Jumping Spider Not Eating
A jumping spider that suddenly refuses food is one of the most common concerns among keepers — and in most cases, it's not a cause for alarm. Jumping spiders stop eating for a variety of reasons, most of which are completely normal. This guide walks through the most likely causes and what to do about each one.
Most Common Reasons a Jumping Spider Won't Eat
1. Pre-Molt
The most common reason a jumping spider stops eating is pre-molt. In the days or weeks before shedding its exoskeleton, a jumping spider will typically refuse food entirely, become less active, and eventually seal itself inside a thickened retreat. This is completely normal and requires no intervention.
Signs it's pre-molt:
- Sudden food refusal after a consistent feeding schedule
- Increased webbing or a thicker, more sealed sleeping sac
- Reduced activity and hunting behavior
- Spider seals itself inside its retreat
Do not attempt to force-feed a spider in pre-molt. Remove any live prey from the enclosure and leave the spider undisturbed. See our Jumping Spider Molting Guide for full details.
2. Prey Is Too Large
Jumping spiders will often refuse prey that is too large or intimidating. If the feeder insect is larger than the spider's abdomen, try offering something smaller. A spider that ignores a large cricket may immediately take a smaller fruit fly or mealworm.
3. Wrong Prey Type
Individual jumping spiders have preferences. Some readily take crickets but ignore mealworms; others prefer flying prey like bottle flies. If your spider is refusing one feeder type, try a different one before assuming there's a health issue.
4. Dehydration
A dehydrated jumping spider may refuse food even when hungry. Check the abdomen — a noticeably shrunken abdomen often indicates dehydration rather than (or in addition to) hunger. Lightly mist one side of the enclosure and allow the spider to drink before offering prey again. Consistent misting every 2–3 days prevents this issue. See our Best Jumping Spider Misting Bottles guide.
5. New Environment
Newly acquired jumping spiders often refuse food for several days after being moved into a new enclosure. This is normal. Keep disturbance to a minimum, ensure water is available, and offer appropriately sized prey every few days until the spider settles in.
6. Stress
Frequent handling, an enclosure that is too small, poor ventilation, or a recent move can all cause temporary food refusal. Give the spider a few days of undisturbed time in a properly set up enclosure before offering prey again. See our Best Jumping Spider Enclosures guide for setup recommendations.
7. Temperature
Jumping spiders kept at temperatures below 65°F may become sluggish and lose their appetite. Ensure the enclosure is within the recommended 68–80°F range. Prolonged temperatures above 85°F can cause stress, reduce appetite, and increase dehydration risk.
8. Old Age
Older jumping spiders naturally eat less as they approach the end of their lifespan. A spider that is aging gracefully may refuse food for days at a time but still appear otherwise healthy. This is normal. See our Jumping Spider Lifespan guide for more on aging signs.
9. Illness or Injury
Persistent food refusal that cannot be explained by any of the above causes may indicate illness or injury. Look for additional signs such as difficulty climbing, abnormal posture, visible injuries, failed molts, or persistent lethargy. See our Jumping Spider Diseases & Health guide for a full breakdown of health issues.
Troubleshooting Checklist
| Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Pre-molt signs | Sealed retreat, food refusal, reduced activity |
| Prey size | Feeder should be no larger than the spider's abdomen |
| Prey type | Try a different feeder insect |
| Abdomen size | Shrunken = possible dehydration; offer water first |
| New environment | Recently moved? Allow several days to settle |
| Temperature | 68–80°F; check with a thermometer |
| Enclosure | Adequate size, cross-ventilation, no recent disruption |
| Age | Older spiders eat less; check for other aging signs |
| Health | Difficulty climbing, abnormal posture, visible injury, lethargy |
How Long Can a Jumping Spider Go Without Eating?
A healthy, well-hydrated adult jumping spider can go 1–2 weeks without food without serious harm, particularly during pre-molt. Spiderlings and juveniles have less reserve and should not go more than a few days without feeding outside of a molt period. Dehydration is a more urgent concern than hunger — always ensure water is available even if the spider is not eating. If an otherwise healthy spider refuses food but remains alert, hydrated, and is showing pre-molt behavior, patience is usually the best approach.