Spiderlings are extraordinary and demanding in equal measure. The first few molts carry the highest mortality risk — but for keepers who get the fundamentals right, raising jumping spiderlings is one of the most rewarding experiences in the hobby.
🏠 Housing Spiderlings #
Young spiderlings require very small, well-ventilated enclosures. A 4oz deli cup with mesh ventilation is ideal for the first 2–3 instars. The enclosure must be escape-proof — spiderlings can pass through surprisingly small gaps.
A spiderling in an enclosure that’s too large will expend enormous energy searching for prey and may fail to catch anything. Until they reach juvenile size (3rd–4th instar), keep them in the smallest practical enclosure and feed frequently.
🦗 Feeding Spiderlings #
Newly hatched spiderlings begin feeding after their second molt (2nd instar). Their first prey must be appropriately sized — prey larger than the spiderling’s abdomen is dangerous. Drosophila melanogaster (flightless fruit flies) are the standard starting feeder.
- 2nd–3rd instar: D. melanogaster (smaller species of fruit fly)
- 3rd–4th instar: D. hydei (larger species of fruit fly)
- 5th instar onwards: small bottle flies, mini mealworms
Young spiderlings benefit from feeding every 2–3 days. Their metabolism is fast and their growth rate between molts depends heavily on consistent nutrition. A well-fed spiderling molts more frequently and grows faster.
💧 Humidity and Hydration #
Spiderlings are more vulnerable to dehydration than adults. Their small bodies have a high surface-area-to-volume ratio, making moisture loss faster. Lightly mist one wall of the enclosure every 2–3 days, leaving the rest dry so the spider can choose its preferred humidity zone.
📈 Tracking Development #
Keep a simple log of molt dates. The interval between molts shortens as spiderlings grow, then lengthens again as they approach adulthood. If an instar is lasting significantly longer than expected — cross-reference feeding frequency and humidity first.