Spiders have earned a bad reputation as creepy, crawling animals. In reality, however, they can become really fun and interesting pets. The jumping spider is a good choice. While it is a challenging challenge to find and capture a specimen of this species, it is important to remember that you are removing it from its natural habitat and that it is not always a morally correct choice. If you decide to catch a jumping spider in your garden or a nearby park, ensure it has a safe and pleasant environment. Try to keep it for only a short time, before putting it back into the wild.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Catching a Jumping Spider
Step 1. Recognize a jumping spider
If you want to successfully capture a specimen of this species, you need to be sure you know how to identify it. Study its unique characteristics. This way, you will know exactly what to look for. The jumping spiders:
- They have eight eyes: two large and two small on the muzzle, two similar pairs above the head;
- They can be very colorful: males often have stripes or bands of vibrant, jewel-like hues;
- They have fangs;
- They can appear hairy.
Step 2. Find a jumping spider
Keep your eyes open whenever you are in the garden. These creatures feed on common insects, so they are found in many different environments. They also live in many climatic zones, from tropical jungles to temperate forests.
- It is important to know that jumping spiders do not create webs like many other arachnid species.
- The jumping spider chases its prey on foot. Watch them jump or walk in the grass, or move from plant to plant.
Step 3. Use a cane
You may get lucky and just spot a spider as you walk. However, in most cases you will have to search carefully to find one. You may be able to get one of these spiders out of the way with a stick.
- Use a medium length stick. Take it with you when hunting spiders.
- Use the stick to hit the vegetation. For example, when you walk near bushes, hit the plants gently.
- The vibrations should bring out the hidden spiders. Be careful not to hit too hard. Do not risk injuring the animals that are in the bush.
Step 4. Capture the spider with a test tube
You will need a container to keep the spider in, and the tubes are ideal. You can take a lot of them with you, but make sure they are at least 5 cm long, so that the animal has enough space.
- Both glass and plastic tubes are fine. Just make sure they have a cap.
- You can also use glass jars or plastic containers. Just make sure you wash and dry them well before you go hunting for spiders.
Step 5. Handle the spider with care
Jumping spiders are not dangerous. However, it is important to note that experts agree that the venom of these creatures needs to be studied more thoroughly. In short, it is not certain that these spiders are not poisonous.
Use the lid of the container to gently push the spider inside. You can also wear thick gloves for added safety
Method 2 of 2: Caring for the Jumping Spider
Step 1. Create a safe environment
Jumping spiders can live in many different environments. To make sure they have enough room to jump, choose containers of at least 30 liters. Glass or plastic terrariums are ideal solutions.
- Make sure the lid lets air pass through small holes so the spider doesn't choke.
- Jumping spiders do not produce webs, but they like to rest in small burrows. Provide your spider with the material to build shelter. You can give him a small piece of cloth or even a paper handkerchief.
- Keep the cage out of direct sunlight. Don't risk the spider overheating.
Step 2. Feed the spider
Specimens of this species eat many types of insects. Try feeding yours with flies and small crickets. If you don't want to catch the food yourself, you can buy it at many pet stores.
- The spider doesn't have to eat every day. He will settle for an insect every 2-3 days.
- Spiders don't need a lot of water, just wet the sides of the cage with a spray every two days.
- Just drop the insect into the cage. The spider will jump on him and eat him.
Step 3. Interact with your spider
Like many arachnids, jumping spiders also dislike being touched or handled, so avoid doing this as much as possible. If you need to move it, try to fit it into a container using a piece of plastic or some other material.
- You can still have fun together with your pet. You can watch him jump into the cage. Some specimens follow your finger if you move it gently along the walls of the container. You may think he is playing, but this is a useful exercise to keep him active and to check if he is still able to see and hunt.
- From time to time, you can get the spider out of the cage. Put it on your desk and watch it jump. Be careful not to lose it though!
Step 4. Record your observations
Spiders can be very interesting animals. Take note of how much it eats and when, if it changes color or size. You may discover particular trends. You can also write down when he prefers to sleep.
Try keeping a small notebook next to the jumping spider's cage so that you always have a way to write when you see him doing something interesting
Advice
- Remember not to disturb the spider when it hides.
- Stress can kill a spider, so be careful not to scare it and not move it too often. When he appears to be sleeping, let him rest.
- Keep it in a warm, sturdy cage, feeding it every two days. Place twigs with leaves in the container, where it can crawl and jump. Keep an eye on him to make sure he eats.
- Jumping spiders can climb plastic, glass, and other similar surfaces, so be sure to cover the cage.
Warnings
- Don't throw water or food directly on the spider or you could choke it. Place them in the corners of the cage.
- Keep calm and see a doctor if you get bitten. Panicking won't help you.
