Jumping spiders, belonging to the family Salticidae, are arachnids known for their agility and acute vision. These small predators do not rely on webs for hunting, instead actively stalking and pouncing on prey. Understanding their survival capabilities, particularly how long they can endure without food, offers insight into their resilience.
How Long They Can Survive
Jumping spiders can survive for extended periods without food. Generally, they can live for weeks to a few months. Some sources suggest an average range of one to three weeks, while others indicate survival up to a month or even longer, especially for younger individuals. Their cold-blooded nature, meaning their internal body temperature is influenced by their surroundings, contributes to this resilience.
This ectothermic characteristic allows them to maintain a lower metabolic rate compared to warm-blooded animals. A reduced metabolism means they burn through their energy reserves more slowly, enabling them to conserve resources during times of food scarcity. This physiological adaptation contributes to their ability to survive without consistent meals.
What Influences Their Survival
Several factors influence how long a jumping spider can endure without sustenance. Their metabolic rate plays a substantial role, as lower temperatures generally lead to a reduced metabolic rate, thereby extending their survival period. Conversely, higher activity levels require more energy, which can shorten the time they can go without food.
The spider’s size and age also affect its capacity for fasting. Larger, more mature spiders typically possess greater energy reserves, allowing them to withstand longer periods without food compared to smaller, younger individuals. Spiders that have recently consumed a substantial meal will have built up higher fat reserves, which can be utilized during periods of starvation.
Environmental conditions are another determinant of survival time. Stable and moderate humidity levels are beneficial, as extreme dryness can accelerate dehydration, a more immediate threat than starvation. While specific survival times can vary slightly between the over 6,000 described species of jumping spiders, these general principles apply across the family.
Hunger Versus Thirst
It is important to distinguish between a lack of food and a lack of water, as dehydration poses a much more immediate and life-threatening risk for jumping spiders than starvation. Spiders can endure prolonged periods without food, but they succumb relatively quickly to a lack of water. They require access to water at least every two to three days to replenish fluids.
Signs of dehydration are often visible, manifesting as lethargy, inactivity, or a shriveled and shrunken appearance of the abdomen. In contrast, signs of starvation can be less obvious, though prolonged food deprivation will eventually lead to lethargy and weakness. Providing consistent access to water is important for a jumping spider’s well-being and survival.
Providing Food and Water
For those caring for jumping spiders, whether as pets or temporarily, providing appropriate food and water is straightforward. Suitable prey items include small crickets, fruit flies, mealworms, waxworms, and blue bottle flies. It is important to offer prey that is no larger than the spider’s body length to prevent injury. Feeding frequency typically ranges from two to three times a week, or every two to four days, depending on the spider’s size and activity level.
Hydration can be provided by lightly misting the walls of the enclosure with a fine spray bottle, mimicking natural dew droplets. Care should be taken to avoid creating standing water, which can pose a drowning risk or promote mold growth. Alternatively, a small, damp cotton ball can be placed in the enclosure for the spider to drink from.
Regular observation of the spider’s abdomen size is a useful indicator of its nutritional and hydration status. A plump abdomen suggests the spider is well-fed and hydrated, while a shrunken abdomen can signal a need for water or food. Consistent care ensures these resilient creatures remain healthy.