Johnson's Jumping Spider

Phidippus johnsoni

True spiderbeginnerVenom: Mild

About

One of the most striking North American jumpers — a black spider with a solid red abdomen (females carry a central black stripe). A diurnal visual hunter from dry western habitats, so keep it warm and on the dry side: room temperature, low humidity, and only a light mist on the enclosure wall every few days for drinking (never spray the spider). Give it a tall, well-lit enclosure with cork, twigs, and plants to climb and anchor its silk retreat. Bold and people-curious; harmless, with only mild venom. A superb beginner jumper.

Taxonomy

FamilySalticidae

GenusPhidippus

Native regionWestern North America

TypeArboreal

Temperamentbold, curious; harmless

Size & growth

Adult sizefemale 9-14 mm, male 6-11 mm body

Length6.00–14.00 mm

Growth ratefast

Climate

Temperature68–80 °F

Humidity40–55%

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, roach nymphs

Adult cadence2-3 prey per week

Times kept: 0