Red-backed jumping spider (Phidippus johnsoni)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Red-backed jumping spider (Phidippus johnsoni) (origin: Western North America (dry, open habitats); one of the most striking red jumping spiders). Adult size around females approx. 9–14 mm, males approx. 6–11 mm body length. Life expectancy approx. 1–2 years in captivity (females longer). The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Red-backed jumping spider: How big does the enclosure need to be?
12×12×22 cm (tall, very well ventilated).
Red-backed jumping spider: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–27 °C, at night 18–21 °C.
Red-backed jumping spider: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed; bright daytime lighting recommended.
Red-backed jumping spider: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: approx. 1–2 years in captivity (females longer).
Red-backed jumping spider: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–27 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–21 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 50–60 % (keep rather dry)
- UVB
- No UVB needed; bright daytime lighting recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 12×12×22 cm (tall, very well ventilated)
- Substrate
- Dry substrate (coco humus or a sand-soil mix), dampened only in places; plenty of climbing and hiding structure up high
Feeding
- Food
- Fruit flies, micro crickets; as adults small house crickets, flies, small roaches, mealworms (suitably sized)
- Feeding interval
- adults 1–2×/week, juveniles every 1–2 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- females approx. 9–14 mm, males approx. 6–11 mm body length
- Life expectancy
- approx. 1–2 years in captivity (females longer)
- Origin
- Western North America (dry, open habitats); one of the most striking red jumping spiders
- Protection status
- No CITES or special protection; captive-bred animals are available
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Solitary, territorial and cannibalistic – no pairs or groups.
Notes
From dry regions – it takes permanently high humidity badly; mist just a small spot about once a week, and otherwise keep it dry and very well ventilated. A common mistake: conditions that are too damp. A red abdomen (mimicry resembling ants or bugs).
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Related species
- Canopy jumping spider (Phidippus otiosus) – Beginner
- Regal jumping spider (Phidippus regius) – Beginner
- Bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax) – 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 Red-backed jumping spider (Phidippus johnsoni) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (12×12×22 cm (tall, very well ventilated)), substrate (Dry substrate (coco humus or a sand-soil mix), dampened only in places; plenty of climbing and hiding structure 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_johnsoni, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phidippus_johnsoni
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).