Phidippus Otiosus - Jumping Spider

Canopy Jumping Spider (Phidippus otiosus)

Stage: i4 (4th Instar) | Origin: Captive Bred

The Otiosus Advantage

• The “Eyebrow” Spider: P. otiosus is famous for developing prominent tufts of hair (setae) over its eyes as it matures, giving it a charming, expressive “grumpy” look that is utterly unique in the hobby.
• Unique Palette: Unlike the oranges of P. regius, adult otiosus often display a sophisticated palette of soft greys, lavenders, and muted greens, accented by high-contrast white abdominal spots.
• Arboreal Specialists: Masters of the canopy, they tend to spend even more time in the upper levels of their enclosure than other species — making them exceptionally visible and active pets.

Find more in-depth information in our blog post

Specifics for i4 Slings

• Size: Currently approx. 5–7mm (comparable to a garden pea).
• Current Diet: Hunting Drosophila hydei (Large Fruit Flies) reliably.
• Appearance: At i4, they already begin to show a slightly “fuzzy” build — a hint of the distinctive eyebrow tufts to come.
• Sexing: Sold as unsexed. Males often develop darker, more iridescent chelicerae, which become clearer around i7.

UK Care Requirements

Read our full UK heating guide here.

The Growth Journey: Transitioning Feeders

Our i4 Canopy Slings are currently established on fruit flies. To reach their full “fuzzy” potential, they benefit from a varied diet as they grow.

• Future Diet: We recommend transitioning to Green Bottle flies at the i6 or i7 stage. The erratic movement of the flies perfectly mimics the flying insects they would hunt in the treetops.
• Expert Guide: For more details on the transition from fruit flies to Green Bottles, read our feeding blog post here.

Important Shipping Update

We dispatch all live spiders exclusively via Royal Mail Special Delivery (Guaranteed by 1pm). The welfare of our spiders is our absolute priority:

• Reliability: Special Delivery bypasses the standard post, minimising time in the mail system.
• Priority Handling: Your spider won’t be left sitting in a delivery office during a backlog.
• Reduced Stress: A faster journey means your spider arrives healthy, hydrated, and ready for their new home.

Please Note: To avoid your spider being held in a sorting office over the weekend, we only post orders from Monday to Thursday.

📷 About Our Photos: Variation & Potential

Please Note: The images provided include photos of our actual i4 spiderlings currently in stock. Because these are unsexed juveniles, they have not yet developed their adult colours. Phidippus otiosus undergo a spectacular transformation as they grow — developing their signature lavender tones, grey palette, and distinctive “eyebrow” tufts. Every spider is a unique individual!

Note on Sexing: This spider is sold as unsexed. If you have a preference for a male or female, please message us — we’ll always do our best to find your perfect match.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Phidippus otiosus different from Phidippus regius?
Phidippus otiosus — the Canopy Jumping Spider — is a distinct species from P. regius. They are most famous for their prominent “eyebrow” tufts of setae that develop over the eyes as they mature, giving them a uniquely expressive, grumpy appearance. Their adult colouration is also very different — soft greys, lavenders, and muted greens rather than the oranges and whites of regius.

What do i4 Phidippus otiosus eat?
At the i4 stage, slings eat Drosophila hydei (large fruit flies), fed twice weekly. As they grow to i6/i7, we recommend transitioning to Green Bottle flies to match their increasing size and appetite.

Are Phidippus otiosus good for beginners?
Yes — P. otiosus are active, visible, and engaging pets. However, they are slightly more sensitive to stagnant air than P. regius, so excellent cross-ventilation in the enclosure is essential. If you can provide good airflow, they are a fantastic and rewarding species to keep.

How big do Phidippus otiosus get?
Adult females typically reach 12–18mm in body length — slightly smaller on average than P. regius Florida females, but with a distinctive fluffy, tufted appearance that makes them look larger than they are.

Do Phidippus otiosus need heating in the UK?
They prefer 23°C–27°C and manage well at room temperature during UK summers. However, a thermostat-controlled heat mat is recommended during autumn and winter to keep them active and maintain a healthy growth rate.

Is it legal to keep Phidippus otiosus in the UK?
Yes — Phidippus otiosus is not a protected or restricted species under UK law. No licence is required to keep or purchase them. All our spiders are captive bred in the UK, so there are no import or CITES concerns.

Is this spider captive bred?
Yes — all our Phidippus otiosus are captive bred in the UK, ensuring healthy, well-established slings that are accustomed to captive conditions and regular feeding schedules.