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How Long Does a Jumping Spider Live? A Personal Story + Life Expectancy Explained

Jumping spider sitting in enclosure

In early 2023, I brought home a tiny unsexed sling — a Phidippus regius, better known as the regal jumping spider. She was in her 5th instar, still just a juvenile, no bigger than a speck on my fingertip. I didn’t know if she was male or female yet, but I had already fallen in love with her expressive eyes and curious little hops.

Everyone told me the same thing: “Don’t get too attached — jumping spiders don’t live very long.”

All the care sheets, forums, and articles echoed it: “They live up to a year, maybe a bit more if you’re lucky.”

But here’s the twist:It’s mid-2025 now, and she’s still alive.

Not just alive — but content, curious, and watching me as I write this.

how-long-does-a-jumping-spider-live-spidergadget

So, How Long Does a Jumping Spider Live?

Jumping spiders typically live between 6 months and 3 years, depending on species, sex, and care conditions. So if you’re wondering:

  • How long does a jumping spider live?
  • How long can a jumping spider live?
  • Jumping spider how long do they live?
  • What is the longest living jumping spider ever recorded?

Here’s what I’ve learned — from both research and personal experience.

Breaking It Down: Species, Sex, and Maturity

The lifespan of a jumping spider can vary quite a bit:

lifestan-by-sex-by-species-jumping-spidergadget

🔸 Sex matters:

  • Females generally live longer than males.
  • After reaching maturity, females often live for another 12 months, sometimes more.
  • Males, on the other hand, may only live 3 to 6 months after becoming adults.
  • That said, there are exceptions. Some males surprise their owners and live close to a year after their final molt.

🔸 Species differences:

  • My girl is a Phidippus regius — one of the more popular pet jumping spider species. Some owners report females living over 2 years, and the longest living jumping spider on record, a Phidippus audax (bold jumping spider), lived for 3 full years.

🔸 Molting stage (instars):

  • Spiders grow by molting. My spider was at the 5th instar when I got her. Most Phidippus species reach maturity by the 7th or 8th instar, meaning she still had a lot of growing to do back then.

Why Is My Jumping Spider Still Alive After So Long?

Honestly? I think it’s a mix of care, genetics, and luck.

She’s never been “power-fed” — I fed her on a moderate schedule, once every 3-5 days, letting her metabolism flow naturally. Power-feeding, while it can speed up growth, often leads to earlier maturity and a shorter lifespan. Think of it like fast-forwarding their biological clock.

She also wasn’t overly active. She spent a lot of time perched quietly in her enclosure, watching the world go by. Maybe that slower pace helped extend her life?

jumping-spider-chill-in-case

How to Help Your Jumping Spider Live Longer

Want to extend your live jumping spider’s life as much as possible? Here are a few tips:

1. Don’t Overfeed

  • Jumpers don’t need food every day.
  • Feeding every 3–5 days for adults is plenty.
  • Too much food = faster maturity = shorter life.

2. Optimal Enclosure Conditions

  • Ensure good ventilation, proper humidity, and lots of climbing surfaces.
  • Avoid stress — don’t tap the enclosure or disturb them, especially during molts.

3. Gentle, Minimal Handling

  • Handling can be fun, but it can also be stressful for the spider, which may shorten their lifespan.
  • Keep it to a minimum and always be gentle.

4. Keep Records

  • Track molts, feedings, and behavior to understand their cycle better and spot any potential issues early.

Jumping Spider Life FAQ

Q: How long does a jumping spider live in captivity? A: On average, 1.5 to 2 years for females, while males live for a shorter period after maturing. With excellent care, some females can live up to 3 years.

Q: What’s the longest living jumping spider ever recorded? A: A female Phidippus audax lived for 3 years — quite a record!

Q: How long do jumping spiders live in the wild? A: Usually shorter than in captivity due to predators, weather, and inconsistent food sources. A lifespan of 6 months to 1 year is common.

Q: Can live jumping spiders be kept as pets? A: Absolutely! They are fantastic, low-maintenance pets with big personalities packed into a tiny body.

Q: Do jumping spiders die right after laying eggs? A: Not always. Many females can live for months after laying one or more egg sacs, depending on their health and species.

Close-up-macro-jumping-spider

In Conclusion: A Life Well-Lived, One Jump at a Time

When I look at my spider now, approaching her third year of life, I realize that lifespan isn’t just about time — it’s about quality.

I gave her the best I could: a safe home, good food, and the space to just be a spider. And in return, she gave me the unexpected gift of time. A longer bond. A little miracle.

So if you’re wondering, “How long can a jumping spider live?” —

The answer is simple:Long enough to surprise you.

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