Jumping Spider Handling: A Guide for Successful Interaction with Spooders
So, you've got a new jumping spider friend, and you're contemplating the brave venture into spider handling territory. First things first – it's perfectly okay if you're not keen on turning your hand into a spider perch.
Many jumping spiders are perfectly happy without regular handling. Simply observing them can be just as rewarding.
We've helped arachnophobes become confident spider keepers for years. Some enjoy regular interaction with their spiders. Others prefer a more hands-off approach. Both methods can provide excellent care and enrichment.
The Slow and Spooderious Approach
If you're just starting out into the world of spider handling, the golden rule is to take it slow. Every spider has its own personality. Some are comfortable with human interaction. Others need more time to build trust. This helps keep interactions calm and stress-free. It also creates a more enjoyable experience for both you and your spider.
Choose a spacious handling area. A clear table works well. This reduces the chance of your spider wandering off during handling.
Distraction-Free Zone
Keep the area free of distractions. Ensure that you aren't going to be interrupted by another pet, a friend with arachnophobia, or a younger child. Distractions can make it difficult to focus on your jumping spider. This increases the risk of them wandering away unnoticed.They may choose to run away when you're not looking.
Now, onto the methods:
Open Exploration: Leave the enclosure open. Allow your jumping spider to investigate your hand at its own pace. If they show interest, facilitate interaction with small, slow movements, hoping the warmth of your hand wins them over.
Brushing Buddies: Use a small, soft brush to coax your jumping spider to a more accessible spot. Be mindful – not all spiders are immediately on board with this. Your skin's vibrations, smells, and warmth might be a tad overwhelming.
Gentle Nudging: Employ a fingertip nudging technique to encourage your jumping spider to venture onto your hand. Skittish spiders might pull off a few emergency jumps, but they'll settle down with calm and steady movements.
Observation Station
Once your jumping spider is calm, take some time to observe them.
If you are not ready for handling, a Spider Island can be a great alternative. It provides an enriching space for exploration. It also allows closer observation outside the enclosure.
Take time to learn your spider's individual behaviours and preferences. This helps build confidence and trust over time.
Tailoring to Spider Preferences
Some spiders, like our Margot, can be the calmest and friendliest little spoods you'll ever meet. She's more like a lap cat than a typical jumping spider.
She enjoys resting between your fingers and soaking up the warmth. Margot has even joined online meetings while quietly snoozing beside her human.
Candy is naturally curious and enjoys exploring her surroundings. She is often happy to wander across a calm, steady hand.
She rarely stays still for long. Instead, she prefers to slowly investigate everything around her. Her gentle nature and curious personality make her a joy to observe.
You'll find that some spiders are more energetic and want to show off their skills a little more. Take our Junior, for example. He puts the jump in jumping spider and likes to show off his skills with precision and expertise.
Junior is a confident and inquisitive spider. He often waits at the front of his enclosure for attention.
When given the opportunity, he enjoys exploring and interacting with his surroundings. His curious nature makes him a fantastic ambassador for the species.
Not All Spiders Dig Handling
Some spiders enjoy interaction, while others prefer to be left alone. We always respect their boundaries and avoid pushing them beyond their comfort zone.
Our older girls, Clementine and Mocha, are confident spiders with clear preferences. They let us know when they would rather be left to their own adventures.
Clementine is calm and sweet, but she is also quite shy. She prefers to keep moving rather than settle down for a nap. She enjoys exploring clothing, jewellery and watches. These surfaces seem to make her feel more comfortable than direct contact with skin. We respect that choice. Rewarding interactions are still possible. Simply respect your spider's individual preferences.
Mocha, our speedster, seems uninterested or unsettled by handling outside of her enclosure. She's happier when interacting in her own space, where she can retreat if she feels threatened. We keep Mocha's interactions short and sweet. She is wonderful to observe and seems to appreciate enrichment more than any of our other spiders. We recently renovated her enclosure for Christmas. She has loved exploring the new decorations. Her Christmas wreath has even become her favourite morning sunbathing spot.
Adapt to your spider's preferences for a happy coexistence.
Frightful Moments and Spider Bites
Many people ask whether jumping spiders can bite. They can, although bites are uncommon. However, jumping spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. Jumping spiders are not aggressive, and they usually only bite when they feel threatened or cornered. Their venom is primarily used to immobilise their prey, and it is not harmful to humans.
Over many years of keeping and breeding jumping spiders, I have only experienced three bites.
Two of those bites happened on the same day and involved the same spider. The behaviour was not entirely unexpected.
Lucas is an adult Sierra de Bahoruco male. He spends much of his time displaying and searching for females. He has also fathered many spiderlings that have since moved into new homes.
We're often asked whether jumping spiders bite.
The short answer is yes. Jumping spiders are capable of biting.
A jumping spider bite is uncommon. Most bites are mild and may cause temporary redness or slight swelling.Symptoms are typically short-lived. Most people do not require medical treatment. It is important to remember that jumping spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. Their bites are not known to cause serious harm.
Over many years of keeping and breeding jumping spiders, I have only experienced three bites.
Two of those bites happened on the same day and involved the same spider. Given the circumstances, the behaviour was not entirely unexpected.
Lucas is an adult Sierra de Bahoruco male. He spends much of his time displaying and searching for females. He has also fathered many spiderlings that have since moved into new homes.
One day, Lucas was being his usual cheeky self. He turned around and looked me in the eye. He then opened his chelicerae and gently tapped my skin with his fangs. It genuinely felt like he knew exactly what he was doing. I certainly told him off afterwards! He then tilted his head innocently. Moments later, the behaviour happened again. Another gentle tap followed. After a stern warning, the rest of the day was spent in his hammock. Thankfully, the behaviour has never been repeated.I believe Lucas was simply playing. No pain was felt during the interaction. His fangs touched my skin, but they did not appear to pierce it. No venom was released.
I have only experienced one other spider bite. It happened when I first started keeping jumping spiders. At the time, I had not yet learned the importance of minimising distractions.
I had a cat who loved chasing flies and other insects. During a handling session, she jumped onto the table unexpectedly.
I reacted instinctively and moved too quickly. Unfortunately, I believe I caught one of the spider's legs in the process.
I felt a sharp sensation immediately. Around twenty minutes later, a mild itch developed. It felt similar to a light nettle sting.
Experiences with jumping spider bites vary from person to person. Some people describe a minor scratch. Others compare the sensation to a mild bee sting. Jumping spiders do not want to bite people. Most bites happen when a spider feels frightened or trapped. This should not discourage you from handling your spider. Even wild jumping spiders are generally considered calm and docile.
Handling Frequency
When it comes to handling your jumping spider, less is often more. Frequent handling can be stressful for these tiny arachnids, so it's crucial to strike a balance. While some spiders may tolerate more interaction, others prefer minimal handling. Pay close attention to your spider's behaviour after each session. Watch for signs of stress. If your spider becomes restless or retreats, allow them some time alone. Respect their need for solitude. Give them time to rest and recover between interactions. Remember, a well-rested and content spider is more likely to engage positively during future handling sessions.
Introducing Sounds
Jumping spiders, with their keen senses, can sometimes react to sounds in their environment. Jumping spiders do not have ears in the way humans understand them. However, they have sensory structures that detect vibrations and changes in the air. These structures, called trichobothria, are tiny, sensitive hairs on their legs and body.
When handling, consider the auditory environment. Loud noises, sudden sounds, or vibrations can startle spiders. It's advisable to keep the handling area calm and quiet to create a stress-free atmosphere. Watch for signs of discomfort. Rapid movements and defensive postures can sometimes be triggered by unexpected sounds.
Recognising Stress through Defensive Postures
Understanding your spider's body language is essential for successful handling. Defensive postures, like raised front legs, an arched body, or an exposed set of fangs, signal stress or discomfort. If your jumping spider assumes such a stance, it's crucial to interpret it as a request for space. In these moments, it's best to gently and slowly retreat, allowing your spider to relax. Paying attention to their behaviour helps create positive interactions. It also builds trust between you and your spider.
In the fascinating world of jumping spiders, each tiny explorer comes with its unique quirks and preferences. Whether you enjoy handling or simply observing, it is important to let your spider set the pace. Respecting their preferences leads to better interactions. Some may crave the warmth of your hand, while others prefer the safety of their own silky safety . Pay attention to your spider's behaviour and body language. This helps create positive experiences for both spider and keeper.
Here's to the joy of spooder companionship. May your days be filled with curiosity, enrichment, and plenty of memorable moments.
Checkout our own enclosures
You can explore more jumping spider enclosures here.
Interested in learning more about spider behaviour? Explore the Natural History Museum's guide to spiders for trusted information about their adaptations and natural history.
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