Native to the subtropical coasts of the southeastern United States, Phidippus regius—the Regal Jumping Spider, is admired for its gentle temperament and brilliant colours. Every specimen is captive-bred and raised on-site under the same precision-controlled environments used in our professional enclosure systems.
Regius spiders are calm, observant, and strikingly intelligent. Their large eyes, expressive behaviour, and vivid markings make them one of the most charismatic spiders to keep.
We occasionally offer regional colour morphs such as the Apalachicola, distinguished by unique orange or bronze patterning. For more details, see the additional information section on this page.
Before leaving our care, each individual is conditioned through regular feeding and exposure to human presence to promote a confident, easy adjustment in its new home.
Phidippus Regius (Regal Jumping Spider)
Phidippus regius inhabits warm, humid regions stretching from Florida through the Gulf states and Caribbean islands. It prefers sunlit vegetation, palmettos, and tree trunks where it hunts by sight and movement.
This species is among the largest salticids in North America. Adult males typically measure 12–18 mm (½–¾ in) in body length, while females reach 15–22 mm (⅝–⅞ in). Males are dark with bright white patterns; females range from soft greys to vivid oranges and peach tones, often shimmering with blue-green or violet chelicerae.
Regius spiders are noted for their exceptional vision and calm nature, making them ideal for observation. Their intelligence and visual precision—comparable to that of P. audax—allow them to track motion and navigate their surroundings with remarkable awareness.Females are steady feeders and typically live 12–16 months in captivity, with many remaining active for close to a year after reaching maturity. Males, while equally curious and far more active, usually live 4–9 months post-maturity, giving them an overall lifespan of about 10–15 months under proper care, steady temperatures and ideal air relative humidity.
Choose from multiple developmental stages to best suit your goals or experience level. Sizes are listed as body length (from the tip of the cephalothorax to the end of the abdomen):
- Spiderling i5/i6: These are young spiders, usually in their 5th or 6th instar. They are typically about 1/4" (5-7 mm) in body length.
- Sub-Adult i7/i8: Unsexed, approaching maturity, these spiders could range from 5/16” to 1/2” (8-12 mm) in body length.
- Sub-Adult Male: Nearing maturity, averaging 5/16” to 5/8" (8-15 mm).
- Sub-Adult Female: Slightly larger at this stage, roughly 3/8” to 3/4" (10-18 mm).
- Male Adult: Fully mature males are typically smaller than females, with body lengths of about1/2" to 3/4" (12–18 mm).
- Female Adult: The largest of the options, adult females can measure 5/8" to 7/8" (15–22 mm) in body length.
- Apalachicola - Spiderling i5/i6: A distinct regional morph of Phidippus regius with unique colour patterns, originating from the Apalachicola region in northern Florida.
Morph availability depends on seasonal breeding and will be noted on the dropdown menu when available.
We do our best to identify each sub-adult spider’s sex, though some individuals appear similar; sexing accuracy for sub-adults cannot be guaranteed.
Morphs refer to unique populations of the same species that have distinct traits, such as coloration or size, due to their specific isolation or geographical origin. These differences make each variant special, adding diversity to the standard Phidippus regius species.
The Apalachicola morph is a special population originating from the Apalachicola region in northern Florida. This unique ecosystem contributes to the distinct characteristics of these spiderlings.
Apalachicola males typically feature a striking black and white colour scheme, with iridescent green-blue chelicerae that become visible as they mature. Their thickened, comma-shaped sensory legs and larger pedipalps resembling 'boxing gloves' add to their distinctive appearance.
Apalachicola females are generally larger and more colourful than males, with a predominantly white body that includes less black. Their chelicerae often have a pink hue, and their streamlined sensory legs and smaller pedipalps contribute to their unique look. The most striking feature of the females is the shiny black epigyne located between the book lungs on the underside.
These distinctive traits make the Apalachicola morph a visually stunning addition to any collection, offering the same friendly temperament and inquisitive nature as other Regal Jumping Spiders while providing a chance to appreciate a rarer regional form.
All Phidippus regius spiders are produced through our Ontario-based breeding program, maintained under consistent environmental regulation. Each spiderling is raised individually for close monitoring of feeding habits, temperament, and development. Only strong, stable individuals are released for adoption.
We provide young virgin (unmated) specimens to prevent the risk of unexpected egg sacs and to ensure a longer period of active companionship. Females are reliable feeders with a calm temperament, while males are more exploratory and engaging.
Unlike our native P. audax, Canada’s climate prevents refreshing the genetic pool through local captures. Our breeding lines are therefore maintained through carefully selected U.S.-sourced parent stock to preserve genetic diversity and vitality.Our husbandry systems mirror the same controlled lighting, humidity, and ventilation engineered into our Por Amor Art enclosures, guaranteeing consistency between breeding and final housing. All practices align with responsible welfare standards and sustainable captive propagation.
Regius benefit from tall, well-ventilated arboreal enclosures that replicate open, sunlit spaces. As a rule of thumb, choose an enclosure 8 to 10 times the spider’s body length in height, and 4 to 6 times in width and depth.
Our Arboreal glass enclosures in 14-20 cm heights accommodate most life stages comfortably; adult females thrive best in 18-20 cm tall models.For deeper insight into sizing and configuration, refer to our How to Choose Enclosure Size & Type Guide and Enclosure Setup Guide.
Feed appropriately sized live insects such as fruit flies, houseflies, or small mealworms. Adults feed less frequently than juveniles. Maintain a bright 12-hour light cycle and provide gentle hydration.
Regal Jumping Spiders are relatively easy to care for but may require a touch of extra attention to humidity during Canada’s dry winter months. They’re a great choice for keepers ready to provide consistent, attentive care.
Read more about proper parameters in our Enclosure Ventilation, Humidity & Temperature guide.
Detailed feeding schedules, hydration advice, and environmental parameters can be found in our Pet Jumping Spider Care Guide.Live specimens ship within Canada only via our LiveTrack service (required for warranty coverage).
Shipments depart Mondays or occasionally Tuesdays when travel time allows, ensuring they never sit in transit over weekends.
Weather is closely monitored before shipment; P. regius requires mild conditions and may be held if forecast lows fall below +10 °C.
All spiders travel in moisture-regulated containers for secure delivery and safe arrival.
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