The jumping spider hobby is dominated by two genera: Phidippus in the Americas, and Hyllus and Cyrba in Africa and Asia. Within those groups, a handful of species have become established favourites — each with distinct care requirements and personalities.

🔬 Phidippus: The American Giants #

Phidippus is the genus most new keepers encounter first. The combination of large size, forward-facing eyes, and interactive personality makes them uniquely suited to keeping as pets. All Phidippus species share the same core care requirements — arboreal enclosure, live prey, 60–70% RH, 72–82°F.

P. regius — Regal Jumping Spider #

The flagship of the hobby. Females reach up to 22mm — large enough to see clearly without magnification — and are consistently described as personable and interactive. Males are smaller with brilliant iridescent chelicerae. Native to the southeastern US and the Caribbean.

P. audax — Bold Jumping Spider #

Widespread across North America, slightly smaller than P. regius, and arguably even more bold in temperament. Striking black-and-white colouration with the characteristic iridescent blue-green chelicerae of the genus. Slightly more tolerant of cooler conditions than P. regius.

P. otiosus — Canopy Jumping Spider #

Similar in size to P. regius but with a distinctly different appearance — females are often brown with cream patterning rather than the classic black-and-white of the other two. Less commonly kept but increasingly available from specialist breeders.

🌍 Beyond Phidippus #

Hyllus diardi from Southeast Asia is gaining popularity in European and Asian hobbyist circles for its striking sexual dimorphism — males are brilliant blue and orange, females are cryptically patterned in brown and cream. Care is similar to Phidippus but slightly warmer temperatures (78–86°F) are ideal.