What should I do ?
The Phidippus is a bit like the acrobatic star of the spider world!
With her big curious eyes and her coat worthy of a gala outfit, this little jumper is always ready to put on a show.
Imagine a ninja version of a spider, capable of pouncing on its prey with a precision worthy of the best action films.
But don't panic, this artist is completely harmless to us humans. In fact, she is more the type to give a paw (or eight) to control unwanted insects.
The life cycle of the Phidippus is an express adventure in a few key stages, with a good dose of moulting!
The birth :
The eggs hatch, and there are little spiders, not yet ready for the high jump.
The transformation :Make way for magic! These babies go through about 5 or 6 molts. This is their makeover moment, where they grow and transform into seasoned jumping spiders.
Adulthood :After these transformations, our stars are ready for real life, with spectacular hunts and courtship displays.
The end of the cycle:After about a year of life full of adventures, our Phidippus give way to the new generation.
From crunchy to crispy:
the banquet of the Phidippus through the moults! 🕷️🎉🍴
Youth (L2-L3) - 1 to 2 blots every 2 days:
Snacks: At this stage, young phidippus focus on prey that is easy to capture and digest. They eat small insects like fruit flies melanogaster or springtails.
Adolescence (L4-L5) - 1 large fly or a few hydrei depending on the size of the abdomen:Expanding the menu: As they grow, they begin to hunt slightly more ambitious prey. They feast on pimkie flies and fruit flies hydrei. Small insects that pass within jumping range.
Adult age (L5-L7♂ or L9♀): The gourmet buffet: The adults, now experienced hunters, attack pinkie flies and red runners (cockroaches). They can also feast on crickets, but preferably under supervision! 
How to pamper your phidippus like a pro!
His habitat :
Your Alpha (6x6x6cm) is suitable for small juveniles from stage L3 to L5, beyond that you will need to review the space of your protégé.
L5/adult: a terrarium sized 10x10x10cm or 10x10x15cm is ideal for these little adventurers. Our Alpha Max model meets this need for space. This is also the recommended size for phidippus that have reached their final stage.
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Included in our complete kits, perfect for transforming their home into a lush tropical jungle. Don't have a kit? No problem !
A fine coconut soil accompanied by a natural moss, made especially for reptiles, will delight your adorable phidippus.
Feeding:
With pliers, it's nicer and safer!
Spray:
Provided for a refreshing spa ambiance. Who doesn't love a good misting?
Interview :
A small brush with soft bristles will allow you to move your phidippus without hurting it and without taking any risks.
Thermometer/hygrometer:
Included in all our models, for climate control worthy of a weather station.
Heating :
A heating mat for cocooning nights. But be careful, not below the terrarium! We don't have barbecues here.
And don't forget to equip it with its thermostat!
LED lighting :
To hunt and move, the phidippus needs to see where it places its legs. Our models have LED lighting as an option (Alpha Sun) or automatically included (Tula).
If you love miniature gardens, choose lighting adapted to your plants.
Maintenance and servicing guide
for your eight-legged star!
Stage cleaning:
Remove leftover meals (fruit flies, pinkies, etc.) to avoid the invasion of paparazzi mites. Nothing like a clean dressing room for a star!
Climate :
During the day, your phidippus likes a warm environment, between 24°C and 30°C.
At night, it prefers to cool down a little, with temperatures of 18°C to 24°C.
It's the perfect cycle for your starry well-being!
Tropical shower:
Humidify the terrarium every 2/3 days depending on where you live. During moulting or heatwave periods, switch to daily spraying.
Water is the secret of their beauty!
Ideal humidity: 50% to 80%
Molting period: 70% to 80%
Celebrity Diet:
Feed your phidippus every 2 to 3 days.
Small abdomen = stomach crying out for hunger!
Round abdomen = royal meal already served!
Gourmet snacks:
Pimkie maggots are reserved for special (fattier) occasions, perfect after shedding to help your phidippus get back into shape. As for Hydrei fruit flies, they constitute an all-you-can-eat buffet from the L4/L5 stage. If your friend is an excellent hunter, she will be ready to chase flies!
Cricket? With caution ! Crickets are like the paparazzi, they can be aggressive. If you give any, always under supervision!
Molting period: The big Show
This period is a spectacle not to be missed, but without intervention !
Temperature: 22°C to 28°C, for optimal comfort.
Humidity: 70% to 80%
Day/night cycle: respect the rhythm of nature for lighting (10 hours of light maximum)
ATTENTION: Leave your phidippus alone during its molt. No disturbance, no forced exit attempt. Avoid moving the terrarium too much. Failure to molt can be fatal!
After moulting:
Leave it to dry quietly for 2 to 3 days after taking it out. Do not feed immediately, wait until she is ready for the big return.
Every choice, from habitat to diet, matters for the well-being of your little eight-legged friend. By following these tips with attention and love, you will give your phidippus a fulfilling life.
Remember, behind every fun moment, there is a responsibility: that of caring for a living being.
So, prepare yourself for this great adventure, with as much thought as enthusiasm, and enjoy the wonders of the world of phidippus.
Laure & Serkan
The PhidiBox team
