Jumping Spider Eggs: Signs, Care, And What To Expect

Dec 4, 2025 by Tom Lembong 53 views

Hey there, fellow spider enthusiasts! Ever wondered if your adorable jumping spider might be a mom-to-be? It's a super exciting thought, right? Seeing those tiny arachnids create the next generation is pretty awesome. In this article, we'll dive deep into everything you need to know about jumping spider eggs, from spotting the signs to providing the best care for a potential mom and her future offspring. Let's get started, guys!

The Big Question: Is Your Jumping Spider Pregnant?

So, how do you know if your jumping spider is carrying eggs? Unlike some other pets, it's not always super obvious. There's no baby bump, you know? But don't worry, there are definitely telltale signs to look out for. Here's what you should be watching:

Increased Appetite: If your little pal is suddenly devouring food like there's no tomorrow, it could be a sign. The extra grub helps her build up the energy and resources she needs to lay eggs and care for them.
Building a Retreat: Keep an eye out for a secluded, enclosed space. This is a big clue! Pregnant jumping spiders often create a cozy, well-hidden retreat where they can lay their eggs and protect them. This might be under a leaf, in a corner of their enclosure, or inside a specially constructed silk haven.
Changes in Behavior: Has your spider become less active or more withdrawn? She might be spending more time in her retreat, preparing for motherhood. This is a natural instinct, so don't be alarmed!
Visible Egg Sac (Sometimes): In some cases, you might be able to see the egg sac directly. It usually looks like a small, white, silken ball or pouch. The spider will guard it fiercely, and you'll want to avoid disturbing it at all costs.
Swollen Abdomen: While not always super noticeable, sometimes the abdomen of a pregnant jumping spider might appear slightly larger or more swollen. This is because she's carrying eggs inside.

It's important to remember that these signs can sometimes indicate other things, too, like molting or just a happy, well-fed spider. So, it's best to look for a combination of these signs before jumping to conclusions. And if you're not sure, it's always a good idea to consult with an expert or experienced spider keeper.

Spotting the Egg Sac

Alright, so you think your jumping spider might be expecting, and you're eager to see if there's an egg sac. As mentioned, the egg sac is the best evidence you'll get, so knowing how to recognize one is essential. Here's what to look for:

Appearance: The egg sac typically looks like a small, white or off-white ball or pouch made of silk. It might be perfectly round or slightly irregular in shape.
Location: Jumping spiders are very clever architects. They build their egg sacs in concealed locations, such as under leaves, in the corners of their enclosures, or within elaborate silk retreats. Look carefully in these areas.
Silk Quality: The silk used to create the egg sac is usually very dense and sturdy, designed to protect the eggs from harm.
Guarding Behavior: The momma spider will guard the egg sac fiercely. If you see your spider constantly sitting near or on a silk structure, chances are it's protecting her precious eggs.

Be super careful when you're looking for an egg sac! Avoid disturbing the spider or the egg sac, as this could stress the spider or damage the eggs. You can use a gentle light to get a better view without getting too close, or take a picture with a macro lens. Patience is key, guys.

Caring for a Pregnant Jumping Spider

So, you've confirmed that your jumping spider is indeed a mom-to-be! Awesome! Now, it's time to adjust her care to make sure she and her future offspring stay happy and healthy. Here's what you need to do:

Provide a Safe and Stable Environment: Make sure her enclosure is secure and free from any potential hazards. This means no drafts, sudden temperature changes, or anything that could frighten her. She needs to feel safe and secure so she can focus on her eggs.
Increase Humidity: Jumping spiders need a certain level of humidity to stay healthy, and this is especially important during pregnancy and after the eggs hatch. Use a spray bottle to mist her enclosure lightly a few times a day.
Offer Plenty of Food: Keep up with her increased appetite! Feed her a steady supply of nutritious food like crickets, fruit flies, or other insects. Make sure the food is the right size for her to eat comfortably. She'll need the extra energy.
Avoid Disturbances: Leave her alone as much as possible, especially near her egg sac. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could stress her out. Keep a respectful distance and let her do her thing.
Maintain Cleanliness: Keep her enclosure clean by removing any uneaten food and droppings. A clean environment helps prevent illness and disease.
Consider a Separate Enclosure: If possible, you might want to move her to a separate enclosure specifically for breeding and caring for her eggs. This will give her a more controlled environment and reduce the risk of any disturbances from other pets or people. This is especially important for beginners.

What NOT to do

There are a few important things to avoid when caring for a pregnant jumping spider:

Don't handle her: Avoid handling her at all costs, especially if you suspect she has an egg sac. This can stress her out and cause her to abandon or damage the eggs.
Don't spray directly at her: When misting the enclosure, avoid spraying the spider directly, as this can startle her.
Don't overheat the enclosure: High temperatures can be dangerous for spiders and their eggs. Keep the temperature within the recommended range for jumping spiders.
Don't use harsh chemicals: Avoid using any cleaning products or pesticides near the enclosure.
Don't overcrowd the enclosure: Avoid housing multiple jumping spiders together, especially if one is pregnant, as this could lead to conflict or cannibalism.

The Egg Laying Process: What to Expect

Witnessing a jumping spider lay her eggs is an amazing experience! While you might not see the entire process, understanding what's happening can help you appreciate this incredible event. Here's what you can expect:

The Retreat: As mentioned, the spider will have already built a secure retreat. This is where the magic will happen.
Egg Sac Construction: The spider will carefully spin a silken sac to house her eggs. This can take several hours or even days.
Egg Deposition: Once the sac is ready, she'll lay her eggs inside. The number of eggs can vary depending on the species and the spider's health. Some jumping spiders can lay a few dozen eggs, while others can lay over a hundred.
Sac Closure: After laying the eggs, the spider will seal the sac carefully, creating a protective barrier for her precious cargo.
Incubation: The eggs will incubate inside the sac for a period of time, usually a few weeks, depending on temperature and humidity.
Guarding: The mother spider will stay near the egg sac, guarding it diligently. She may or may not eat during this time, focusing solely on protecting her eggs.

After the Eggs Hatch:

Once the eggs hatch, you'll have a whole bunch of tiny spiderlings! This is a super exciting time, but it also requires special care. Here's what you need to do:

Keep them together: The spiderlings will stay together inside the egg sac for a short time, which is totally normal. They're still developing and need each other for safety.
Provide food: Once the spiderlings emerge from the sac, they'll need food. You can offer them tiny, flightless fruit flies or other small insects that are the right size for them to eat.
Keep the environment right: Maintain the same humidity and temperature levels to keep your new spiderlings healthy. Keep a close eye on them to make sure they're doing okay.
Watch for cannibalism: Sometimes, spiderlings will turn on each other. If you notice any spiderlings being eaten, you'll need to separate them. This isn't common, but it's important to keep an eye out.
Separate when necessary: As the spiderlings grow, you'll need to separate them into individual enclosures to prevent cannibalism and make sure each spider has enough space. This is a very critical step for their survival.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for jumping spider eggs to hatch?

The incubation period can vary, but it's usually around two to four weeks. Temperature and humidity play a role, so be sure to keep those factors in check.

How many eggs do jumping spiders lay?

It depends on the species and the spider's health, but the number can range from a few dozen to over a hundred eggs!

What should I feed baby jumping spiders?

You should feed them tiny, flightless fruit flies or other very small insects that are the right size for them to eat. Be sure to offer them the right foods so that they grow up healthy!

Can I handle a pregnant jumping spider?

It's best to avoid handling a pregnant jumping spider as it can stress her out. Leave her be so she can focus on her eggs.

What if my jumping spider abandons her eggs?

Unfortunately, this sometimes happens. There are many reasons why this might occur. If it happens, you won't be able to do much. Try to provide the best environment possible to avoid this.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to understanding and caring for your pregnant jumping spider. It's an exciting time, but with the right knowledge and care, you can help ensure the health and happiness of both the mother and her offspring. Enjoy the journey, and happy spider-keeping!