Jumping spiders are fascinating, energetic hunters known for their incredible eyesight, agility, and curious behavior. As pets or wild garden guests, many people wonder what these spiders can and cannot eat. A common question is: Can jumping spiders eat fruit? The answer may surprise you—while they primarily feast on insects, their dietary habits in captivity sometimes include unexpected items. In this article, we’ll explore whether jumping spiders eat fruit and reveal 20 foods they genuinely enjoy.
Do Jumping Spiders Eat Fruit?
Natural Diet in the Wild
Jumping spiders are strictly carnivorous in the wild. Their primary diet consists of small insects and other arthropods. These spiders do not spin webs to trap prey; instead, they stalk and pounce like miniature big cats. Their eight eyes—especially the two large central ones—help them locate prey with pinpoint accuracy.
They rely on live movement to trigger their hunting instinct, so a juicy peach sitting still won’t attract the same attention as a wriggling fly.
Fruit Curiosity in Captivity
In captivity, however, jumping spiders have shown some surprising curiosity. Many spider keepers have reported their jumping spiders licking or tapping at overripe fruit, especially bananas or mangoes. This behavior is thought to be more about hydration or taste exploration than seeking nourishment.
While they don’t chew solid foods (they have sucking mouthparts), some spiders can drink small amounts of juice. However, this should be treated as an occasional novelty—not a dietary staple.
Is Fruit Safe for Them?
Yes, certain non-acidic, fresh, soft fruits can be safe in tiny quantities:
- Banana
- Mango
- Apple
- Melon
These should be clean, chemical-free, and removed after a few hours to avoid attracting mold or bacteria. Avoid any fruit that is citrus-based (like orange, lemon, or grapefruit), as the acidity may harm your spider.
20 Foods Jumping Spiders Love to Eat
While fruit may occasionally be sampled, the bulk of a jumping spider’s diet consists of live prey. Here’s a list of 20 foods they truly enjoy:
Common Insects (Most Loved)
- Fruit Flies – Ideal for small or young spiders; easy to digest
- House Flies – Jumping spiders love hunting and chasing these
- Mosquitoes – Caught easily in both wild and indoor environments
- Moths – Small moths are great for enrichment
- Gnats – Often fed to juvenile spiders
- Small Crickets – Provide protein but must be appropriately sized
- Waxworms – Soft-bodied and easy for spiders to feed on
- Mealworms – Not a favorite due to hard shells, but eaten when chopped
- Small Grasshoppers – If size is right, they’re exciting prey
- Silverfish – Quick but catchable by adult jumpers
Other Small Arthropods
- Ants – Some spiders eat them; others avoid due to formic acid
- Aphids – Common in gardens, often consumed by wild jumpers
- Springtails – Good for spiderlings and bioactive enclosures
- Small Beetles – Only soft-bodied ones are safe
- Baby Roaches (Dubia Nymphs) – Popular feeder in the pet trade
Rare or Captive Observations
- Spiderlings of Other Species – Cannibalistic behavior in some cases
- Other Jumping Spiders – Dominance or territory-based feeding
- Butterflies (Tiny Ones) – Eaten occasionally; wings often discarded
- Soft Insect Larvae – Great for hydration and protein
- Fruit Juice from Overripe Fruit – Banana, apple, mango juice licked for hydration
What Jumping Spiders Cannot Eat
Despite their impressive appetite, jumping spiders cannot eat everything.
Unsafe or Useless Foods:
- Bread, rice, milk, or meat – These are too complex or dangerous
- Cooked food – Spiders need live prey or fresh juices
- Citrus fruits – Acidic and potentially harmful
- Insects treated with pesticides – Deadly even in small doses
- Human snacks – Chips, candy, sugar—all completely inappropriate
Feeding Tips for Pet Jumping Spiders
Feeding Schedule
Feed your spider 2–3 times per week with live prey. Overfeeding can lead to obesity or molting issues, especially if the spider is not very active.
Food Size
Always make sure the prey is no larger than your spider’s body, ideally smaller. Jumpers can take down surprisingly big insects, but it’s best to avoid injury or stress.
Hydration
Jumping spiders get most of their water from prey, but you can:
- Mist their enclosure lightly once a week
- Offer a droplet of clean water or fresh juice (on a spoon or leaf)
Avoid stagnant water or leaving wet fruit in for too long—mold or bacteria can be deadly.
Final Thoughts
Jumping spiders may occasionally sip from juicy fruit, but they are fundamentally hunters, not fruit-eaters. Their ideal diet consists of a wide variety of small insects and arthropods. Whether in the wild or in captivity, offering diverse, safe live prey keeps them healthy, active, and enriched.
If you’re raising one as a pet, you might witness their quirky curiosity—maybe even a moment of fruit-licking—but always prioritize their natural diet for long-term well-being.
