climbing opportunities if appropriate for the species. Solitary housing is absolutely necessary to prevent territorial disputes and injury. Maintaining high standards of hygiene is critical for their long-term health.
- Aktivitätszyklus
- Diurnal
- The activity pattern of Phidippus audax typically aligns with crepuscular or nocturnal cycles. During the day, they remain securely tucked away in their hides to avoid desiccation and predators. As light levels drop, they emerge to actively forage, hunt, or explore their immediate surroundings. Artificial lighting in their enclosure should mimic natural day-night cycles without being overly intense. Disruptions to this cycle can cause feeding strikes or lethargy over time.
- Sozialität
- Solitary
- Like almost all true spiders, they are entirely solitary hunters and remain highly cannibalistic toward any other spiders, including conspecifics. To completely prevent inevitable territorial aggression and fatal cannibalism, they must strictly be housed individually in separate enclosures, ensuring the complete safety and wellbeing of every single specimen.
- Reproduktion
- Oviparous
- Reproduction in Phidippus audax requires careful conditioning and precise environmental parameters to ensure success. The male must be properly introduced to the female's enclosure to avoid immediate predation or aggressive behaviors. Following successful mating, the female will typically begin to construct an egg sac after a gestation period that varies by species. It is crucial to monitor the temperature and humidity to ensure the viability of the eggs. Once the young emerge, they should be separated promptly to prevent cannibalism.
- Giftig
- Yes
- Handhabungstoleranz
- Tolerant
- Handling Phidippus audax is generally strongly discouraged due to the risk of stress to the animal and potential injury. A fall from even a short height can result in a fatal abdominal rupture or severe trauma. If moving the specimen is absolutely necessary, use a soft catch cup or a sterile brush to gently guide them. Owners should respect the creature's need for personal space and observe them strictly as display animals. Avoiding direct handling minimizes the chance of unpredictable defensive bites or stings.
- Brumation
- Nicht erforderlich
- In its natural habitat, Phidippus audax may experience seasonal cooling that slows down its metabolic rate. In captivity, true brumation is rarely required unless breeding is explicitly planned. If temperatures naturally drop during winter, feeding frequency should be adjusted accordingly to match their reduced metabolism. It is important never to let the enclosure become freezing or excessively damp during these cooler periods. Careful monitoring ensures the specimen remains healthy until warmer conditions resume.
- Häutung
- Regular
- Molting is a critical and highly sensitive phase in the life cycle of Phidippus audax. Leading up to a molt, they will often refuse food, become sluggish, and sometimes seal themselves entirely inside their hide. It is absolutely crucial to maintain proper humidity and never disturb the animal while it is molting. After shedding its exoskeleton, the animal will be extremely soft and vulnerable for several days. Feeding must be strictly withheld until the fangs or pincers have fully hardened to prevent fatal injuries.
Verwandte Arten
Empfehlungen gruppiert nach nahen Verwandten, Auswahl von Begleitern und ähnlicher Betreuung.
