Canopy Jumping Spider

Phidippus otiosus

True spiderintermediateVenom: Mild

About

A treetop ('canopy') North American jumper — bold and charismatic like the regal, but a touch more high-strung and quick to bolt upward, so it's an intermediate pick. Give it a tall, well-ventilated enclosure with top-heavy decor (it builds hammock retreats up high), room temperature (70-80°F), and a light mist for drinking. Takes flying and small crawling prey. Harmless, mild venom.

Taxonomy

FamilySalticidae

GenusPhidippus

Native regionSoutheastern USA

TypeArboreal

Temperamentbold, curious; high-strung, leaps upward when startled

Size & growth

Adult sizefemale ~13 mm, male ~10 mm body

Length9.00–13.00 mm

Growth ratefast

Climate

Temperature70–80 °F

Humidity50–70%

Enclosure

Adult size4x4x8 inches (vertical)

Substratecoco fiber; vertical decor for climbing + silk retreats; light mist for drinking

Substrate depth1-2 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizeflies, fruit flies, small crickets

Adult cadence2-3 prey per week

Times kept: 0