Florida “Ocala” Jumping Spider Care Sheet (UK)

Species: Phidippus regius
Common name: Regal Jumping Spider (“Ocala” locality)
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Origin: Florida, USA
Lifespan:

• Female: 1.5–2 years
• Male: 6–12 months

The “Ocala” form is a locality variation of the Regal Jumping Spider, known for bold colours, fluffy appearance, and curious behaviour.

Enclosure Setup

Size

For UK keepers:

• Sling/Juvenile: 5x5x8 cm
• Sub-adult/Adult: around 15x15x20 cm

Vertical space is important because they climb and build hammocks near the top.

Ventilation

Excellent airflow is essential.
Use:

• Cross-ventilated acrylic enclosure
• Fine mesh vents
• Avoid stagnant, damp setups

Decor

Add:

• Cork bark
• Twigs/vines
• Fake or live plants
• Hides near the top

They need anchor points for web hammocks.

Temperature

Ideal UK room temperatures:

• Day: 22–26°C
• Night: 18–21°C

In colder UK homes:

• Use a small heat mat on the SIDE of the enclosure
• Never place heat underneath

Avoid temperatures below 16°C for long periods.

Humidity

Target:

• 60–75% humidity

For UK conditions:

• Light misting every 1–2 days
• Allow enclosure to dry slightly between sprays
• Do not soak substrate

Good ventilation matters more than high humidity.

Feeding

Juveniles & Adults

• Green bottle flies
• Curly wing flies

DO NOT MEED MEALWORMS OR WAX WORMS 

Feed prey roughly the same size as the spider’s abdomen.

Feeding Schedule

• Juveniles: every 3–4 days
• Adults: every 5–7 days

Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.

Water

Even though they get moisture from food:

• Mist one enclosure wall lightly
• Provide tiny water droplets

Never use water dishes or dispencers.

Moulting

• Refusing food
• Staying in hammock
• Reduced movement

During moult:

• Do not handle
• Do not feed
• Keep humidity stable

Wait several days after moulting before feeding again.

Handling

Regal jumpers are usually calm and curious:

• Handle close to a soft surface
• Let the spider walk onto your hand voluntarily
• Avoid sudden movements

They jump surprisingly far.

Specific Tips

Winter Care

UK winter temperatures can drop too low indoors:

• Keep away from radiators and windows
• Use a thermostat-controlled heat source if needed

Lighting

A small LED light or indirect daylight helps activity and feeding response.

Avoid:

• Direct hot sunlight through glass
• Damp enclosures
• Overfeeding
• Large aggressive prey

Quick Care Summary