Can Jumping Spiders Live Together?

Jumping spiders are fascinating little creatures that have captured the hearts of many arachnid enthusiasts. With their large, forward-facing eyes and inquisitive nature, it’s no wonder some spider lovers want to bring a few of these critters home as pets.

But an important question arises – can jumping spiders live together peacefully, or will they fight each other if housed in the same enclosure?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Jumping spiders are generally solitary and territorial, so most species should not be housed together. Certain exceptions may apply to select docile species that can coexist, but even then precautions are needed to reduce aggression and cannibalism.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore whether communal living is feasible for these remarkable spiders. We’ll examine jumping spider behavior, territoriality, ideal habitat conditions, steps for safe cohabitation, and alternative solutions for keeping multiple spiders.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the possibilities and pitfalls of housing jumping spiders together!

Jumping Spider Behavior and Territoriality

Territorial Instincts

Jumping spiders are largely solitary creatures that prefer to hunt alone. They are territorial and will actively defend their domain from other spiders. A jumping spider’s territory consists of a web and the nearby areas that it frequents while hunting.

The size of the territory can vary from a few square inches for smaller species up to a couple square meters for larger ones.

Aggression Toward Intruders

Intruders into a jumping spider’s territory may be met with aggressive behavior like threat displays, chasing, grappling, or even biting. Many jumping spiders will initially retreat when confronted before becoming hostile if the intruder persists.

Females with egg sacs can be especially aggressive toward trespassers that get too close. The territorial instincts appear to be stronger between those of the same species compared to interactions with other types of spiders.

Hunting Habits and Competition

There is some debate about whether highly territorial behavior in jumping spiders is primarily driven by competition over prey and hunting areas versus a desire to protect themselves or their offspring. Their hunting habits likely play a strong role.

Jumping spiders are diurnal predators that actively pursue prey rather than building webs and waiting. Having access to plenty of hunting grounds is critical. Food scarcity and perceived threats to resources can make them more aggressive overall.

Exceptions Among Docile Species

Not all jumping spiders exhibit the same level of aggression toward their own kind. Species like the bold jumper are known to be more docile and tolerant of others in their vicinity. There are even some rare documented cases where they may temporarily form loose groups.

Reasons for this are unclear but it shows behaviors can vary. Their environments likely play a role. Jumping spiders forced into close quarters may become more hostile as personal space decreases.

Habitat Considerations for Group Housing

Enclosure Size and Set-up

Jumping spiders are highly territorial, so providing enough space is key for harmonious group housing. As a general rule, the enclosure should have at least 2.5 times the leg span of each spider in width and height.

Include plenty of foliage, branches, hides, and visual barriers to divide up territories and provide escape routes.

Adequate Resources

Having sufficient food and water access points prevents aggressive resource guarding behavior. Provide multiple small insects daily, with feeding stations dispersed widely across the enclosure. Include multiple water sources as well, like damp moss patches or small, shallow water dishes.

Reducing Stress and Aggression

High stress levels can trigger aggression in communal groups. Ensure stable, suitable humidity and temperatures to keep the spiders comfortable. Avoid overcrowding, and introduce new individuals gradually to allow proper acclimation.

Know signs of excessive aggression like missing limbs or palps, and separate bullies when necessary.

Mimicking Natural Environments

Recreating elements from jumping spiders’ natural habitats makes them more at ease. Include ample vertical leaves, twigs, bark, grass, vines, etc for climbing and web anchoring sites. Adding features like shallow pools, small caves, and enclosed nesting spots provides enrichment.

Driftwood, rocks, tunnels, and coco fiber also offer textures and complexity.

Steps for Safe Cohabitation

Choose Appropriate Species

Not all jumping spider species can live together harmoniously. Generally, bold jumping spiders like the daring regal jumping spider or the vibrant Lucas jumping spider are more likely to coexist without conflict.

Shy and skittish jumpers like the gray wall jumper or Tan jumping spider tend to be more territorial and aggressive toward intruders. When selecting spiders for a communal habitat, opt for docile species known for their generally calm demeanors.

Introduce Spiders Gradually

Don’t just throw multiple spiders into the same enclosure and hope for the best. It’s crucial to slowly acclimate them to shared quarters over time. First, house two jumping spiders separately but adjacent to one another so they grow accustomed to sensing another spider nearby.

After a few days with no signs of distress, allow the spiders to briefly and directly interact under close supervision before separating them again. Repeat this process, gradually increasing interaction durations, until you can confirm they get along and will not attack one another if permanently cohabited.

Watch for Signs of Aggression

Even compatible spider species can still fight or bully one another at times. Keep a close eye on cohabited spiders for aggressive behaviors like chasing, lunging, raised front legs in a fighting stance, or attempts to dismember or consume tank mates.

Such habits may indicate a mismatch that requires separating bullies into their own enclosures. Also monitor for indirect signs of intimidation or discomfort like:

• One spider isolating itself on one side of the tank
• Unusual skittishness or leg twitching
• Loss of appetite or lethargy

Attending carefully to spider body language and interactions allows intervening promptly at the first hints of trouble between housemates.

Separate At Any Hints of Trouble

Some spiders, even of typically compatible species, will simply fail to get along and need separation for their safety and well being. Be prepared and willing to isolate spiders in their original separate enclosures at the slightest provocations or signs of incompatibility.

No cohabitation attempt is worth risking injury or death from aggression. Remember that some solitary spiders may permanently lose their tolerance for cage mates after failed communals attempts. When trying to foster bonds between housemate spiders, have backup containers ready so you can swiftly divide them if tensions escalate beyond peaceful coexistence.

Alternative Solutions for Multiple Jumping Spiders

Keep Spiders in Separate Tanks

Keeping multiple jumping spiders in the same enclosure can often lead to aggression and fighting. An easy solution is to house each spider separately in its own tank or terrarium. This prevents any territorial disputes and ensures each spider has adequate space, hiding spots, and access to food and water.

Each tank should be at least 5 gallons, with plenty of substrate, foliage, branches, and hides. Be sure to keep meticulous records of each spider’s molting schedule, feeding habits, and behavior. While solitary housing requires more space and supplies, it is the safest option for your jumping spiders.

Allow Supervised Playtime

If you wish to occasionally let your jumping spiders interact, another option is to allow supervised “play dates.” Choose a neutral area like a tabletop or bathtub surrounded by slippery sides they cannot climb. Place hides, foliage, and toys to explore.

Closely monitor the spiders for signs of aggression like raised front legs, charging, or wrestling. Be prepared to promptly separate them at the first sign of trouble. Brief 5-10 minute encounters a few times per week may satisfy their social needs without injury.

Always feed the spiders separately beforehand so they are not competing for resources during playtime. With proper precautions, temporary interactions can enrich their lives. But prolonged cohabitation is ill-advised for these solitary creatures.

Rotate Spiders in the Enclosure

If housing multiple spiders together is non-negotiable, another approach is dividing time in a shared enclosure. For example, place Spider A in the tank for a week, then swap to Spider B the following week. Thoroughly clean the entire tank between rotations to eliminate smells and residues.

This prevents the spiders from becoming too territorial while allowing both access to the space. Ensure the tank is fully equipped with adequate hides, foliage, substrate, etc. so it can sufficiently meet each spider’s needs during their rotation.

Closely monitor them for signs of stress when switching. While not a perfect solution, scheduled rotations may be less disruptive than full-time cohabitation. But permanent separation remains the safest approach for jumping spiders.

Conclusion

While most jumping spiders prefer solitary living, certain gentle species can potentially live together if provided ample space, resources, and proper precautions against aggression. With patience and close observation, some enthusiasts have succeeded in communal housing for select docile spiders.

However, cohabitation does pose risks and requires an experienced keeper. For those new to spider care, the safest option is maintaining jumping spiders separately.

With their captivating eyes, personalities, and hunting behaviors, jumping spiders offer tremendous enjoyment and fascination as pets. By learning their needs and exercising caution with group housing, spider lovers can find fulfillment in caring for these extraordinary invertebrates.