Bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax) (origin: North America (the USA, southern Canada); adaptable, common in open habitats and on buildings). Adult size around females approx. 8–19 mm, males approx. 6–13 mm body length. Life expectancy approx. 1–3 years (females considerably longer than males). The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Bold jumping spider: How big does the enclosure need to be?
15×15×25 cm (tall, well ventilated).
Bold jumping spider: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Bold jumping spider: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed; bright daytime lighting recommended.
Bold jumping spider: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: approx. 1–3 years (females considerably longer than males).
Bold jumping spider: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 50–70 %
- UVB
- No UVB needed; bright daytime lighting recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 15×15×25 cm (tall, well ventilated)
- Substrate
- Coco humus or potting soil, slightly damp on one side; places to climb and hide up high
Feeding
- Food
- Fruit flies, micro crickets; as adults small house crickets, house flies, small roaches, maggots
- Feeding interval
- adults 1–2×/week, juveniles every 1–2 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- females approx. 8–19 mm, males approx. 6–13 mm body length
- Life expectancy
- approx. 1–3 years (females considerably longer than males)
- Origin
- North America (the USA, southern Canada); adaptable, common in open habitats and on buildings
- Protection status
- No CITES or German protection; captive-bred animals are widespread
- Brumation
- None (in captivity active all year at room temperature)
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Solitary, territorial and cannibalistic – no pairs or groups, and never keep males together.
Notes
A robust, active beginner's species that takes 20–29 °C. As easy to handle as regius. A vertical, well-ventilated terrarium; mist only one side (drinking water) and avoid waterlogging.
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Related species
- Canopy jumping spider (Phidippus otiosus) – Beginner
- Regal jumping spider (Phidippus regius) – Beginner
- Red-backed jumping spider (Phidippus johnsoni) – Beginner
- Algerian jumping spider (Cyrba algerina) – Intermediate
- Arched jumping spider (Evarcha arcuata) – Intermediate
- Bronze jumping spider (Hyllus semicupreus) – Beginner
- Peacock jumping spider (Saitis barbipes) – Intermediate
- Diard's jumping spider (Hyllus diardi) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (15×15×25 cm (tall, well ventilated)), substrate (Coco humus or potting soil, slightly damp on one side; places to climb and hide up high), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phidippus_audax, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phidippus_audax
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).