Phidippus Regius "Apalachicola" Jumping Spider

Apalachicola Locale: Regal Jumping Spider (Phidippus regius)

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

The Apalachicola Advantage

Mainland Giant Genetics: Hailing from Northern Florida, these spiders benefit from robust "mainland" genetics. They are large, stocky, and have a heavy visual presence that rivals the Everglades in size.

Vivid Chelicerae: To complement their snowy white or silver coats, females often display brilliant, shimmering iridescent mouthparts in shades of pink, violet, or deep blue.

Bold & Visual: Apalachicola spiders are famously curious. They are often the first to come to the front of the enclosure to investigate their keepers, making them fantastic "office companions" or display pets.

Specifics for i4 Slings

Size: Currently approx. 5–7mm (comparable to a garden pea).

Current Diet: Hunting Drosophila hydei (Large Fruit Flies) with predatory precision.

Appearance: At i4, they are in their juvenile "tuxedo" phase—dark with crisp white markings. Their colours, ranging from white, silver, grey and sometimes peachy, will begin to emerge and brighten through their many molts.

Sexing: Sold as unsexed.

UK Care Requirements

Humidity: 60% – 70%. They are slightly more tolerant of standard UK household humidity than the island locales, but still appreciate a fine misting every 1–2 days to stay hydrated.

Temperature: Prefers 23°C – 27°C. A thermostat-controlled heat mat is essential during the UK winter to ensure they remain active and maintain their high metabolism. Read our Blog post here.

Lighting: Bright, indirect light is a must. High-intensity lighting mimics the Florida sun and is vital for their hunting success and overall well-being.

The Growth Journey: Transitioning Feeders

Our i4 Apalachicola slings are established on fruit flies, but their robust build means they will quickly outgrow small prey.

Future Diet: We recommend transitioning to Green Bottle flies at the i6 or i7 stage. The high-energy movement of flies is perfect for this bold, athletic locale.

Expert Guide: For a full breakdown on the transition from fruit flies to larger prey, read our feeding blog post here.

Important Shipping Update

We have made the decision to dispatch all live spiders exclusively via Royal Mail Special Delivery (Guaranteed by 1pm).

The welfare of our spiders is our absolute priority, and we have implemented this policy for the following reasons:

• Reliability: Unfortunately, services such as Tracked 24 have recently seen an increase in delayed or lost parcels. When it comes to a living creature, we simply cannot take that risk.
• Priority Handling: Special Delivery is a premium service that bypasses the standard post. This means your spider spends as little time as possible in the mail system and isn't left sitting in a delivery office during a backlog.
• Reduced Stress: A faster journey means less stress for the spider, ensuring they arrive healthy, hydrated, and ready for their new home.

Please Note: To avoid any risk of 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.

However, because these are unsexed juveniles, they have not yet developed their adult colours. Like all Phidippus regius, they undergo a spectacular transformation as they grow. While the Apalachicola lineage is renowned for its "White Phase" potential, every spider is a unique individual. The final adult colouration—whether it be snow-white, silver, peachy or light grey—is a result of genetic diversity, making the journey of watching your sling grow an exciting "unboxing" of its true traits!

Note on Sexing:

This spider is sold as unsexed. If you have a preference for a male or female, please message us! We can't guarantee it, but we'll always do our best to find your perfect match.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What do i4 Apalachicola jumping spiders eat?
At the i4 stage, slings eat Drosophila hydei (large fruit flies). As they grow to i6/i7, we recommend transitioning to Green Bottle flies for the nutrition and stimulation they need.

Are Apalachicola jumping spiders good for beginners?
Yes — their bold, curious nature makes them one of the most engaging and rewarding locales to keep. They are active, interactive, and relatively hardy, making them a great choice for new keepers.

How big do Phidippus regius Apalachicola get?
Apalachicola are among the largest Phidippus regius locales. Adult females can reach 18–22mm+ in body length, with a striking, stocky build.

What is the "White Phase" in Apalachicola spiders?
The White Phase refers to the stunning snow-white or silver adult colouration that Apalachicola females are famous for. Not all individuals will express this — colouration varies due to genetic diversity — but it is a hallmark of this locale.

Do jumping spiders need heating in the UK?
Yes. Apalachicola originate from Northern Florida and thrive at 23°C–27°C. A thermostat-controlled heat mat is strongly recommended for UK keepers, especially during winter months.

Is this spider captive bred?
Yes — all our Phidippus regius Apalachicola are captive bred in the UK, ensuring healthy, well-established slings that are accustomed to captive conditions.