Agave Jumping Spider

Paraphidippus basalis

True spiderbeginnerVenom: Mild

About

A southwestern US jumping spider associated with agave and yucca, less commonly kept than the Phidippus species but cared for the same way. Jumping spiders are visual, diurnal hunters and that drives everything about the enclosure: height over floor space so they can climb and build a retreat near the top, plenty of anchor points, and a bright day cycle — they hunt by sight and a dark enclosure means a spider that won't eat. Ventilation should be generous; they do not want a humid box. Feed flying prey where possible; they take flies enthusiastically and small crickets or roach nymphs readily. They drink from misted droplets rather than a dish, so a light mist on the webbing a few times a week is enough — standing water is a drowning risk at this size. Harmless. The bite is medically insignificant and these are among the least defensive spiders in the hobby; the bold, head-turning curiosity people describe is genuine, not anthropomorphism — they have the best eyesight of any spider and will watch you back.

Taxonomy

FamilySalticidae

GenusParaphidippus

Native regionSouthwestern United States and Mexico

TypeArboreal

Temperamentbold, visual, non-defensive

Size & growth

Adult size0.4-0.6 inches

Growth ratefast

Climate

Temperature70–85 °F

Humidity50–70%

Enclosure

Adult sizetall rather than wide; roughly 4x4x6 inches or more

Substratecoco fiber; the substrate matters far less than vertical structure

Substrate depth1 inch

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizeflies, small crickets, roach nymphs

Adult cadenceevery 2-3 days

Times kept: 0 · Unverified community entry