Peacock jumping spider (Saitis barbipes)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Peacock jumping spider (Saitis barbipes) (origin: The Mediterranean (Portugal to Bulgaria, North Africa); introduced into Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany). Adult size around females 4.6–5.7 mm, males 3.8–4 mm (body length). Life expectancy approx. 1 year. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Peacock jumping spider: How big does the enclosure need to be?
15×15×20 cm (tall format, stones and climbing structures, a sunny bright spot).
Peacock jumping spider: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–28 °C, at night 16–20 °C.
Peacock jumping spider: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: approx. 1 year.
Peacock jumping spider: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Peacock jumping spider: Can several be kept together?
Keeping them singly is essential – solitary and cannibalistic; NEVER keep males together.
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–20 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 50–65 %
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 15×15×20 cm (tall format, stones and climbing structures, a sunny bright spot)
- Substrate
- Coco humus or terrarium soil with stones, mostly dry, with one damp corner
Feeding
- Food
- Fruit flies (Drosophila), small flies, silverfish, small house crickets
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week, juveniles every 1–2 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- females 4.6–5.7 mm, males 3.8–4 mm (body length)
- Life expectancy
- approx. 1 year
- Origin
- The Mediterranean (Portugal to Bulgaria, North Africa); introduced into Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES; no special protection. In Germany it occurs only as an introduction – prefer captive-bred animals
- Brumation
- An optional mild cool spell (a Mediterranean winter, ~10–15 °C); not essential
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is essential – solitary and cannibalistic; NEVER keep males together. Mate them only briefly and under supervision.
Notes
Very colourful (courting) males, and one of the most colourful European jumping spiders; small and short-lived. Rare as a pet → the husbandry figures are derived from general salticid practice plus Mediterranean biology. The distribution and size are well documented.
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Related species
- Algerian jumping spider (Cyrba algerina) – Intermediate
- Arched jumping spider (Evarcha arcuata) – Intermediate
- Bronze jumping spider (Hyllus semicupreus) – Beginner
- 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
- Golden-eyed jumping spider (Heliophanus flavipes) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Peacock jumping spider (Saitis barbipes) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (15×15×20 cm (tall format, stones and climbing structures, a sunny bright spot)), substrate (Coco humus or terrarium soil with stones, mostly dry, with one damp corner), a heat source with a thermostat, 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/Saitis_barbipes, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saitis_barbipes
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).