Why do jumping spiders stop eating? It's one of the most common questions we're asked at Opus Vita.
If your usually hungry little hunter has suddenly stopped eating, don't panic. In many cases, it's completely normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong.
If your usually hungry little hunter has started ignoring food, don't panic. In many cases, it's completely normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong.
Jumping spiders can stop eating for several reasons. These include preparing to moult, changes in temperature and simply reaching adulthood. Understanding the cause can help you decide whether to wait patiently or take action.
Let's look at the seven most common reasons your jumping spider may not be eating.
1. Your Jumping Spider Is Preparing to Moult
This is by far the most common reason.
Before every moult, jumping spiders enter what's known as premoult. During this time, they'll often refuse food for several days or even a few weeks, depending on their age.
Common signs of premoult include:
- Spending more time inside their hammock
- Reduced activity
- Refusing food
- A swollen abdomen
- Duller colours
- Building a thicker silk retreat
This is completely normal.
Avoid disturbing your spider during this time. Remove any live prey after a short period. It could stress or injure a vulnerable spider during moulting
Once the moult is complete and their new exoskeleton has hardened, their appetite should soon return.
2. Why Mature Jumping Spiders Sometimes Eat Less
If you have an adult male, reduced appetite is also perfectly normal.
Once males reach maturity, their priorities change. Instead of putting energy into growing, they're focused on finding a mate.
Many mature males:
- Wander constantly
- Spend less time hunting
- Ignore food they would previously chase
- Eat less frequently
Some mature males will still eat regularly, while others may only take food occasionally.
If your spider remains active, there's usually no cause for concern. Simply monitor their abdomen for weight loss.
3. The Temperature Is Too Cold (Or Too Hot)
Temperature has a big impact on a jumping spider's appetite.
If your enclosure is too cool, your jumping spider's metabolism naturally slows down.
Likewise, extremely hot conditions can also reduce feeding.
For most Phidippus regius, aim for:
- 22–26°C for day-to-day care.
- Bright lighting.
- Good ventilation.
A digital thermometer and hygrometer help you monitor temperature and humidity. This makes it easier to adjust conditions if needed.
4. Stress Can Affect Appetite
Jumping spiders can sometimes stop eating after changes to their environment.
This might happen after:
- Moving into a new enclosure
- Shipping or transport
- Frequent handling
- Major enclosure changes
- Excessive disturbance
Give your spider a few days to settle.
Provide plenty of hiding places, minimise handling and allow them to explore at their own pace.
Most healthy jumping spiders begin feeding again once they feel secure.
5. Your Spider May Simply Not Be Hungry
Unlike mammals, jumping spiders don't need to eat every day.
A healthy spider with a nice, rounded abdomen can comfortably go longer between meals than many new keepers expect.
Overfeeding is actually more common than underfeeding.
Instead of feeding to a strict schedule, watch your spider's abdomen.
A well-fed jumping spider will have:
- A rounded abdomen
- Good energy levels
- Normal hunting behaviour
Offer appropriately sized prey every few days and let your spider decide when they're ready to eat.
6. The Prey Might Not Be Right
Sometimes the problem isn't your spider—it's the food.
Your spider may ignore prey if it is:
- Too large
- Too small
- Moving too slowly
- Too active
- A type they've never encountered before
Many jumping spiders have clear preferences.
Some love green bottle flies, while others eagerly hunt blue bottles or fruit flies.
Offering a suitable prey item that's around the size of your spider's abdomen is usually a good starting point.
7. They May Be Getting Ready to Lay Eggs
Adult females sometimes reduce their appetite before producing an egg sac.
Even if they haven't mated, female jumping spiders can still produce infertile egg sacs.
You may notice:
- Spending more time inside the hammock
- Increased webbing
- Reduced feeding
- More time staying in one area
This behaviour is completely normal.
When Should You Start to Worry?
Most periods without food are completely harmless.
However, monitor your spider more closely if you notice:
- A noticeably shrunken abdomen
- Loss of grip
- Difficulty climbing
- Lethargy
- Repeated falls
- Curled legs
- Rapid weight loss
If your spider is showing these symptoms, it's worth investigating further.
When Should You Seek Advice?
If your spider has refused food for an unusually long time, don't panic. However, if they're also showing signs of declining health, it's time to seek advice.
Try to provide:
- Your spider's approximate age
- Species or locale
- Whether it's male or female
- Current enclosure temperature
- Photos of your spider and enclosure
- What prey you've offered
The more information you can provide, the easier it is to identify the cause.
If you'd like to learn more about responsible spider husbandry, visit the British Tarantula Society. They provide a range of useful care resources for invertebrate keepers.
Final Thoughts
A jumping spider refusing food is usually nothing to worry about. In most cases, it's simply part of their natural behaviour.
Understanding the most common reasons for a reduced appetite makes caring for your spider much easier. You'll know when to wait and when it's time to take action.
Every spider is unique. Learning their habits is one of the joys of keeping these fascinating little hunters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a jumping spider go without eating?
Healthy jumping spiders can often go several weeks without food, especially before a moult or during adulthood. Always monitor their abdomen rather than counting the days since their last meal.
Should I leave live food in the enclosure?
No. Live prey should never be left unattended for long periods, particularly if your spider is preparing to moult. Remove any uneaten prey after a reasonable amount of time.
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