Phidippus Regius "Dos Gardenias" - Jumping Spider
Phidippus Regius "Dos Gardenias" - Jumping Spider
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"Dos Gardenias" Locale: Regal Jumping Spider (Phidippus regius)
Stage: i4 (4th Instar) | Origin: Captive Bred
The Dos Gardenias Advantage
- The "Warm Phase" Potential: The Dos Gardenias locale is celebrated for its rich amber, burnt orange, and golden-tan adult colouration — a warmer, sun-drenched palette that sets it apart from the deeper reds of the Sierra. Mature females are particularly striking, with broad, velvety abdominal banding.
- Soft-Contrast Facial Markings: Adults develop a warm cream-to-ivory facial mask that blends beautifully against their golden base coat — subtler than the Sierra but no less captivating up close.
- Vivid Chelicerae: Like all P. regius locales, the Dos Gardenias is known for iridescent mouthparts — expect teals, greens, and hints of violet that shimmer brilliantly under good lighting.
- Bold & Inquisitive Character: Originating from the Los Haitises / Dos Gardenias region of the Dominican Republic, this locale is a confident, curious hunter. Highly interactive and rewarding to keep, making them an excellent choice for both first-time keepers and seasoned collectors.
Specifics for i4 Slings
- Size: Currently approx. 5–7mm (roughly the size of a garden pea).
- Current Diet: Hunting Drosophila hydei (Large Fruit Flies) with high accuracy.
- Appearance: At the i4 stage, these slings present in their classic "juvenile tuxedo" — sleek black with white abdominal markings. Their warm amber and golden tones will begin to emerge around the i6/i7 moults.
- Sexing: Sold as unsexed. Gender-specific traits will become clear as they mature through successive moults.
UK Care Requirements
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Humidity | 70% – 80% |
| Temperature | 23°C – 27°C |
| Lighting | Bright, indirect light — 12-hour cycle recommended |
| Ventilation | Good cross-ventilation essential |
| Enclosure Type | Arboreal — height prioritised over floor space |
| Misting | Fine mist one side every 1–2 days |
Read our full UK heating guide here.
The Growth Journey: Transitioning Feeders
Our i4 Dos Gardenias slings are established on fruit flies, but as they grow into athletic juveniles, their appetite will graduate.
- Future Diet: We recommend transitioning to Green Bottle flies at the i6 or i7 stage. These provide excellent enrichment and the perfect nutritional profile for a growing regal.
- Expert Guide: For a full breakdown on moving your spider to larger prey, read our feeding and transition 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 regius Dos Gardenias undergo a beautiful transformation as they grow — developing their signature warm ambers, golden tones, and vivid iridescent chelicerae. 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 the Dos Gardenias locale special?
The Dos Gardenias locale of Phidippus regius originates from the Los Haitises / Dos Gardenias region of the Dominican Republic and is prized for its warm amber, burnt orange, and golden-tan adult colouration. Mature females develop broad, velvety abdominal banding and a soft cream facial mask — a distinctly warm and sun-drenched look compared to other locales.
What do i4 Dos Gardenias jumping spiders 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 Dos Gardenias jumping spiders good for beginners?
Yes — Phidippus regius as a species is widely considered the best beginner jumping spider. The Dos Gardenias locale is particularly bold and interactive, making them highly engaging for first-time keepers. Their warm adult colouration also makes them a favourite among collectors seeking something a little different from the classic red phase.
How big do Phidippus regius Dos Gardenias get?
Adult females typically reach 15–20mm in body length, with a robust build and vivid iridescent chelicerae that become more pronounced with each moult.
Do Dos Gardenias jumping spiders need heating in the UK?
Yes — they prefer 23°C–27°C. A thermostat-controlled heat mat is recommended for UK keepers, particularly during autumn and winter months when room temperatures drop below their comfort zone.
Is it legal to keep Phidippus regius in the UK?
Yes — Phidippus regius 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 regius Dos Gardenias are captive bred in the UK, ensuring healthy, well-established slings that are accustomed to captive conditions and regular feeding schedules.