Hesperus jumping spider (Colonus hesperus)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Hesperus jumping spider (Colonus hesperus) (origin: The south-west of the USA (California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) to Mexico; active all year, with a peak in May). Adult size around approx. 6–10 mm body length (a medium-sized jumping spider). Life expectancy females approx. 1–1.5 years, males shorter. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Hesperus jumping spider: How big does the enclosure need to be?
12×12×20 cm (tall).
Hesperus jumping spider: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–26 °C, at night 18–21 °C.
Hesperus jumping spider: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed; bright daytime lighting recommended.
Hesperus jumping spider: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females approx. 1–1.5 years, males shorter.
Hesperus jumping spider: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–21 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 50–60 %
- UVB
- No UVB needed; bright daytime lighting recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 12×12×20 cm (tall)
- Substrate
- Slightly damp coco humus, well ventilated; climbing and hiding structures of bark and plants
Feeding
- Food
- Fruit flies (Drosophila), micro crickets, small flies
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week, juveniles every 1–2 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- approx. 6–10 mm body length (a medium-sized jumping spider)
- Life expectancy
- females approx. 1–1.5 years, males shorter
- Origin
- The south-west of the USA (California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) to Mexico; active all year, with a peak in May
- Protection status
- No known CITES listing or special protection
- Brumation
- None (active all year in its native range)
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Like all jumping spiders solitary and cannibalistic – no pairs or groups.
Notes
A little-kept hobby species; solid species-specific husbandry data are largely lacking – the figures are derived from general jumping spider care and its home climate (warm temperate, semi-arid). Formerly listed as Thiodina hespera. Size and distribution: Wikipedia, BugGuide, iNaturalist.
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Related species
- 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
- Three-spotted jumping spider (Pellenes tripunctatus) – Intermediate
- Canopy jumping spider (Phidippus otiosus) – Beginner
- Fringed jumping spider (Portia fimbriata) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Hesperus jumping spider (Colonus hesperus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (12×12×20 cm (tall)), substrate (Slightly damp coco humus, well ventilated; climbing and hiding structures of bark and plants), 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://californiaspecies.com/animals/colonus-hesperus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonus_hesperus
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).